Many people, mostly youngsters, love to wear contact lens. And why not, it helps them get rid of spectacles, which at times is really worrisome. However, while buying a pair of contact lens people don t give it too much of thought as it is easily available over-the-counter. One should know why he/she is opting for contact lens -- whether is it for your eye health, a cosmetic reason or you are just following a trend. Remember, not everyone can benefit from contact lens. It is more beneficial for people who have a different shape of the cornea (a condition called Keratoconus) or has high numbers like +/- 4.0 D, says Hiral Dholakia, Assistant Director Refractive Surgeries & Contact Lens L V Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad. Here she lists few precautions to take if you are opting for contact lens.
1. Not every type of contact lens is suitable for you
All fingerprints are not the same, neither are the corneas. Every pair of the eye has a different need, shape and attributes. So what kind of contact lens will suit one depends on several factors. Just because someone is wearing a pair of lens that suits her, it might not be the same case with you. So don t be tempted to buy the same brand or colour just yet.
2. Never share your contact lens
This is more common in teenagers than in adults. However, you should never share your contact lens with anyone for hygiene issues. Just like you cannot use A+ blood group for AB- blood group even when the colour of blood is red, you cannot use one person s contact lens for the other even if your eyes look the same. If you are using someone else s contact lens, remember those pair of eyes could have an allergy or bacteria which can be easily passed on to your eyes and vice versa.
3. Never buy contact lens online
Most youngsters and even adults too prefer to buy contact lens online as they are light on their pocket. But remember when you do so, you might be missing out on your regular check-ups and the micro level changes in your eye that might go undetected.
4. Take red eyes seriously
You don t get red eyes just by wearing contact lens, but if you are not following the right care regimen, then the red eye could be a sign. If you are sleeping with your disposable lens or washing it with water instead of the lens solution, the red eye could indicate infection in the eye.
5. Trust your eye care practitioner for prescription lens
Avoid buying contact lens over the counter without consulting your doctor as you might end up using the wrong one. Thorough examination before buying the lens is essential, e.g., Corneal shape measurement; dry eye check up every little detail is necessary before prescribing contact lens. So go with your doctor s advice before picking up a pair for yourself.
6. Buy the correct lens after consultation
Lens available in the market are for specific numbers, purpose and lifestyle so pick up the one that suits you. You don t have to hunt for brands that you hear of often. Patients with cylindrical numbers usually compromise on their selection of lens as their lens are a bit costlier than the spherical ones. This leads to some problems like headaches, fatigue, redness, etc.
7. Always follow the right steps to use contact lens
Following the basic hygiene rules while using contact lens is mandatory. Simple things like washing and drying hands before touching your contact lens and spending about two to three minutes cleaning them can keep your eyes and your lens safe.
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