Contact lenses are medical devices used by people with eye disorders. The first use of lenses began with hard lenses in the 1960s. Soft contact lenses, which came into use in the 1970s, gained widespread acceptance and became frequently used due to their features such as easy adaptation and less noticeable presence in the eye. Technological developments also showed themselves in contact lenses over time. Soft lenses gradually became more oxygen permeable, and even lenses for astigmatism (toric), lenses that show both near and far well (multifocal/progressive) and lenses that block the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays began to be produced. In recent years, lenses produced from a material called silicone hydrogel have caused a significant increase in oxygen permeability and increased patient comfort. You can find frequently asked questions and answers about contact lenses below:
I sleep with my lenses at night, am I doing it right?
No, you are not doing it right. Normally, the cornea (transparent layer) gets its oxygen by absorbing it from the air. When the eyelids are closed during sleep, the oxygen level decreases. Contact lenses reduce the oxygen reaching the cornea. Leaving a lens in the eye while sleeping may cause the transparent layer to become even more deprived of oxygen. In recent years, lenses with higher oxygen permeability have been produced and this problem has been resolved to some extent. However, studies have shown that sleeping with contact lenses at night increases the likelihood of eye infection (germs) by at least 5-6 times. For this reason, we do not recommend sleeping with lenses at night.
I have been using my monthly lenses for more than 2 months. I do not feel any discomfort in my eyes. Will it be a problem?
Yes, it will be a problem. Because lenses are produced for optimum usage periods. Using the lens beyond its due date causes substances such as protein and fat to accumulate on it. This increases the risk of infection. Additionally, as the duration of use increases, a decrease in the oxygen permeability of the lens is expected. As a result of such use, you may one day face a serious infection. This infection can threaten your vision. Be sure to ask about the ideal lifespan of the lens you are using and use it accordingly.
I used to have yearly lenses, but they say they are no longer produced. From now on lunar Will I have to use contact lenses or daily contact lenses?
Contact lenses are medical devices. But ultimately, they are foreign objects placed in the eye. As the duration and lifespan of a foreign object in the eye increases, it wears out and cannot perform as well as the first day. As the time increases, microorganisms cling to the lens more easily and the risk of infection of the cornea increases. For these reasons, frequent replacement lenses are now preferred more frequently. Daily disposable lenses are becoming increasingly common. The saying 'The shorter a lens is used, the better' should be adopted.
I never change my lens case. Should I change it?
If the same lens case is used for too long, a suitable environment for microorganisms is created. Containers used to clean the lens can become a source of germs for the lens. Lens cases need to be changed at least every 3 months. Nowadays, lens containers come out of lens solutions. When the solution is finished, the lens case should also be discarded and new lens cases should be used.
How many times can I use the solution in the lens case?
You can only use it once. Use it to clean the lens, then pour out the solution inside. Place the lenses into the solutions you put them in again each time. Empty your lens case between uses and leave it to dry with the lid open.
Can I keep the lenses in water if I do not have lens solution with me?
Some microorganisms in water can cause serious infection in the eye. Lenses should never come into contact with water. For this reason, going into the pool or the sea with lenses is risky and we do not recommend it.
Can I use saliva when putting on and taking off my contact lenses?
Before putting on and taking off contact lenses, hands should be washed with soapy water and rinsed. Saliva can cause serious infections in the eye and should never be used when inserting or removing lenses.
Should I put on my make-up after or before putting on my lenses?
The ideal is to put on the contact lenses first and then put on the make-up. If the opposite is done, make-up materials may get on the contact lenses and cause discomfort to the eyes.
The lenses dry out my eyes. Can I put drops in my eyes while I have contact lenses?
Some drops are not suitable for use with lenses due to the preservatives they contain. However, there are also many drops you can use with your lenses. Be sure to ask your doctor about the drops you will use.
I have been using contact lenses for years. I use it more comfortably than before. I don't pay as much attention to its care as I did in the first days. Is it a problem?
A common mistake among lens users is that they pay less attention to lens hygiene as their experience increases. Years of relief may increase risky lens practice. For healthy lens use and your eye health, you should use your lenses with the same care as on the first day. Please remember that you only have one pair of eyes and you should 'look with your eyes'.
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