Contact lens problemsThe most common causes of contact lens problems are lenses that fit badly, poor lens hygiene, sensitivity to cleaning solutions, and dusty, windy environments. If you wear lenses for too long, or get a piece of grit or dirt trapped under the lens, your eyes may become irritated, red, and watery. Sometimes a lens slips under the eyelid and needs to be retrieved and repositioned.
WARNING
Seek immediate medical help if;
* You have pain, blurred or reduced vision, or extreme sensitivity to light
* Your eye is very red
DRUG REMEDIES
Eye drops containing sodium chloride lubricate the eye and make it easier to insert and remove lenses. Don’t use other types of eye drops without seeking advice from your pharmacist because some may damage your lenses.
PRACTICAL TECHNIQUE
If a lens has slipped under your eyelid, the following steps will help you retrieve it.
* First, squeeze 1-2 lubricating eye drops into your eye. If your eye is dry, using drops may be enough to help the lens float back into its correct position.
* If this doesn’t work, close your eye, then guide the lens back into position by pressing lightly on your eyelid with one finger. This should encourage the lens to slide back down over the front of your eye.
Seek medical advice
See your doctor or optometrist promptly if:
* Eye irritation continues or there is a discharge
* You develop any new eye problems
What you can do yourself
The following steps will help to reduce the risk of eye problems when you use contact lenses.
* If your eyes are irritated, take your contact lenses out for an hour or two to see if the symptoms ease. If they recur when you put the lenses back in, consult your optometrist or doctor.
* Try using lubricating eye drops formulated for contact lens wearers.
* Unless you use continuous-wear lenses, don’t wear your lenses for longer than the period of time advised by your optometrist. If this is unavoidable, take them out from time to time to give your eyes a rest. Always remove lenses before going to bed, having a nap, or swimming, bathing, or showering.
* Before handling lenses, wash your hands using an antibacterial or unperfumed soap and rinse them thoroughly. Clean and rinse reusable lenses every time you remove them using approved cleaners and storage solutions. Clean the lens case and air dry it too. Never lick your lenses or use water to wet them.
* Ask your optometrist about using disposable contact lenses, which are worn for just one day and discarded. They don’t need to be cleaned and sterilized and may be less likely to irritate your eyes.
* Take care with make-up. Apply it after you put your lenses in, and don’t use powder eye shadow or loose powder. Keep hairspray away from your eyes.
* Contact lenses can’t really get “lost” in the eye, but sometimes a lens slips under the eyelid. Try this technique to get the lens back into position
