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Contact Lenses - how safe are
yours? |
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Some while ago in the UK there was a TV-initiated scare
about contact lenses and eye infections. Without wishing to minimise the
risk, the press hysteria was a considerable over-reaction, although it did
serve to alert people not to take shortcuts where the health of the eyes
is involved.
The following eight-point checklist will ensure that, if you are a lens
wearer, you will not be putting your eyes at risk.
- Keep hands scrupulously clean, and nails short, especially the index
finger and thumbnail on the hand that is used to insert and remove lenses.
- Look after the lens case. After inserting lenses rinse it with contact
lens disinfecting solution rather than tap water, then leave it open
to dry.
- Replace the lens case regularly, certainly at least every three months.
- Regular aftercare checks with your optician are vital - usually
aftercare checks are carried out every six months, and more frequently
with certain types of lenses.
- Always check lenses are undamaged before inserting and never wear
a lens with even a slight split.
- If your eyes become sore or red take out the lenses and return to
your optician.
- Keep to the solutions specified by your optician - never change the
brands or type without seeking his or her advice first.
- Follow cleaning instructions exactly. All soft lenses, with the exception
of the one-day throw-away ones, need a two-step 'rub then rinse' before
being placed in the disinfecting/storage solution.
"Follow these tips and your lens wear will always be safe and
successful " Terence Mendoza
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