Stop wearing glasses and switching to contact lenses is a desire for many people who need vision correction, particularly the youth. When that day arrives, there are new routines and precautions that cannot be forgotten, even those that seem to have no importance or any immediate consequences. All ophthalmologist advice will play an important role in the medium or long term. Main types of contact lenses Currently, almost all contact lenses used for vision correction are soft. There are also rigid ones, but they are more difficult to adapt and require more complex cleaning and disinfection care than soft ones. Soft contact lenses have a defined period of use: They can be for single use or intended to be reused for several days, maximum 30 days; They differ from each other, so the number of uses should not be exceeded. The most common contact lenses are the so-called daily lenses and monthly lenses. Both are intended to be used only during the day, that is, at the time of day when you are awake. They cannot be used while sleeping. Daily lenses Are disposable after one use; Do not require disinfection and storage: they are removed from the packaging to be placed and when removed they are thrown away; As a rule, they are sold in packs of 30 lenses. Monthly lenses Are intended for approximately 30 reuses, or 30 days, and then thrown away; They need to be washed and disinfected carefully between each use, with a specific washing solution and in a proper case; As a rule, they are sold in packs of 6 lenses. Putting on and taking off contact lenses Regardless of the type of contact lenses, the sequence for putting in and taking out is similar. To put contact lenses on: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, ensuring that there is no hair or other residue left behind. Open the case of the first lens or new packaging, depending on whether the lens is reusable or single-use, respectively. With the fingertips of one hand, remove the lens to the palm of the other hand and, if applicable, wash with the washing solution. Place the lens on the tip of the index finger of the dominant hand with the concave surface (which will be against the eye) facing upwards. With the help of the fingers of the other hand, open the eyelids. Place the lens on the eye. Open and close your eyelids enough times to make sure that the lens is properly fitted, which means that it does not cause any discomfort and allows correct vision. Repeat the operation for the other eye. For single-use lenses, throw away the packaging; for reusable lenses, wash the container with the washing solution and store until the next use, when it should be filled with new washing solution. To take contact lenses out: Wash and dry your hands thoroughly, ensuring that there is no hair or other residue left behind. If the lenses are reusable, open the container and add new washing solution. With the help of the fingers of your non-dominant hand, if necessary, open one of your eyes wide, and with the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand remove the lens. Place in the container and close or throw away if the lens is for single use Repeat for the other eye. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes (and contact lenses) Don’t forget this step. It is very important to reduce the risk of contamination or infection of the eyes. Don't sleep with contact lenses on Sleeping with contact lenses increases the risk of infection. Furthermore, daily rest periods for the eyes without lenses, are important for eye health. Regularly replace the washing case Lens washing liquids usually come with a proper case to put the lenses between uses. Wash this container and replace it according to the product instructions. Do not wash the lenses without using the appropriate solutions Lenses should only be washed with solutions that are specific for this purpose. In an emergency, use saline solution, but you must replace the lens as soon as possible with a new one. Only use lenses prescribed by your doctor The contact lenses prescribed by the ophthalmologist for vision correction take into account: Results of assessment and individual exams; Results of lens adaptation tests, including comfort and improvement in vision achieved; Other specific needs, related, for example, to age, habits, profession or activity, among others. Do not use lenses that are not prescribed by an ophthalmologist. If for any reason you feel that you are not adapting to the prescribed lenses, speak to your doctor. Always seek medical care Remove your contact lenses and seek medical attention whenever you have unusual complaints, as these may mean that something is wrong. Red eyes Eye pain Difficulty tolerating light Vision is blurred or different from usual More tearing than usual Eye discharge Difficulty opening the eyes Author: Paulo Queirós Sources Center for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy contact lens wear and care Meet the Hospital da Luz Ophthalmology clinical team . The content published in the Health Guide is intended for the general public and is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace individual medical assessment, diagnosis, or personalized clinical advice from a qualified healthcare professional. The content is produced or reviewed by physicians and other healthcare professionals at Hospital da Luz and is based on the knowledge available at the time of publication or the most recent update, as indicated at the beginning of each item.
