Occupational Health and Safety

Occupational Health and Safety  » Contact Lens Overuse, Irritation and Safety Tips

Contact Lens Overuse, Irritation and Safety Tips

Contact lens wearers sometimes become so comfortable with daily

use of their lenses that they wear them longer than they should.

This can lead to eye irritation, increased inflammation, and

perhaps even infection if the problem is not promptly treated.

It is important to follow the recommended guidelines for daily

wear and report any problems to your doctor.

When you are fitted for contact lenses, your doctor will

explain how to get your eyes used to wearing them. Typically,

you begin wearing the lenses two to four hours daily, and

increase your wear by an hour or two each day until you reach a

daily maximum of ten to twelve hours. Whether you wear hard,

soft, or disposable lenses, it is important to follow your

doctor's recommended guidelines. Dispose of temporary lenses at

the suggested time rather than over use them, as this can lead

to eye infections, even though you may not first experience

warning symptoms, like redness or blurred vision.

Another guideline to follow is the recommended cleaning

schedule for your lenses. Don't forget to rinse them in the

saline solution that was in your lens kit provided by the

doctor. Rinse your lenses each time you wear them, and do the

regular cleaning with tablets or special solution, as directed.

Don't skimp to save money or time, as bacteria can quickly

multiply and cause eye problems if you don't keep up with your

cleaning schedule. Never use water to rinse or clean your

lenses, as this can damage them. Avoid trying another solution

other than the one that was prescribed. If you develop eye

symptoms, like irritation, redness, or itchiness, let your

doctor know, and he or she may switch the solution in case you

are allergic to it. Don't forget to clean the case after each

use, and wash your hands before putting in or taking out your

lenses.

Never sleep in your contact lenses. Although they may soon feel

quite comfortable, keeping them in your eyes overnight may cause

eye irritation, and perhaps even damage your eye. Avoid leaving

the lenses in for long periods of time, like 16 to 20 hours,

when you are taking a road trip or studying for an exam, for

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example. Keep a pair of reading glasses available for times like

these.

You should plan on getting an annual eye exam to check for

changes in your vision. Failing to do so may cause eyestrain if

your contact lenses are no longer strong enough to maintain

clear vision. Your eye doctor can check also for signs of

redness or irritation that you may not be able to detect.

Though your contact lenses may seem easy to wear and care for,

never take them for granted. Follow professional guidelines and

recommendations to get the best use from them, and to keep your

lenses, as well as your eyes, in the best possible condition for

as long as possible. If you lose a lens in your eye, experience

a tearing or painful sensation, or have vision disturbances, let

your doctor know right away.

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Find out how to check your lenses for damage and keep them in

healthy condition by visiting The Contact Lens

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