Contact lenses are a convenient way for active people to correct their vision. It is important to remember that, although contact lenses may feel so comfortable that you forget that you are wearing them, they do require care. Following the proper procedures for cleaning lenses and putting them in your eyes safely will reduce the risk of discomfort, infection or eye injury.
Fingernails
Jagged fingernails can tear the delicate surface of contact lenses, particularly very thin soft contacts. In addition, you risk accidentally scratching your eye while inserting lenses if you have long fingernails. You can decrease this risk by following the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics' suggestion of keeping your nails short and filed.
Hand Washing
It is very important to wash your hands before you handle your contact lenses or put your hands near your eyes. Use an antibacterial soap that does not contain perfumes, lotions or moisturizing creams. Wash your hands thoroughly, including under your fingernails. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
Creams and Cosmetics
You don't have to choose between wearing make-up or contact lenses, but you do need to be cautious about when and how you apply cosmetics and face creams. To keep oil off your lenses, apply creams and make-up after you have inserted your contact lenses. Use make-up sparingly and keep moisturizing creams away from the eye area. Avoid waterproof mascara, which is difficult to remove from contact lenses. Do not line the inside rim of your eyelashes with eyeliner. To reduce the risk of getting an eye infection from contaminated cosmetics, you should discard eye make-up after three months of use and wash make-up brushes and applicators frequently. Look for make-up specially formulated for contact lens wearers, whenever possible.
Surfaces
New contact lens wearers may need to practice before they can insert their lenses comfortably and effortlessly each time. Rather than trying to put your lenses in over a sink where your lens could fall down the drain or land on a dirty surface, place a clean tray under the mirror. Always disinfect your lenses any time they come in contact with another surface. Keep lenses lubricated with sterile saline solution while you are attempting to put the lenses in your eyes.
