For many, the use of contact lenses has become, over time, a common daily gesture. It even happens that certain hygiene rules sometimes go by the wayside. However, wearing contact lenses requires following a number of recommendations, whether you are used to using them or not. And it is not the ophthalmologists at Solihull Hospital, near Birmingham in England, who will tell you otherwise. In November 2016, during a routine cataract operation, a team of ophthalmologists discovered that their patient had accumulated 27 contact lenses in her eye. The 67-year-old lady did not realize it, claiming to have felt only a little discomfort. A lens wearer for 35 years, she apparently forgot to remove her lenses before putting in new ones. Fortunately, more fear than harm for this British patient who surprisingly did not suffer from major infections and who saw her discomfort disappear after two weeks. Such a case, which could have caused much more serious damage, prompted English ophthalmologists to recall the correct gestures and instructions to follow when wearing contact lenses. Here are five!
For a first prescription, the “ophthalmologist” box is obviously mandatory in order to receive a prescription. The doctor analyzes the eye and the patient's needs in order to determine the most suitable type of contact lenses:soft or rigid, and their lifespan (daily, fortnightly, monthly or annual). Then, the validity period of the prescription is one year for those under 16 and three years for those over 16. But if a problem arises, we do not hesitate to consult the doctor before the prescription expires.
This is perhaps the most important rule:you should not keep your lenses longer than recommended. If they have a “lifespan” of one month, we don’t keep them for two more weeks, thinking that we will save money. So yes, it's tempting, but the damage to the eye and sight is much greater. We throw away and we renew!
It goes without saying but it can always be relevant to remember:washing your hands before handling your contact lenses is essential, whether when putting them on or taking them off. We also remember to change the cases regularly using new ones, which are generally supplied with the maintenance solutions. And for the heads in the air who never think of taking their solution with them, on a trip or during a party for example, putting your lenses in a glass of water is strictly prohibited. In this case, there is only one thing to do:throw them away!
For the same reasons that you should not put your lenses in tap water, bathing with them is extremely inadvisable. The risks of contamination being very high, infections can develop very quickly. So before taking a dip this summer, we'll think about taking off our lenses and if really not seeing three meters in the pool is annoying, we'll opt for disposable lenses, which we only wear for one day.
Only lenses prescribed for extended wear can be worn day or night. Otherwise, you absolutely must not sleep with your contact lenses, even for a nap, at the risk of contracting a serious eye infection! Yes, when our eyelids are closed, the eye is not sufficiently oxygenated to allow contact lenses to be worn.
It doesn't hurt, a little reminder, does it? And we do not hesitate to share the info around us, for those who wear it too! It can always be useful...
