Contact lenses are an excellent alternative to glasses, offering clear vision and comfort without the need for frames. However, they require proper care and attention to prevent issues such as tearing. A torn lens causes discomfort and can lead to more serious eye health problems. Much like how you protect your eyes from harmful UV rays by investing in quality sunglasses in Calgary, ensuring the longevity of your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health.
Here are helpful tips to prevent contact lenses from tearing.
1. Choose the Right Type of Contact Lens
The initial step in avoiding contact lens tears is selecting the appropriate type of lens for your eyes and lifestyle. Various types of lenses include soft lenses, hard lenses, daily wear lenses, and extended wear lenses. Soft lenses are softer and more comfortable for most users, whereas hard lenses offer clearer vision but are less comfortable.
Visit your optometrist to find the best fit for you. The proper fit can decrease the chance of tears and other issues. Also, ensure that the lens material is appropriate for your eyes; for instance, a more moisture-retaining lens can be helpful if you have dry eyes.
2. Handle Your Lenses With Clean Hands
When handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching them. Dirty hands introduce bacteria and particles that can damage the lens, leading to tearing. Even a tiny amount of dirt can cause abrasions or tears when the lens moves on the eye’s surface.
Do not use lotions or creams before touching your contacts, as they will leave behind a residue that can make the lenses slippery and likely to drop. Dry your hands with a clean towel before touching your lenses to ensure they are dry.
3. Follow a Proper Cleaning Routine
Keeping contact lenses clean will prevent harm. Clean your lenses after every use, as instructed by your eye care professional. Use the prescribed contact lens solution to clean your lenses, and avoid using water or saliva. Water may harbour harmful bacteria, and saliva dehydrates, causing lenses to harden.
You also need to keep your lenses in a dry, clean case and change your case every 3 to 6 months. Bacteria may build up in the case over time and taint the lenses.
4. Avoid Wearing Contacts for Too Long
Wearing your contact lenses longer than you’re supposed to can cause more tears. Whether you wear daily contacts or extended-wear contacts, you need to stick with the schedule you’re given. If you leave your lenses in for too long, they can dry out, become brittle, and tear when you attempt to remove or bend them.
Remove your lenses and rest your eyes if you feel irritation or dryness. Consider purchasing lubricating eye drops, particularly in a dry or air-conditioned area. Overwearing your lenses heightens the likelihood of damage and can result in irritation and infection.
5. Use Contact Lenses That Match Your Lifestyle
Your lifestyle and surroundings contribute to the health of your contact lenses. For instance, if you spend most of your time outdoors or in dusty, dirty, or windy conditions, wear lenses that offer increased protection. Lenses that shield you from environmental influences and UV light can lower the risk of damaging lenses.
If you love sports or outdoor physical activities, it’s recommended that you spend a bit more on more robust lenses. These lenses can take more abuse, reducing the likelihood of tearing or breaking while engaging in physical activities.
6. Avoid Sleeping in Your Contacts
While specific contact lenses are created for use at night, few are. Sleeping in your contact lenses will diminish the level of oxygen your cornea receives, causing dryness, irritation, and a higher susceptibility to tearing. If you’re considering overnight wear, ask your optometrist to check if your lenses suit this use.
If you accidentally fall asleep while wearing contacts, it’s wise to remove them immediately and allow your eyes to recuperate before inserting a new pair.
7. Be Careful with Cosmetics and Other Eye Products
Mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow cosmetics are potential causes of issues if they touch your lenses. These tend to leave behind a residue that could impact the lens’s surface, contributing to tearing. Never wear eye makeup with contact lenses. Also, remove your lenses before makeup removal to prevent damage.
When wearing contact lenses, you should always make sure you are using products suitable for contact lens wear and never wear harsh chemicals on your eyes that will irritate them. Using hypoallergenic cosmetics is one step towards shielding your lenses and your eyes.
8. Order Contacts Online for Convenience
Sometimes, the easiest step in maintaining healthy contacts is ordering online so you’re never short of fresh lenses. Order contacts online for convenience and to avoid the hassle of running out of prescription lenses. Online stores carry many lenses, so you can quickly compare various types and brands suitable for your requirements. Most also have subscription plans to ship your lenses straight to your home regularly.
By purchasing contact lenses online, you can save time and be sure that you are always using clean, adequately fitted lenses that can prevent discomfort and tear risk.
Conclusion
Try these easy and effective tips to maintain your contact lenses in the best possible condition and prevent tearing. Choosing the correct lenses, handling them carefully, keeping them clean and not wearing them too much will keep them intact. If you catch yourself tearing your lenses or feeling discomfort often, it is best to consult with your eye care practitioner for individual instructions. Maintaining your lenses will make them last longer and give you a long-term comfortable wear.
If you’re experiencing regular tearing of your contact lenses, consider having an eye check-up with an optometrist. Contact Vue Optix for further details or if you require assistance in selecting the proper lenses for your eyes.
