Content

• Steps

These days contact lenses are becoming more and more convenient than glasses, especially when you have to be active or play sports. However, wearing contact lenses carries many risks of eye infection, so you need to learn about measures to prevent infection as well as be aware of when to see a doctor.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Exercise caution when using contact lenses

1. 

   Take reasonable steps to prevent eye infections. Regular eye exams are essential. By this method, the doctor will advise you the most suitable contact lenses, at the same time assess the health of the eyes and check for infection if any.
   • Change contact lenses regularly as specified by the eye care provider.

2. 

   
   
   Wash with soap and dry hands before putting on contact lenses. Bacteria from everyday activities can easily build up on your hands all day, so it's important to wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing contact lenses to prevent eye infections.

3. 

   
   
   Wash contact lenses according to the instructions for use from the manufacturer and the advice of a doctor. Use a special disinfectant solution every time you wash and store contact lenses. Do not reuse the used solution or mix new and old solution together. Never use dissolved salts to disinfect contact lenses.

4. 

   
   
   Store contact lenses in a special box for reuse. Contact lens containers should be cleaned with disinfectant solution (tap water should not be used), opened and allowed to dry on their own. Replace containers every 3 months.

5. 

   Do not sleep while wearing contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses while sleeping increases the risk of eye infections as well as scratching or damage the cornea. Lens dilators, too, are best removed at night as they can also cause eye infections.

6. 

   Avoid swimming or bathing while wearing contact lenses. The bacteria can stay in the water (either in the shower and cause inflammation to your skin or anywhere where you have frequent eye contact) so it's a good idea to remove your glasses every time you shower.
   • If you must wear contact lenses while bathing (such as swimming), wear goggles and thoroughly disinfect them afterwards.
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Part 2 of 2: Knowing when medical intervention is needed

1. 

   Signs and symptoms of eye infection. See a specialist right away if you experience the following symptoms:
   • Blurred vision
   • Too much tears
   • Eyesore
   • Sensitive to light
   • It felt like there was something in the eye
   • Unusual swelling and redness of the eyes or a burning sensation.

2. 

   The choice of treatment depends on the cause of the eye infection. Diseases caused by infections need to be treated with antibiotics, viral infections should be treated with antivirals and fungal infections should be treated with antifungal drugs.
   • The most common treatment is to use eye drops prescribed by a doctor. Your doctor will guide the right dose of the eye drops to each eye and predict how long your eyes will recover. And of course, prescription eye drops are just right for your eye infection.
   • If your eyes do not improve within a few days to a week (or if symptoms get worse), make an appointment with your doctor right away to rule out a serious case.

3. 

   Be aware that in addition to treating eye drops, eye drops are also sometimes used to prevent infection. Depending on the severity of the infection, the eye drops are immediate, and may reduce inflammation and redness. advertisement