Contact lens wearers must be committed to proper hygiene, as well as following the eye doctor’s instructions on wearing and caring for the lenses. Some types of hard contact lenses may cause discomfort. These are most often caused by a dirty or inside-out lens that needs to be replaced with a new one.

They correct your vision

Contact lenses are an excellent option for people who cannot wear glasses, but who want to correct their vision. They are available in a wide range of styles, materials and prescriptions. The most common are soft contact lenses, which conform to the shape of the eye for a comfortable fit. Rigid gas-permeable contact lenses are another option, and offer greater durability.

Unlike eyeglasses, which have a fixed focal point, contact lenses move with the eye to provide crisp, clear vision and reduce photograph distortions. They also allow more peripheral vision, which can be useful in physically demanding jobs or sports.

While most contact lens-related problems are minor, they can occur if not worn and cared for properly. Symptoms of discomfort, eye changes or other serious problems should be reported to your eye care professional right away. Washing your hands before handling contact lenses is essential, and they should be removed and stored according to the instructions of your eye care professional.

They are easy to put in and take out

When you first start wearing contact lenses, it is important to wash your hands before handling the lenses. This decreases the risk of an eye infection. It is also a good idea to keep your fingernails short, as they can scratch the surface of the lens. It is also a good idea to have regular annual check-ups by an eye care professional.

When putting in your contacts, it is helpful to stand in front of a mirror and have a clean towel handy. Then, find a flat space where you can place your contact lens case and solution. Spread one of the clean towels on the surface to catch any droplets. Next, wash and dry your hands. Once your hands are clean, open the contact lens case and remove a lens. It should look like a bowl shape with straight edges. If it looks like a lip, turn it around. It is essential to get the correct prescription for your eyes before starting.

They are comfortable

It is important to choose a high-quality contact lens that will rest comfortably on the eye. This will help prevent the eye from becoming dry or irritated. You can use eye drops to make the lenses more comfortable, but only if they are compatible with your contact lens type and brand.

You should also make sure that you follow all of your doctor’s instructions on how to wear and care for the lenses. You should also avoid sleeping with your contacts in, as this could lead to serious eye infections.

When you go to get your first pair of contact lenses, be sure to ask your optometrist for a contact lens fitting. This exam will determine the exact size and curvature of your eyes, which is important to ensuring proper fit and comfort. Your eye doctor will also discuss any allergies or cornea scars that could affect your lens options. Getting the right lenses can reduce discomfort, dryness and blurriness.

They are easy to clean

Contact lens care is easy when you follow the instructions from your eye doctor and the solution manufacturer. Start with clean hands and a fresh lens case. Wash your hands with a gentle soap or antibacterial hand gel and dry them thoroughly. Make sure to use a separate towel from the one you used to touch your eyes. Do not use tap water, saline, saliva, or rewetting drops to clean and wet your contacts; these do not disinfect the lenses and can increase your risk of eye infections.

Most soft lenses are worn daily and require regular cleaning, disinfection, rinsing and storage. Depending on the type of lens and your wear schedule, you may need a multipurpose cleaner with or without hydrogen peroxide, or an enzymatic protein remover to keep your lenses clean. Most contact lens solutions have a built-in neutralizer that works during the disinfecting process; however, some systems require the addition of a neutralizing tablet after disinfection.