Contact lenses boast an outstanding safety record, provided that wearers diligently adhere to their eye doctor’s instructions. As October is Contact Lens Safety Month, it presents a perfect opportunity to review essential safety tips to maintain healthy eyes and clear vision while using contact lenses!
If you have any additional inquiries, need to update your prescriptions, require an eye examination, or are contemplating trying out a new brand or type of contact lens, do not hesitate to reach out to Westpoint Optical in Brampton West today.
How to Take Care of Contact Lenses ?
Wearing contact lenses offers incredible convenience and a sense of freedom, sparing you from worries about glasses breaking during sports or fogging up in adverse weather. However, proper lens care is essential.
Here are some important tips for contact lens care:
Before handling your lenses, wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them using a paper towel or a lint-free towel.
Follow the manufacturer’s or your eye doctor’s instructions to clean and disinfect non-disposable lenses.
Avoid sleeping in your contact lenses unless they are specifically designed for overnight use.
Never wear lenses that are damaged or torn to prevent discomfort and potential eye issues
While wearing contact lenses, avoid any contact with water, such as swimming or showering.
If you experience symptoms like redness, pain, or blurred vision, reach out to Westpoint Optical to schedule an appointment for evaluation.
Remember, responsible contact lens care is vital for keeping your eyes healthy and enjoying the benefits of clear vision. If you have any concerns or experience any issues with your contact lenses, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance from Westpoint Optical.
Are All Contact Lenses Safe?
Contact lenses are generally safe when worn and cared for properly. If wearers follow safety instructions, prescription contact lenses pose minimal risk of eye infections and complications. Here are some considerations for different types of contact lenses:
Disposable Daily Lenses: These lenses require no maintenance, as they are designed for single-use. Simply dispose of them after each use, reducing the risk of infections.
Reusable Soft Contact Lenses: While safe when used correctly, wearers of reusable lenses must be cautious. Improper disinfection or sleeping with the lenses can increase the risk of rare but serious eye infections, such as acanthamoeba keratitis (AK).
It is essential to follow safety guidelines provided by your eye doctor to minimize any risks associated with wearing contact lenses.
The Dangers of Decorative (Costume) Lenses:
Decorative lenses, often worn during Halloween and parties, can pose significant dangers to eye health. It is important to consider the following points before using them:
Legal Requirement: The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) prohibits the purchase and sale of contactlenses without a prescription. Similarly, Health Canada mandates a license for selling contacts, including cosmetic lenses like colored contacts, even if they don’t correct vision.
Risk of Infections: Decorative contact lenses can lead to severe bacterial and fungal infections, which may cause corneal ulcers and, in some cases, permanent vision loss.
To safeguard your eyes, it is crucial to wear only prescribed lenses, fitted by your optometrist, and strictly adhere to your eye doctor’s safety guidelines.
This Contact Lens Safety Month and throughout the year, prioritize your eye health. If you experience any eye symptoms, such as redness, pain, or blurred vision, make an appointment with your Brampton West eye doctor at Westpoint Optical for comprehensive eye care.
FAQ
Why contact lenses have expire dates?
Contact lenses have expiration dates for important safety reasons. Wearing contact lenses beyond their expiration date can lead to dry and irritated eyes due to the accumulation of debris and allergens on the lens surface. This buildup increases the risk of eye infections and potential corneal damage.
Why was Contact Lens Safety Month founded?
Contact Lens Safety Month was established with the efforts of Prevent Blindness, a non-profit eye health organization. Every October, the organization encourages individuals to prioritize contact lens safety. Their mission is to minimize preventable vision loss by promoting overall eye health and providing education on proper usage and maintenance of contact lenses.