1.Get your eyes checked beforehand
This is even more important if you have no prior experience of wearing contact lenses, whether clear or colored, prescription or non prescription. Be sure to head to your local optometrist or ophthalmologist to get a professional eye exam done. A proper eye exam will determine if your eyes are properly shaped to fit contact lenses, and if your eye health is appropriate for contact lens usage. For example, if you are prone to eye infections, have severe allergies or dry eyes, you may be at a higher risk of infection if you were to wear color contact lenses. Getting an eye exam will also allow an eye care professional to teach you proper steps to care for your contact lenses, as well as proper removal procedures. Improper care for contact lenses will increase risk of eye infections. The eye care professional will also be able to advise you on how long colored, fashion or halloween contact lenses can be worn.
2. Buy colored contacts from reliable online stores
The rule of thumb here is to ensure that coloured contacts are being sold by online retailers who require a prescription. Buying contact lenses online can be difficult, especially when there are so many online stores and retail shops selling colored contact lenses at extremely affordable prices. Keep in mind that these are your eyes at stake – one wrong move and you will damage your eyes, potentially to the point of blindness. At LensVillage, we ensure that you already have existing prescription before you can purchase colored contact lenses.
3. Never use just any water to clean your contact lenses
Tap water, mineral water, distilled water, or even a homemade saline solution are BIG NO-NO’S when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting your colored contact lenses. This is because these liquids have the potential to contain micro-organisms or bacteria that will cause eye infections. Always use proper contact lens solution, because they are bottled in sterile containers that are bacteria-free.
4. Replace your contact lens case every three to six months
According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), you should replace your contact lens case at least every three to six months or as directed by your eye care provider. Unless you are using contact lenses that contain hydrogen peroxide, then you should always use the new contact lens case that comes with each new pair.
5. Do not wear your contact lenses overnight or to sleep
This should come as a no-brainer, but yet the amount of people who accidentally sleep with their colored contact lenses is astounding. Not only does sleeping with your contact lenses on increases the risk of infection, it also reduces the amount of oxygen to the eye, causing stress to your cornea. Should you find yourself accidentally falling asleep with your contact lenses, do not attempt to remove it immediately upon awakening. Moisten your eyes with some eye drops to avoid tearing out your cornea together with your coloured contact lenses, as they would be too dry.