Are you a contact lens wearer? If so, your contacts may house harmful bacteria that can cause inflammation, pain, infection, and damage to the eye, if not maintained and cleaned properly. Last year, almost a million cases of eye infection caused by misuse of contact lenses were reported. It is estimated that less than 10% of problems are reported. Inflammation of the cornea, a condition called Keratitis, adds approximately $175 million in U.S. health bills each year.
If you're not always careful with your lenses, you're not alone. But to reduce risk, here are some important rules for contact lens care:
- ALWAYS wash your hands before handling your contacts. Avoid antibacterial soaps and scented soaps as they may cause stinging if hands are not fully rinsed.
- Clean the lenses after removal by rubbing the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of multipurpose solution. Rinse the lens again to remove any loosened particles.
- Remember to put lenses into a clean lens case every time you remove them. Always change the solution before putting lenses in.
- Use products such as hydrogen peroxide systems that work to remove protein and other build-up more efficiently from the lens. These products should never be placed in the eye but used as directed.
Remembering these rules for taking care of your contacts will help you keep your eyes healthy and clean. And one final golden rule:
- When in doubt, take them out! If there is any pain or a change in vision that lasts for more than 30 minutes, make sure to see your eye doctor right away.
Source:
http://www.allaboutvision.com/contacts/caresoftlens.htm
