6 smart contact lens habits that will keep your eyes healthy, vision sharp

Always keep the case of your contact lenses clean, and rinse it with the recommended solution (Image: Pexels)

• Wash hands before handling lenses to prevent infections
• Use only recommended solution and replace lens case regularly
• Remove lenses before sleep and attend regular eye checkups

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If you've been wearing contact lenses almost every day, you know how tedious it is to take care of both your eyes and the lenses. While they have their advantages, like a wider field of vision, the opportunity of drinking a hot beverage without fogging, and the ostensible aesthetic effect, lenses can also lead to problems if not handled carefully.

As they are placed on the cornea, inadequate hygiene practices can lead to infections and dryness, along with other complications.

How to protect your eyes

Here is what you can do to maintain ocular health while using contact lenses:

Wash and dry: It is necessary to wash and dry your hands before handling contact lenses. It is preferable to use mild and fragrance-free soap to wash hands. This can aid in preventing complications like infections and reduces chances of bacterial and viral transfer.

Also read | Korean scientists develop world’s first OLED contact lens for easy eye check ups 

The recommended solution: After a long day, it might be tempting to leave your contacts just anywhere. Regardless of where you place them, what you place them in is highly crucial. Only the recommended solution for contact lenses must be used to store your lenses.

Replace the case: It is advised to keep the case for your contact lenses clean, and rinse it with the recommended solution. It can be air-dried and then a fresh amount should be added. The case should be replaced after three to four months.

Never sleep with the lenses on: It is advised to remove your lenses at the end of the day, and not fall asleep wearing your lenses. This can potentially block the oxygen flow and tear exchange.

Go for regular eye-checkups: Periodic eye examination with your ophthalmologist can aid in assessing corneal health and tear film quality. Complications can be detected and prevented at an early stage.

Also read | Contact lenses users beware of Acanthamoeba Keratitis: Symptoms, causes and prevention of this eye disease

Give your eyes some rest: Even if you use contact lenses daily, it is advised to periodically keep switching to spectacles to restore corneal oxygenation and reduce dryness.

Contact lenses are ideal for sports and other physical activities, and provide better peripheral vision. However, if not handled carefully, they may lead to ocular infections and dryness in the eyes.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.