CONTACT LENSES
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Understanding Contact Lenses as Medical Devices
Contact lenses are specialized medical devices worn directly on the cornea of the eye. Much like traditional eyeglasses, they are designed to correct refractive errors by adding or subtracting focusing power to the eye's cornea and lens. When used with professional supervision and proper care, contact lenses provide a safe and highly effective method for vision correction.
Depending on your specific ocular health and lifestyle, contacts can serve as an excellent alternative to glasses. In certain clinical scenarios, contact lenses may even be considered a medical necessity for the patient.
Essential Hygiene and Maintenance Protocols
To ensure ocular health, contact lenses must be rigorously cleaned and disinfected immediately upon removal. This process is critical to eliminate germs and prevent serious eye infections. Adhering to a strict maintenance routine is the foundation of safe lens wear.
Lens Case Hygiene
Proper care extends beyond the lenses themselves to the storage environment:
- Daily Cleaning: All contact lens cases must be cleaned every single day.
- Regular Replacement: It is highly recommended to replace your lens case every three months.
- Solution Management: Never reuse contact lens solution. Dispose of the used solution after each use and allow the case to air dry completely.
Safety Precautions and Prohibitions
Maintaining the integrity of your lenses requires avoiding common but dangerous practices:
- Avoid Saliva: Never put a lens in your mouth before placing it in your eye.
- No Homemade Solutions: Avoid homemade cleaning agents, as they are linked to severe infections.
- Consult on Eye Drops: Any eye drops, including non-prescription ones, can interact with lenses. Consult your optometrist before use.
- Brand Consistency: Use only the prescribed brand of solution; do not switch brands without professional advice.
Best Practices for Proper Wear and Handling
Safe usage begins with personal hygiene and following professional guidance. Always wash your hands with soap thoroughly before handling your lenses or touching your eyes. Sharing lenses with others is strictly prohibited due to high infection risks.
| Practice | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Hand Hygiene | Wash with soap before every contact |
| Fashion Lenses | Use only if fitted by an optometrist |
| Purchase Source | Never purchase bootleg or unregulated lenses |
| Wearing Schedule | Strictly follow the schedule prescribed by your doctor |
| Disposal | Replace lenses at the exact intervals prescribed |
Following these professional guidelines ensures that your contact lenses remain a beneficial tool for your vision rather than a risk to your health.
Op. Dr. Ahmet UMAY
Bristol University
Ophthalmology Section / UK
Resource:
University of Michigan Kellogg Eye Center
