Most people who wear contact lenses say they know about how to wear and care for contact lenses. But a new study shows that many do not know how to use the correct contact lenses.
More than 80 percent of contact lens wearers surveyed before eye examinations to believe that they have followed the way of good lenses. But only 2 percent actually meet the measures of contact lens care has been recommended. Less than 1 percent were found to follow fully the recommendations such as washing hands before wearing contact lenses, contact lenses using a special liquid, and replace contact lenses according to instructions.
The survey was conducted in patients who underwent an eye examination in private practice or university. Mostly, that is 85 percent of survey participants have felt keep the contact lens user, but only 0.4 percent are following all the instructions. The study also shows that, most contact lens wearers know what they should do to avoid complications. However, few actually follow all the recommendations. The most frequent complications reported by contact lens wearers surveyed was the inconvenience of a 72 per cent and a 47 percent infection.
Analysis of the results of these studies have been published in the journal Optometry and Vision Science December issue. The study was conducted by researchers Danielle M. Robertson, OD, PhD, and H. Dwight Cavanagh, MD, PhD, of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Researchers find new strategies to improve compliance guide for the use of contact lens wearers.
"One of the most common cause of contact lens-related complications are not a replacement contact lenses as directed. Often contact lenses are used beyond the time limit stated in the instruction manual," said a spokesman for the American Optometric Association (AOA), Randall Fuerst.
When a user using contact lenses longer than recommended or did not follow the care instructions and storage. Thus, there will be more likely to deposit buildup that can cause chronic eye redness or infection.
User manual, maintenance, and storage of contact lenses according to the AOA, as quoted by WebMD :
1. Always wash and dry your hands before contact lens wear.
2. Clean the contact lenses as often as possible, as recommended by optometrists.
3. Use a special liquid for contact lenses every time to clean and store. Do not use a special liquid that has expired contact lenses.
4. Do not use tap water for contact lens care, including when washing contact lenses. Tap water may contain microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
5. Keep the contact lens in a special storage area of contact lenses and contact lenses to change the place at least every 3 months. Clean the contact lenses after use.
6. Do not swim or soak in a hot tub with the use of contact lenses.
7. Should not wear contact lenses while sleeping.
8. Remove contact lenses if eye redness and gritty sensation in the eye.
