Wearing coloured contact lenses can be a fun and exciting way to change up your look. Whether you’re going for a subtle enhancement to your natural eye colour or a bold, dramatic transformation, coloured contact lenses offer endless possibilities for expressing your style. However, proper care and maintenance are essential to keep both your lenses and eyes in the best condition. Taking care of them not only extends their life but also protects your eye health, reducing the risk of irritation or infections. Let’s dive into the best practices for caring for your coloured contacts.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
It’s important to clean your hands before touching your contact lenses. Your hands come into contact with many surfaces throughout the day, and they can carry germs, dirt, and oils that could transfer to your lenses and cause irritation or infection. Always use soap and water to wash your hands, and make sure to dry them completely with a lint-free towel before handling your contacts. This simple step is one of the most important ways to keep your lenses clean and your eyes safe.
Use the Right Solution
Never use tap water or saliva to clean or store your coloured contacts. Tap water contains bacteria and other microorganisms that can be harmful to your eyes. Instead, use a proper contact lens solution specifically designed for cleaning and storing lenses. Multi-purpose solutions are commonly available and can clean, disinfect, and store your coloured contacts in one step. Make sure to use fresh solutions each time, and never reuse old solutions, as they lose their effectiveness after a single use.
Clean and Rinse Your Lenses Regularly
Cleaning and rinsing your contact lenses daily is essential for maintaining clear vision and preventing deposits from building up on the surface of the lens. After removing your contacts, gently rub them with a few drops of contact lens solution in the palm of your hand. Once cleaned, rinse the lenses with fresh solution before placing them in their storage case.
Store Your Lenses Properly
Proper storage of your lenses is key to keeping them in good condition. It is essential to store them in a clean contact lens case that contains fresh solution. Replace the lens case after three months in order to avoid bacteria buildup. Make sure to keep the case clean by rinsing it with fresh solution after every use and letting it air dry. This practice helps reduce the risk of infections caused by contaminated storage cases.
Follow the Replacement Schedule
Coloured contact lenses have specific replacement schedules that range from daily to monthly disposables. It’s important to adhere to the schedule recommended by the manufacturer or your eye care professional. Wearing lenses beyond their recommended lifespan can be harmful. Even if your lenses still feel comfortable, they can have bacteria and protein deposits over time, so always follow the replacement guidelines.
Avoid Sleeping in Your Contacts
One of the most common mistakes people make with coloured contacts is sleeping in them. Even if your lenses are approved for overnight wear, it’s safer to remove them before bed. Sleeping in your contacts reduces oxygen flow to your eyes, which can lead to dry eyes, irritation, and an increased risk of infection. Always remove your lenses before sleeping, no matter how tired you are, to give your eyes a chance to rest and breathe.
Keep Your Eyes Moisturised
Coloured contacts can sometimes cause dryness, especially if you wear them for extended periods. Keeping your eyes moisturised is important for comfort and maintaining their health. Carry lubricating eye drops designed for contact lenses to relieve any dryness or discomfort you may experience throughout the day. Avoid using regular eye drops, as they may not be compatible with contact lenses and can cause irritation.
Avoid Water Exposure
Water and contact lenses don’t mix well. Whether it’s swimming in a pool, relaxing in a hot tub, or even showering, it’s important to avoid exposing your coloured contacts to water. Water can contain bacteria and microorganisms that can cling to the lenses and cause serious eye infections. If you need to go swimming, it’s best to remove your contacts and wear goggles. If you’re wearing your lenses in the shower, keep your eyes closed to prevent water from coming into contact with them.
Don’t Share Your Lenses
Sharing coloured contact lenses with others may seem harmless, but it’s a big no-no. Your lenses are specifically fitted to your eyes and are not safe to share with anyone else. Sharing contacts can transfer bacteria and other germs, increasing the risk of infections for both you and the other person. Even if you’re tempted to let someone try your lenses to see how they look, it’s essential to prioritise safety over fashion.
Watch for Signs of Irritation
It’s important to pay attention to how your eyes feel when wearing coloured contacts. If you experience redness, irritation, pain, or blurred vision, remove your lenses immediately and consult with an eye care professional.
Regular Eye Exams Are Essential
Even if you don’t wear coloured contacts daily, regular eye exams are essential to ensure your eyes are healthy and your prescription is up to date. An eye care professional can check for any underlying issues, ensure that your coloured contacts fit properly, and provide you with the best care recommendations. Routine exams can help prevent problems before they become serious, allowing you to enjoy wearing coloured contacts safely and comfortably.
Always prioritise hygiene, proper cleaning, and regular check-ups to keep your eyes comfortable and safe. With the right care, you can confidently wear your coloured contacts and make the most of your stunning new look.
