4 Important Monthly Disposable Lens Habits That Should Not Be Practiced

Monthly disposable lens has certain guidelines and steps to be followed to guarantee a seamless and successful experience. Below are 4 habits that should not be practiced.

Monthly Disposable Lens #1: Using Solution That Is Old

One thing to definitely avoid with monthly disposable contact lenses is reusing solution. Many users are tempted to top off their lens case with fresh solution instead of using entirely new solution every time. This nearly triples the risk for eye infections and complications. 

Contact lens solution is supposed to disinfect the lenses and remove proteins, lipids and other debris that accumulate on the lenses over time. By reusing the same old solution, you will not only fail to clean your lenses effectively, but you will also reintroduce harmful bacteria and contaminants that might have settled in the solution. These might further lead to a number of complications with the eye including conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and serious infections that may affect vision. 

On top of this, using the solution after a long period from its opening may have it degrade — compromising its capacity to clean and disinfect. It will be important to note that good hygiene in contact lenses is very fundamental for a healthy vision. Every time you touch your lenses, you should be disposing of the used solution and replacing it with fresh, sterile contact lens solution. This easy step will keep your lenses clean and hygienic for use, extend the life of the lens, and add comfort when wearing the contacts. 

Moreover, refilling the case with fresh solution follows guidelines from eye care professionals on proper cleaning. This minimises the complications by focusing on the proper care of the lenses themselves and not reusing old solution for clear, comfortable vision during the monthly disposable lenses’ lifetime.

Monthly Disposable Lens #2: Negligence In Terms Of Storing

One of the most important things when it comes to storing monthly disposable lenses is to avoid improper conditions as this may help extend the life of these lenses. Contact lenses are known to be pretty fragile and need lots of care in handling and storage so that they do not get contaminated or damaged easily. 

Perhaps one of the most common mistakes when it comes to lenses in general is the exposure to extreme temperatures — hot or cold. For example, contact lenses exposed to increased temperature in a car may lead to evaporation of the solution or even distortions of the lenses themselves, which deforms their shape and renders them useless in terms of function and use.

On the other hand, if they are stored in cooler places such as a refrigerator, it will cause condensation inside the case, creating ideal conditions for bacterial growth. Besides, lenses in opened or unsealed cases can cause them to be exposed to airborne contaminants and dust. This may expose the eye to dangerous pathogens which can lead to the emergence of serious infections and vision issues.

Storage is always important in their contact lens case filled with fresh contact lens solution as this will keep them moist but most importantly helps clean them. Another important thing to consider with regard to storage is the frequent replacement of the lens case as with time, older cases tend to harbour bacteria and this defeats the purpose of cleanliness achieved using fresh solution. Also, avoiding direct sunlight and keeping the case in a cool and dry place are methods of protection against degradation of the lenses. 

With appropriate storage conditions, precautions against ocular infection and complications from improper handling of contact lenses will be minimised. By doing so, a much safer and more comfortable experience is ensured by the users. In fact, it should be considered an absolute priority to observe proper storage techniques for healthy vision while on monthly disposable lenses.

Monthly Disposable Lens #3: Using Beyond Prescribed Duration

Another aspect to avoid with monthly disposable lenses is using them beyond their indicated lifespan. Although this might be a tempting option, it puts your eye health in very serious jeopardy. Monthly lenses are designed for optimal comfort and vision over a limited period. After 30 days, these materials can degrade and lead to increased build-up of proteins, lipids and other deposits that usually accumulate on the lens surface. This builds up not only compromises the clarity of the vision but can also irritate the eyes, leading to discomfort and redness. 

Besides, lenses used beyond the recommended time are more prone to microbial contamination. In addition to that, old lenses host bacteria and other microorganisms which raise the risk of severe eye infection such as keratitis. These infections may cause anything from discomfort to severe vision loss in cases of late treatment. Wearing them beyond the expiration date can lead to reduced oxygen supply to the cornea which will rise to general discomfort — leading to long-term damage to the eye. 

Proper wear of the lenses requires adherence to the schedule as prescribed by replacing lenses as instructed — this maintains the integrity of the eye, keeping it comfortable. The replacement of monthly lenses at regular intervals not only guarantees superior performance but also builds up healthy wearing habits. Individuals who might forget when to replace them often use reminders or daily calendars to remind themselves of the next date. More than anything, avoiding the temptation of extending wear with monthly lenses is considered key to good eye health — see clearly without complications from improper lens wear.

Monthly Disposable Lens #4: Using Unclean Hands

One of the most vital things to avoid when handling monthly disposable contact lenses is to touch them with dirty hands. Hygiene plays a very crucial role that cannot be undervalued in protecting the eyes from infection and irritations mostly caused by bacteria and contaminants. 

Should they fail to wash their hands before placing or removing their lenses, users expose themselves to transferring microorganisms from the fingers right to the lenses and then to the eyes. This might elicit serious complications like corneal ulcers, conjunctivitis and other infections that could cause issues in vision, discomfort or long healing periods. The hands should be cleaned with soap and water by scrubbing for at least 20 seconds and then dried with a clean, lint-free towel before reaching out for the lenses. 

When access to soap and water is not possible, hand sanitisers can act as a good alternative — these must contain at least 60% alcohol. It is important to be sure that this sanitiser is able to air-dry completely before the handling of the lenses occurs to avoid irritation to the eyes from any potential alcohol residue. Additionally, prior to contact lens handling, one needs to avoid contact with any items that could already be contaminated by germs whether it be countertops, a mobile phone or even a fixture in a public restroom. 

Additional steps can also be taken into consideration by using a special case for contacts, one cleaned regularly in order to minimise chances of contamination. With proper hygiene and clean hands, there will be a reduction in infections associated with these lens applications and an improvement in general eye health for easier and safer wear.

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