How does a contact lens work?
Contact lenses are delicately crafted, very thin optical discs generally smaller than a dime, worn directly on the eye. They are comfortably held in place by a natural layer of tears present between the contact lens and the cornea. Contacts eliminate the barriers encountered with spectacles that interfere with the line of sight above, below and to the sides of the eye, offering outstanding peripheral vision. In addition, contacts can reduce or eliminate the image distortion sometimes caused by eyeglasses.
General Safety Tips For Contact Lens Wearers:
If you wear contact lens here are some important safety tips:
- Visit an eyecare professional for a complete eye examination every 12 months or more frequently if directed by your eyecare professional.
- Use only contact lenses if prescribed by a licensed eyecare practitioner.
- NEVER swap contact lens with another person.
- Don’t wear lenses longer than prescribed, nor when sleeping unless otherwise directed.
- If eyes become red or irritated, remove the lenses immediately and consult your doctor.
- Replace contacts as recommended by your eyecare professional because they wear out over time.
- Throw away disposable lenses after recommended wearing period.
Solutions:
Use only sterile solutions. Throw out any that have expired. Once a solution bottle is opened, it is prone to contamination. Avoid touching bottle tips to surfaces or with your fingers. Do not combine solutions unless directed by your eyecare professional. Do not switch a brand of solution without first consulting your eyecare professional.
There are many different types of solutions, know the one that is correct for you.
- Cleaning solution: removes debris, dirt and mucus from the lens
- Disinfecting solution: safely and effectively reduces microbial contamination on the lens that can cause eye infections
- Multi-purpose solution: a single solution that rinses and disinfects lenses and may also contain protein removers
- Peroxide solution: Comprised of two separate components, one (peroxide) for disinfecting for overnight storage, and a neutralizer (sometimes the neutralizer is replaced with a disc)
- Enzyme cleaner/Protein remover tablets or solutions: used to reduce protein build-up from tears that cling to the lens causing discomfort
- Rewetting solution/ Comfort drops: used as a lubricant while wearing your lenses to increase comfort levels
- Rinsing solution: eliminates debris and other solutions in preparation for usage