Contact Lens Care for Healthy Eyes

Contact lenses are necessary for many of you with myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism. They can correct vision and improve the quality of life for the wearers. Because contact lenses are in direct contact with your eyes, learning the mechanics to place on and take them out safely and knowing how to handle them properly can help prevent eye infections.

Type of Contact Lens

Hard contact lenses are rigid and gas-permeable, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea. They are more durable and provide sharper and clearer vision than soft lenses.
Soft contact lenses made from silicone hydrogel: They are more comfortable to wear. They are monthly, biweekly, and daily contact lenses. Soft contact lenses are for single, one-day use, so you must replace them with new lenses once a day. They have lower risks of eye infections.

If you notice any redness, swelling, or discharge from your eyes, or have blurred vision or eye pain, follow up with your doctor immediately.

How to put on contact lenses

Always wash and dry your hands before touching contact lenses or your eyes.
Use a fingertip to take out a contact lens from its case and put the contact lens in the non-dominant hand.
Use a contact lens solution to clean the lens. Do not use water.
Check if the lens remains intact. Do not wear it if it is torn or damaged.
Use the top of the index finger to pick up the lens with the correct side facing up. The lens should look like a bowl.
Use another hand to hold the upper and lower lids open and look up while placing the lens in the eye.
Close your eye and slowly roll your eye so the lens is in place.
If you cannot see clearly or do not feel comfortable, remove the lens, rinse it, and put it in again.
Repeat all the steps with the other lens.

How to remove contact lenses

Clean our hand and dry them well.
Use the middle finger to pull down the lower lid and the index finger to pull the lens down to the white of the eye. Use the thumb and index finger to pinch and remove the lens.
Place the contact lens in the palm, clean it with the contact lens solution, and gently rub it for 30 seconds to remove dirt and oil.
Rinse the lens with the contact lens solution and store it in the case. Make sure it submerses under the contact lens solution.
Repeat the steps with the other lens.

While wearing contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort during the first few days. Refrain from rubbing your eyes. You can use artificial tears for the contact lens to moisten the eyes. Otherwise, remove the lens and check if it is torn or damaged. Clean it before reinserting it in the eye. If the irritation persists or you start to develop redness, burning, swelling, eye discharge, or blurry vision, which are signs of eye infection, seek immediate medical care.