The advantages of contact lenses over glasses are mostly obvious. Besides cosmetic considerations, contacts often make a better correction in sight. They don't fog up and they improve peripheral vision — a plus for sports fans.
Still, contacts need special care and, without proper handling, wearers can suffer a variety of problems from simple dry eye, to infections, and even corneal scratches.
Of the 30 million contact wearers, about one in 500 will suffer eye infections so serious that blindness could result.
This is usually because the lenses are not properly cared for.
According to the CDC, between 40 percent and 90 percent of lens wearers do not properly follow care instructions.
Improper cleaning and irregular replacement of lenses and lens cases are closely tied to higher risk of complications.
Infections of the eye, such as keratitis, is often linked to improper contact care. In fact, about 1 million people see the doctor or hospital every year with this painful infection.
Proper care prevents most problems.
– Wash your hands before you handle your lenses.
– Rinse with your preferred solution every time you take out your lenses.
– Never mix fresh solution with old solution.
– Don't forget to rinse your case. Lens cases are a common source of infection. They should be rinsed with solution — not water — every day. Dry on a fresh clean tissue.
– Clean your lenses daily with the proper solution.
– Adhere to your schedule of changing contact lenses. According to Men's Health, many people do not realize the danger in using lenses too long. It can lead to corneal ulcers, infections and open sores.
Finally, never use water on your lenses or your lens case.
Water should never even touch your lenses or your lens case. This is crucial because certain dangerous germs in water can cause infections that can take a year to clear up. Some infections can lead to corneal transplant or even blindness.
You should never wear your lenses swimming or bathing.
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