Top 10 Precautions for Contact Lens Users

Here are the 10 most important do's and don'ts for contact lenses:

1. Don't be persuaded to switch brands without consulting your eye care professional. The water content and the shape of different brands may differ. It is not advisable to change the brand you are comfortable with. Frequent changes in brands should be avoided.

2. Do take into account factors other than the price when choosing a contact lens. Factors such as quality, suitability and guarantee are also important. Insist on a written receipt and guarantee.

3. Don't use the lenses beyond the recommended period in the case of disposable contact lenses. Replace the contact lenses in time to avoid any harm. Also don't use an old prescription when buying new use ones meant for long term use. As per regulations precriptions expire after a limited period.

4. Do use contact lenses when necessary even if you use glasses regularly. For sports and other hectic activities daily disposable contact lenses may be more convenient. Such contact lenses are disposable and are not expensive.

5. Don't try to modify the contact lenses in any manner. For example don't try to tint them with food colors as even these may cause harm to the eyes. It may lead to infections. Contact lenses are best left as they come.

6. Don't neglect any discomfort caused by contact lenses. See your eye care professional immediately as there might be ulceration which may lead to infection if left unattended. Infections if serious and not treated in time may lead to permanent impairment of vision.

7. Do consult your eye care professional in case you are not satisfied with your contact lenses. These days, due to rapid technological advancement, many types of contact lenses including bifocals are available. With such a wide range of contact lenses available you will easily find one that suits you.

8. Don't share your contact lenses with anyone. Contact lenses are meant to be used by a single person and are not meant to be shared in any case even for a short while. It is unhygienic and there is danger of communication of infections. Moreover, all contact lenses do not suit everyone.