Conjunctivitis Alert: Disinfect Contact Lenses Properly

Pink eye or conjunctivitis spreads viral-y and bacterial-y both. It is highly contagious and contact lenses can act as a possible transmitter of the disease. If you wear contact lenses, pay attention to keep them disinfected. Also disinfect your contact lens accessories including plunger, forceps & contact lens case.

For contact lens wearers, conjunctivitis may be your eyes’ way to protest against the extender wear of contact lenses. Colored lenses should not be worn more than 6-8 hours daily. You are probably over-wearing them if you find mild inflammation, discharge or crust at sleeping that keeps eyes from opening in the morning. Pink eye disease that is spread by over-wearing contact lenses must go by itself in a day or two as you rest your eyes.

Conjunctivitis is highly contagious. Therefore be very cautious when dealing with an affected eye. Don’t touch the same cloth or finger you use to wipe the infected eye to the unaffected eye.

Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

• Sometimes conjunctivitis can be caused by improper contact lens solutions. Over-dated solution, contact lenses or failing to properly rinse & disinfect the lenses spread the disease from one person to another.
• Throw your contact lenses that might have accumulated the bacteria during infection. Replace them immediately
• Use only pharma-formulated contact lens drops and solution.
• Do not share contact lenses with friends or swap for something else.

Be very careful about disinfecting them thoroughly after each wear. Giving your eyes rest from lenses is recommended for quick recovery. Furthermore, switching to monthly disposable contact lenses also help during the seasonal out-break. 

Are Circle Lenses Really the Reason Behind Surging Ocular Infections?

Relation b/w circle lenses & eye infections

In United States alone, nearly 1 million eye infections are reported every year with most of them being directly or closely linked with the improper usage of circle contact lenses. This Thursday, Center for Disease Control & Prevention unveiled new statistics that hold the immature approach of customers towards circle lenses responsible for potential infections.

FDA approved circle lenses ensure risk-free usage thus restricts CLID (circle lenses induced diseases). However; improper usage, criminal negligence & failing to handle them properly may lead to superficial damages. In some cases, patient may even lose the eye sight for ever depending upon the severity of the infection.

Also Read: Are contact lenses really worth the risk?

Stick to Prescription & Ensure Follow-ups

• It is necessary to understand that circle lenses are medical devices and they should be handled likewise. You need to stick to the prescription with regular follow ups. Even if you do not wear circle lenses for correcting refractive index error; you must make it sure to meet your eye doctor at least once a year to overrule any chances of ocular injuries. Sometimes, frequent wear or over-wearing circle lenses exert pressure and eye strain about which the patient stays oblivious of.

Also Read: How important are contact lens Follow-ups?

• Internet is flooded with horrendous contact lens stories but let them not scare you. If you are adult enough to take responsibility of other affairs in your life than you are probably mature enough to be a wise consumer of circle lenses. It is easier to take short cuts when you wear circle lenses; but once you involve yourself in healthy contact lens habits you will discover that not only they are saving your time & energy but are also laying strong foundations for a an older yet healthier you.

Also Read: Minor life style improvements ensure safer contact lens wear

Circle lenses should not be usually a problem. If you detect any discomfort even upon wearing FDA approved circle lenses then it should be enough to ring the bells for you. Immediately put them off and examine them for any manufacturing flaws. If they appear fine & discomfort persists, you should hurry to set an appointment with your doctor to overrule the chances of any ocular injury that is beginning to unveil itself by showing such minor symptoms of inflammation, scarring, itching & teary eyes. 

A Pragmatic Approach to Contact Lens Disinfection Reduces Infection’s Risks

Contact lenses ensure clear vision & personality enhancement both at a time. However; there are seasons that when get worse diminish contact lens tolerance which is not less than a threat to people suffering from vision problems. Spring & Fall every year create obstacles in crisp vision for people suffering from ocular injuries. It is said, precaution is better than cure- having your contact lenses meticulously disinfected reduces the risk & keep your eyes safe & prevented from the adverse effects.

How to Disinfect Contact Lenses to Combat Ocular-Allergy & Irritants?

Though one should never ignore disinfecting contact lenses, it should certainly be practiced aggressively after each wear when pro-pollen season is at peak.  Proper disinfection of contact lenses needs you to be a bit more vigilant and pragmatic especially when air-borne irritants hit the environment. Allergy inflicting irritants are found floating in the environment and they accumulate over everything coming into contact with them. Contact lenses whilst oxygen permeation let these irritants pass through them which then later stick to your corneas that wreak your eyes.

Steps to Disinfecting Contact Lenses to Reduce the Risks of Ocular Allergies

1. Wash your hands from non oily & non-creamy soap bars before handling your contact lenses.
2. Dry your hands with a lint-free cloth
3. Disinfect your hands especially finger pads using multi-purpose solution.
4. After each wear rub your contact lenses and wash them using multi-purpose disinfecting solution. Gently rub them over your finger pads-this helps removing the slimy layer that hold irritants in it.
5. Disinfect your contact lens cases. Let them air dry, with their tops facing down and caps off. It is effective to tissue-wipe them before letting them air-dry.

Never soak your contact lenses in saline solution. It is not effective in killing bacteria. Use Complete Blink N Clean disinfectant to ensure contamination free contact lenses.

Ocular-allergies such as conjunctivitis may give you a hard time if not dealt with strictly. Effective disinfection on the other hand can keep you in your contact lenses. Make this 3 minutes deal with a multi-purpose solution & contact lenses to guard your eyes against allergens.