Mistakes in daily care may increase the risk of irritation, infections and other eye-health problems. What behaviors should be avoided?
Monthly contact lenses for longer than a month – why does the time limit matter?
One common mistake is exceeding the lenses’ usage period. The term “monthly” refers to the time counted from the opening of the package, not to the number of days during which the lenses were actually worn. Therefore, if a given pair was opened and then used only occasionally, this does not automatically mean that its replacement date can be extended proportionally.
Over time, deposits originating, among other things, from the tear film may accumulate on the lens surface. The material is also subject to changes resulting from use and care. For this reason, monthly contact lenses should be replaced according to the schedule specified for the particular product. A wide range of monthly contact lenses is available at: https://www.kontaktowe.pl/67-soczewki-miesieczne.
Can you sleep in monthly contact lenses?
Falling asleep without removing your lenses is another mistake, especially when a particular model is not intended for extended wear. During sleep, the supply of oxygen to the cornea is limited, while the presence of a lens may further affect the conditions on the eye surface.
You should not assume that every monthly contact lens is suitable for being left on the eye overnight. Information about the permitted wearing schedule can be found in the instructions for the particular product. Individual recommendations from an eye-care professional are also important. Changing the way you use lenses on your own is not an appropriate solution.
Monthly contact lenses and contact with water – a combination best avoided
Showering, swimming in a pool or swimming in a lake while wearing lenses may seem harmless. However, water is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that are dangerous to the eyes. A particular risk is associated, among other things, with Acanthamoeba protozoa, which may cause severe keratitis.
For the same reason, tap water should not be used to clean either the lenses or the case. Monthly contact lenses require care with a solution intended for this purpose, in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Dirty hands and monthly contact lenses – a small mistake, a major risk
Before putting in or removing lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them. Touching a lens with unwashed hands makes it easier to transfer dirt and microorganisms to its surface.
The way you dry your hands also matters. It is best to use a clean towel that does not leave fibers behind. Small fragments of material may get under the lens and cause discomfort, tearing or the sensation of a foreign body.
The case for monthly contact lenses also requires attention
Proper care does not end with the lenses themselves. A neglected case can become a source of contamination. Topping up fresh solution in the residue left from the previous use is a mistake. The old solution should be discarded, and a fresh portion of the appropriate product should be used each time to store the lenses.
The case should be cleaned according to the recommendations for the care system being used, left to dry and replaced regularly. You should also not pour the solution into smaller, unsuitable containers, as this increases the risk of contamination.
When monthly contact lenses start causing discomfort
Burning, pain, noticeable redness, sensitivity to light, increased tearing or blurred vision should not be ignored. Trying to “get the eye used to” persistent symptoms may delay recognition of the problem. In such a situation, remove the lenses and consult a specialist, especially if the symptoms do not subside or are severe.
Safe use of monthly contact lenses therefore depends not only on their parameters, but also on the user’s daily habits. Observing the replacement schedule, hand hygiene, proper disinfection, avoiding contact with water and following the recommendations concerning the wearing schedule help reduce the risk of complications.
Kontaktowe.pl – contact lenses
Company address:
Salony Optyczne Online sp. z o.o.
Jaworowa 9, 55-003 Nadolice Wielkie
Telephone numbers:
+48 801 103 206
+48 76 870 32 20
+48 502 304 150
(Monday–Friday: 7 a.m.–5 p.m.)
Website: https://www.kontaktowe.pl/