Contact Lenses in Daily Life
In this article, you'll discover all the little problems that contact lens wearers face. Don't worry, they're nothing serious, but you have to be careful because we only have two eyes!
Contact Lenses and Sleep
Did you fall asleep with your contact lenses in? Don't panic, moisturize your eyes well with saline solution before removing them. Then clean your contact lenses thoroughly in saline solution.
But be careful, this shouldn't happen too often because when the eyelid is closed, the eye receives much less oxygen... This can cause corneal asphyxiation, which can have serious long-term consequences.
Removing your contact lenses before going to sleep should become part of your daily routine!
Contact Lenses and Screens
Whether you wear contact lenses or not, working in front of a screen reduces your blinking frequency. Blinking spreads tears across your eye; a decrease in blink frequency often leads to a feeling of dry eyes.
This sensation is more bothersome for contact lens wearers because the lenses must be properly hydrated to be effective. So if you work in front of a computer all day, you have two options:
- Remember to blink more often,
- Use artificial tears that are suitable for contact lenses, therefore preservative-free, in single-dose packaging.
Contact Lenses and Airplanes
Remove your contact lenses for air travel. The dry cabin atmosphere dries out contact lenses, making wearing contact lenses on an airplane uncomfortable and even painful.
Contact Lenses and Trains
No particular problem, but pack artificial tears, a case, and saline solution in your first aid kit. Even if you encounter a cabin with very strong air conditioning, wearing contact lenses can become uncomfortable on long journeys.
If you're traveling to hot, humid, or dry countries, be especially careful to keep your hands clean and dry when handling your contact lenses. If you experience dry eyes, you can use preservative-free artificial tears.
Contact Lenses and Sports Activities
Contact lenses are often recommended for sports because they offer a wide field of vision and are more practical than glasses!
Contact Lenses and Water
We strongly advise against wearing contact lenses for water activities (and even for showering). The risk of infection is high due to the presence of amoebas, parasites present in all fresh water. The use of daily disposable contact lenses can only be considered in conjunction with waterproof aquatic goggles! In an aquatic environment, wearing sports goggles adapted to your vision is the best option. It is risk-free.
Contact lenses and makeup/beauty products
If you wear contact lenses, insert them before applying makeup. Also remove them before removing makeup!
Be careful, it is strongly recommended not to apply eyeliner to the inside of your eyelashes when wearing contact lenses. The pencil can deposit germs, which, when in contact with the lens, can promote the development of an eye infection. Remember to check the expiration dates on beauty products!
Contact Lenses and Pregnancy
Wearing contact lenses is not contraindicated for pregnant women.
However, changes in the eye can affect the comfort of wearing contact lenses. As for the risk of infection, it increases especially in the first 3 months of pregnancy:
- Changes in the shape of the cornea on which the contact lens is placed. Its curvature increases, and contact lenses may become inadequate.
- Pregnancy may be accompanied by slight myopization, which may or may not resolve a few weeks after delivery.
- Changes in tear composition may explain possible discomfort.
- The sensitivity of the cornea decreases. Therefore, you must be very attentive to any signs of intolerance (redness, blurred vision, unusual discharge).
If you cannot tolerate your contact lenses during pregnancy, do not hesitate to wear them for a shorter time during the day or to alternate wearing them with your glasses. If the discomfort persists, consult your specialist.
Warning: Remember to remove your contact lenses before delivery; you may undergo unexpected anesthesia, and wearing contact lenses is contraindicated in this case.
Contact Lenses and Altitude
The cold and low oxygen levels are not ideal for comfortable contact lens wear and proper oxygenation of the eye.