Six Tips To Keep In Mind Before Putting On Your Contact Lenses

Caring for your lenses should not be limited to the dos and don'ts of storing it. It should also include the proper ways of handling especially when you are using it.

If you haven't noticed, each item that we use comes with a set of guidelines on how to properly handle it. For example, the cellphone comes with a user's manual so as the laptop. In this manual we find instructions like not placing it near water, not leaving it under the heat of the sun or keeping it dust free as much as possible. The same thing goes for contact lenses.

Each manufacturer has its own guidelines on how to properly use, handle and store the lenses. Yet no matter how unique each manufacturer's guidelines are there will always be the general rules. These rules or guidelines are applicable to most of type of lenses.

1. Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Any dirt on your hand especially from your fingertips can easily transfer unto the surface of your lenses. Remember that once the dirt or any form of residue is transferred to your lenses it would be very hard to remove them. These can also result to eye irritation and blurring of vision.

2. If you just used soap, lotion or oil, make sure to wash it off your hands. Rinse your hands thoroughly because the chemical compounds contained in these products can easily transfer to your lenses and interfere with your vision as well as affect your level of comfort while wearing it. Wipe your hands with a clean towel after washing.

3. When putting on your contact lenses always use your fingertips. Be careful enough to avoid contact between your contact lenses and your fingernails. Keep in mind that the fingernails can damage your beloved lenses so if possible keep your fingernails as short as possible.

4. Before putting on your contact lenses, always check it. Examine your lenses for any residue or dirt that might have gotten stuck on its surface. Also check if you picked it up the right way and that it is not turned inside out. Contact lenses have a bowl like shape and the edges are not pointing outwards. Another thing when examining is to take note if it is moist and clear and without any tears.

5. Apply your lenses in the same order. This will keep you from putting on the lens on the wrong eye. Remember that each eye may have a different grade so in case you put in the wrong lens in one eye you will probably have a blurred vision. This is a must develop routine for contact lens wearers.

6. When opening the case always open it slowly to avoid throwing the lenses out due to the jerking motion. If you placed it in a clear contact lens case shake the case first and check if the lenses are floating on the lens care solution. If you are using lenses placed in packages or multipacks, always stabilize the package on the tabletop and carefully open the package. Do not be surprised to see the lens sticking either to the foil or to the plastic package; this won't affect the sterility of the lenses.

It would be helpful if you keep these in mind before using your contact lenses. Remember that contact lenses are sterile so it should be kept clean as much as possible especially when you are about to put it on.