Contact lenses provide most people with more visual freedom. It enables you to have an active and dynamic life, such as during sports or trips. Using contact lenses can also offer you a more natural appearance without the need for glasses. While contact lenses offer clear vision and convenience, they require careful handling to prevent eye infections. Improper care can lead to serious eye problems. However, if you have never worn contact lenses, it is completely normal to have one common question that many people wonder: "How to wear contact lenses safely?" Fret not! Here are some essential steps to wear contact lenses safely and correctly.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are tiny, curved discs that sit directly on your eye to correct vision problems. They address vision issues such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Unlike glasses, contact lenses move with the eye, providing a broader field of vision and a more natural appearance, as found in a study published in StatPearls. While contact lenses are convenient and effective, they must be handled with care to avoid eye infections. It is critical to follow proper cleanliness and care guidelines to guarantee safe and comfortable use, says ophthalmologist Dr Arvind Kumar.

Contact lenses should be cleaned properly. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock.

Benefits of contact lenses

Contact lenses are used for numerous reasons, including:

• Contact lenses give more natural vision than glasses as they move with your eye and do not block anything you see.
• Contact lenses do not get wet or foggy during rainy or cold weather, which helps maintain clear vision during every season.
• Wearing contact lenses makes you comfortable and feel safe during sports, unlike glasses which are risky to wear and can break anytime.

How to wear contact lenses correctly?

Contact lenses are generally safe when you use them correctly. However, if you do not take proper care of your eyes, you may develop an infection, found a study published in the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Here is an expert-approved guide on how to wear contact lenses safely:

1. Choose the right contact lenses

If you want to wear contact lenses, have a complete eye exam to establish what type of corrective lenses you require. Depending on your medical needs, an eye care specialist will help you choose the appropriate contact lenses.

2. Pick the best cleaning solution

When learning how to wear contact lenses for the first time, you must thoroughly understand the lens care regimen. It is advisable not to take shortcuts when cleaning your lenses. Your optometrist will provide specific instructions for the lens maintenance regimen they prescribed. If you are using a multipurpose cleaning lens solution, for example, rub and rinse your lenses every time you take them out before replacing them with a new solution. When you put your lenses on in the morning, empty the case completely, rinse it with fresh solution and place it upside down on a paper towel to air dry.

3. Wash your hands and avoid touching the lens with fingernails

Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel. This way you will be able to avoid any irritants affecting your contact lenses, which will also help keep your eyes healthy. Plus, fingernails contain dirt and bacteria. If not handled properly, these can infect your eyes. That is why keeping your fingernails away from your contacts is one of the most important suggestions for first-time contact wearers.

Wash your hands regularly to avoid infecting contact lenses. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

4. Insert your contact lenses safely

It may take some practice, but within a few days, you will be able to manage it. Follow these steps:

• Hold your lower eyelid with the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand.
• Use your middle finger to pull your lower eyelid and lashes down while you gaze into the mirror.
• Place the contact on the surface of your eye. The bottom edge of the lens’ should be the first to touch your eye. It should be placed safely on the white area of your eye, just above where you have pulled down your lower eyelid.
• Press the contact to the surface of your eye until you feel it stick. When you remove your finger, the contact should remain on the surface of your eye. Blink to get it to the right position.

How to remove contact lenses easily?

Removing your contacts is vital because it allows your eyes to breathe. Some contacts should be removed each night. To remove contacts, follow the steps below:

• Wash and dry your hands.
• Use your middle finger to pull your lower eyelid downward.
• Use your index and thumb to gently pinch the lens away from the surface of your eye. This should not hurt but, while learning, it may be better to keep your fingernails short. This prevents you from getting an eye injury or accidentally tearing the lens.
• For some lenses, you can use a plunger, which makes it much easier to remove your contacts. Simply take the plunger, stick it onto the contacts, and remove it.

Health risks of the improper use of contact lenses

Here are some common risks associated with contact lenses, as found in a study published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology.

• Using contact lenses that are too old or do not fit properly can scratch your eyes. They can also cause blood vessels to grow into your cornea, which is a serious condition that could impair your vision.
• Eye drops can cause issues with your contact lenses. It is advised to avoid using any type of eye drop while wearing contacts. However, you can use wetting drops or preservative-free lubricating drops as directed by your doctor.
• If your eyes are very red, painful, watery, or sensitive to light, remove your contact lenses and call your doctor right away. Do the same if you have impaired vision or see any discharge (ooze or pus) coming from your eye. These could be indicators of a serious eye condition.

Contact lenses can lead to problems if you don't wear them properly. Image courtesy: Adobe Stock

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How long should you wear contact lenses?

Contact lenses should not be worn around the whole day. Give your eyes a break and get some fresh air. Doctors often advise against wearing contact lenses for more than eight hours. However, there is no hard and fast rule, as the wearing time varies depending on the individual as well as the type and quality of contact lenses. To avoid eye irritation, follow the indicated wearing period, cleaning instructions, and check the expiry date for your lenses.

2. Can I sleep with contact lenses?

It is not safe to sleep while wearing contacts, even if you are only taking a nap. An occasional or accidental sleep in your contacts can raise your risk of infection. If you believe you might fall asleep, it is best to remove your contact lenses first.

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