Contact Lenses Care

Q: Why is it harmful to rub the eyes while wearing contact lenses, even soft ones?

A: There are several reasons: (1) Because of the aforementioned blepharoptosis, (2) because an abrasion may occur, and (3) because of the possible introduction of bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

Q: How many hours a day can I expect to wear contact lenses?

A: That depends upon the lens and your eyes. Most people are eventually able to wear their lenses most of their waking hours: about eight hours for hard-lens wearers and fourteen hours for soft-lens wearers. But every pair of eyes is unique. Some people can wear their lenses for only four hours a day; some can go for as long as eighteen hours, though this is not a good idea unless you break up the time with a rest period. This method can be used by anyone to effectively extend wearing time: Remove your lenses and let the eyes rest for fifteen or twenty minutes. This gives them a new lease on life, and lets you wear your lenses late at night after a long day at the office. Read the rest of this entry »

Q: Can contact lenses harm the eye?

A: Contact lenses are dangerous if you have a faulty lens, or do not maintain proper ocular hygiene, or don’t follow the recommended wearing and handling procedures. For instance, corneal abrasion can occur when the lens isn’t inserted properly. Corneal edema occurs if you overwear the lens. An eye infection may be caused by fingers or contact lens solutions that are contaminated. And foreign bodies can sneak under the lens and irritate the cornea.

With regard to the vast number of contact lens wearers, though, such complications have been remarkably rare. Read the rest of this entry »