Contact lenses offer a fashionable solution. Color ones allow wearers to try out new eye colors. Or, designer ones can even give the wearer cat eyes, tiger eyes, or even vampire eyes for Halloween. In fact, they have become so popular, that they are no longer just for the visually impaired. However, there are a lot of potential health risks for the eyes when these visual aids are worn. This makes it all the more important for everyone to know how to take care of the contact lenses they purchase.

Proper usage begins with the right purchase. Understanding which type of lens best suits individual needs goes far to protect the eye\’s health. Besides the different designs available, there are also different types.

Soft types provide more comfort than hard ones and also allow more oxygen and water to permeate, which is healthy. The downside is that they also absorb more irritants, like soap or oils from the skin on finger tips. As an irritant penetrates, it causes slight pain and discomfort. The soft kind are also more fragile and need to be handled with care.

Another difference to choose from is how they are worn. Disposables which are made for daily use create hassle-free care. There is no need to clean or store them, so this choice is good for a busy lifestyle. The downside is that they are expensive. Extended disposables can be worn for a month before they are replaced. This is an excellent choice for a traveler, or a person on a budget. Both choices reduce build up and keep the eye healthy.

Once a purchase is made, it is important to understand how to take care of it. This begins with preparing to insert the lenses. First, hands need to be thoroughly washed with soap and water. The soap should be mild and should not contain oils, perfumes, or lotions. Hands should then be dried on a lint-free towel. Make sure fingernails are cut short to avoid scratching.

Next, it is important for contact lenses to be cleaned regularly. Remove them one at a time. It is too easy for them to get stuck together, or to drop and lose one. Place the lone lens on the palm of the hand. Squeeze one or two drops of cleaning solution onto it and gently rub it with the tip of the finger. Then, rinse it thoroughly with a stream of saline solution. Continue until all debris and all remnants of the cleanser are washed away.

The final concern is how to store them. It is very important to buy saline solution for storage. Tap water is filled with contaminates and some bacteria can cause bad infections or even lead to blindness. An airtight case should be purchased, with separate compartments for each lens. These can be found in pharmacies and convenience stores. Some people need a different prescription in each eye, or have different shapes. The case should be clearly marked to indicate which one is for the right and which is for the left.

It is possible for complications to arise from improper usage. However, knowing how to take care of the contact lenses goes far to protect eyesight. With proper handling, cleaning, and storage these visual aids are a healthy choice.

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Category: Medicines and Remedies
Keywords: health, contact lenses, shopping, contacts, glasses, body, beauty, accessories, lenses, medical