Prescription colored contacts are an excellent choice for those who want to correct their vision while also enhancing their eye color. However, proper care is essential to ensure that your lenses remain safe, comfortable, and effective. Failing to care for your contacts properly can lead to eye infections, irritation, and discomfort. In this article, we’ll outline the best practices for caring for prescription colored contacts to maintain both eye health and lens quality.
Always Wash Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
The first and most important step in caring for your prescription colored contacts is to always wash your hands thoroughly before handling them. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap and dry your hands with a lint-free towel. This step helps to prevent bacteria, dirt, and oils from transferring to the lenses, which can cause eye irritation or infections. Make sure your hands are completely dry before touching the lenses to avoid waterborne pathogens, which can be harmful to your eyes.
Clean and Disinfect Lenses Properly
Cleaning and disinfecting your lenses is crucial to remove any deposits, debris, or bacteria that may have accumulated during wear. Use a fresh, multipurpose contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Never use tap water, saliva, or any homemade solutions to clean your lenses, as these can introduce harmful microorganisms that may lead to severe eye infections.
After removing your lenses, place each lens in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of the contact lens solution, and gently rub the lens with your fingertip for about 10-20 seconds. Then, rinse the lens with more solution before storing it in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution.
Replace Lens Solution Daily and Clean Your Lens Case
It is essential to replace the solution in your contact lens case daily, even if you do not wear your lenses every day. This helps to maintain a sterile environment and reduces the risk of bacterial growth. Clean your lens case with a fresh solution (never water) and allow it to air dry. Replace your lens case every three months to ensure it remains free of harmful bacteria and buildup.
Follow the Recommended Wearing Schedule
Prescription colored contacts come in various types, such as daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables. Follow the recommended wearing schedule provided by your eye care professional or the manufacturer’s instructions. Do not wear your lenses longer than the prescribed period, as this can increase the risk of irritation, dryness, and infection. Daily disposables should be discarded after one use, while bi-weekly and monthly lenses require proper cleaning and storage.
Avoid Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
Sleeping in your prescription colored contacts is generally not recommended unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear. When you sleep with your lenses in, you reduce the oxygen supply to your eyes, which can lead to dryness, discomfort, and even infections. Always remove your lenses before going to bed to keep your eyes healthy and prevent complications.
Protect Your Lenses from Makeup and Cosmetics
When wearing prescription colored contacts, it’s essential to take extra care when applying makeup or using facial products. Always insert your lenses before applying makeup to prevent particles from getting onto the lenses. Use water-based and hypoallergenic makeup products to reduce the risk of irritation. Additionally, avoid using oil-based products, as they can create a film on the lenses.
Make sure to remove your lenses before taking off your makeup, and use a gentle, oil-free remover to prevent any residue from transferring to your eyes or lenses.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining eye health and ensuring that your prescription colored contacts are still suitable for your vision needs. Your eye care professional will check for any signs of irritation, infection, or changes in your vision that may require an updated prescription. Regular check-ups help to detect potential issues early and keep your eyes healthy while wearing contacts.
Conclusion
Caring for prescription colored contacts properly is essential to maintain clear vision, comfort, and eye health. By following best practices such as washing your hands, cleaning and disinfecting lenses, replacing lens solution daily, adhering to the recommended wearing schedule, avoiding sleeping in contacts, protecting lenses from makeup, and scheduling regular eye exams, you can enjoy the benefits of your colored contacts safely. Proper care not only extends the life of your lenses but also ensures that you can wear them with confidence and comfort every day.
