Avoid infection with proper contact lens care

Contact lenses provide a convenient means to improving vision. Although contact lenses may seem like a recent invention, they’ve been in the works for centuries. Leonardo da Vinci produced the first known sketches in 1508 that suggested the optics of the human eye could be altered by placing the cornea directly in contact with water. The ideas of da Vinci led to the development of the first contact lenses nearly 350 years later.

The first contact lenses covered all of the eye (the white [sclera] and the iris) and were made of heavy glass. Contacts have evolved over the years and most worn today are soft lenses largely made from silicone hydrogel.

As contacts sit directly on the eyes, it is important to avoid the introduction of foreign matter to the eye with careful hygiene and other practices. WebMD reports that those who wear contacts have a higher risk for keratitis, an infection of the cornea caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, and rare parasites. It’s also easier to catch conjunctivitis. Smart contact lens usage can help people avoid infections and other eye irritation. Contact wearers can follow these guidelines.

• Wash hands before handling contacts. Always wash and dry your hands before touching contact lenses to avoid transfering microorganisms from your hands and fingers to the lenses.

• Rub the lenses while cleaning. The American Optometric Association says rubbing the lenses while cleaning them loosens the protein and bacteria that builds up. Even if the solution advertises “no rub,” you should do it anyway.

• Always use fresh solution. Wash and store contacts in fresh, store-bought solution. Do not reuse solution, and never make homemade saline solution, which may not be sterile.

• Consider daily lenses. One way to cut down on the buildup of bacteria is to opt for daily lenses. These are individually packaged and are only worn for one day before being discarded, as opposed to weekly or monthly lenses.

• Rest your eyes. Whenever possible, give your eyes a chance to “breathe,” so to speak. Skip the contacts if you are at home and will not be encumbered by wearing eyeglasses. When utilizing contacts, do not wear them longer than is prescribed for that type of lens. Do not sleep in contacts unless they are designed for overnight wear.

Care must be given to contact lenses to avoid eye infections and other harmful conditions.