Contact lenses: use, maintenance and cleaning

Generality

Contact lenses are medical devices to be applied to the anterior surface of the eye. In most cases, they are used as an alternative to glasses, for the correction of refractive defects, but there are also contact lenses intended for other medical or aesthetic applications.

Many people wear contact lenses without any problems. However, to avoid infections and other complications that are dangerous to sight, it is necessary to carefully follow the instructions for their correct application and maintenance. Equally important is preventive medical evaluation, which makes sure the patient is an appropriate candidate for contact lenses and is able to handle them safely.

Before applying them

The type of contact lens prescribed determines the different ways of handling.

One of the first things to pay attention to is to recognize if a soft contact lens is upside down; if applied in the wrong direction, the device causes a slight discomfort on contact with the surface of the eye, as it does not adhere correctly to the cornea, as well as not correcting the visual defect. A way to understand if the contact lens is upside down, without having to apply it first, consists in keeping it resting on your finger. If the lower profile is curved, without protruding edges and the edge is facing inwards, this is oriented in the right direction. If not, the contact lens is upside down.

Application and removal

There are some differences regarding the correct procedure for the application and removal of a contact lens. According to one's anatomical characteristics, the type of lens (soft or rigid), manual dexterity and visual limitations to which it is subject, each patient has to find the technique that is personally best. In all cases, these procedures require some training and practice on the part of the user. Each corrective lens is packaged in a sealed, sterile blister, which must indicate the correct shade and expiration date. The contact lens must be " wet and clean, free of cuts, scratches or particles. If the device has a rough appearance, additional cleaning may be required. A damaged or dry contact lens should never be used.