Many people in California choose contact lenses to fix their vision because they are easier to use and more comfortable than glasses. But people who wear contact lenses are a little more likely to get eye infections, especially in states with a lot of different climates and busy lifestyles.
This article talks about how to avoid getting these infections and treat them properly. For more information on eye care in California, click here.
How to keep your eyes safe while wearing contact lenses.
If you do a few simple things, you can greatly lower your risk of getting an infection. For safe contact lens wear, here are some important tips:
- Always wash your hands.
Before you touch your contact lenses, wash your hands well with water and soap. This gets rid of germs and bacteria that can make you sick.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses the right way.
Always clean and disinfect your lenses the way your eye doctor tells you to. Always use a new lens solution and never use the old solution again.
- Replace your lenses according to the schedule.
Replace your lenses when they are due, and do not wear them longer than your eye doctor tells you to. The safest choice is daily throwaway lenses, followed by bi-weekly or monthly lenses.
- Do not sleep with your lenses in.
Sleeping with your lenses greatly raises your risk of getting an infection. Before going to bed, take out your lenses and put them away in their case with fresh solution.
- Do not put your lenses in water.
If you have lenses on, do not swim, shower, or use hot tubs. Water can have bacteria and germs that are bad for you and can make you sick.
- You should never use tap water to clean your lenses.
Microorganisms that can cause eye diseases can get into tap water. To rinse your lenses, you should always use a new solution.
- Do not share them.
Never share your lenses with someone else. It is very easy for germs and infections to spread when you share your contact lenses with other people.
- Apply makeup after inserting lenses.
Put on eye makeup after putting in your lenses; take off your makeup after taking out your lenses. This keeps makeup from getting on the lenses and making your eyes hurt.
- Do not share eye makeup,
Use separate eye makeup. Sharing eye makeup can spread germs that can lead to infections, so do not do it.
- Clean your lens case often.
Use clean, lukewarm water to clean your lens case, and let it dry completely in the air before using it again. Every two months, get a new lens case.
- Plan regular eye exams.
Even if you are not having any problems, you should still see your eye doctor regularly for checkups. In this way, they can keep an eye on your health and catch any problems early.
Recognize the signs of trouble.
Eye infections can cause redness, pain, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, the feeling that something is in your eye, and runny discharge from your eyes.
Those who are experiencing these symptoms should take off their contacts right away and make an appointment with an eye doctor to get an early diagnosis and treatment to keep the condition from getting worse.
What are the treatment options for eye infections?
What you do to treat an eye infection will depend on what kind of infection it is. In short, here is what it all means:
- Bacteria keratitis: This is a common type of eye infection that can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments.
- Fungal keratitis: This is less frequent but more dangerous, so you need to take antifungal medicine.
- Acanthamoeba keratitis: This is a rare infection that can be hard to treat and can damage your eyes. It needs emergency help right away.
To lower your risk of getting an eye infection, follow these tips, know the signs, and talk to an eye doctor for specific help. Early care and evaluation are very important.
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