Must-Know Facts About Contact Lenses for First-Time Users
Are you considering contact lenses for the first time? You’re not alone. Millions of Americans use contacts daily for vision correction.
They’ve become a popular alternative to glasses for many people. These lenses offer convenience, freedom from frames, and a better field of vision. However, if you’re new to using contact lenses, there are crucial facts you need to know before you make the switch.
This blog post covers key facts every first-time contact lens wearer should know.
Which Contact Lenses Are Right for You?
One of the first decisions you’ll ever make is choosing contact lenses that best fit your needs. There are disposables, extended-wear lenses, soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, and even special contact lenses. Each type offers distinct advantages.
For example, daily disposables are popular for their convenience. You can toss them at the end of the day without worrying about cleaning or storing them. On the other hand, extended-wear lenses allow longer use (up to 30 days) but require strict care to avoid eye infections.
Similarly, soft lenses consist of flexible plastic and are comfortable and fragile. In contrast, RGP lenses are made from silicone polymers. The Cleveland Clinic states that these lenses are durable but require an adjusting period.
Moreover, you can also select specialized lenses depending on your eye condition. Hybrid contact lenses help people with irregularly shaped corneas. Whereas, toric lenses benefit those with astigmatism, and myopia or hyperopia.
Furthermore, people can also choose from multifocal, scleral, and orthokeratology (ortho-K) contact lenses. With so many choices, and rising cases of astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia, the contact lens market is expanding rapidly.
Precedence Research projects the US contact lens market to grow from $4.53 billion in 2023 to over $7.7 billion by 2033. Moreover, it expects the toric lens, corrective lens application, and daily disposable lens segments to increase by at least 4.7%.
Environmental Concerns and PFAS in Contact Lenses
An important concern that has emerged recently is the presence of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in some contact lenses. PFAS, widely recognized as “forever chemicals,” can cause hormonal disruptions, endocrine disruption, diminished immunity, developmental disorders, and cancers.
Mamavation reports that most popular eye contact lens brands use PFAS. Its 2023 study found that 18 soft contact lenses from three major brands had varying levels of organic fluorine, a PFAS indicator. 4 products had concentrations of over 18,000 parts per million (ppm), whereas 8 products had doses of over 4,000 ppm.
Pete Myers, chief scientist for Environmental Health Sciences, reveals that the tested lenses exceeded 100 ppm. This concentration is 50,000 times the amount the EPA considers safe for drinking water.
Moreover, TruLaw states that these chemicals are used in almost every other product, including firefighting foam. Thus, resulting in lawsuits over health issues and water contamination. The most prominent example is the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) lawsuit, which addresses the widespread contamination caused by AFFF containing PFAS.
A recent AFFF lawsuit update involves 12 firefighters filing a lawsuit against major PFAS manufacturers. The plaintiffs argue that their exposure to AFFF resulted in chronic health disorders, like prostate tumors, blood, and kidney cancer. Moreover, they also requested medical assessment, injunctive relief, and liability for their damages.
The Importance of Proper Hygiene and Care
Proper care of your contact lenses is vital to keeping your eyes healthy. Before handling your lenses, always wash and dry your hands. Dirty hands can introduce harmful bacteria to your lenses, increasing the risk of infection. Once the lenses are out, clean and store them in the prescribed solution, unless they’re daily disposables.
A common mistake among new users is not following a proper cleaning routine. According to the CDC, wearing dirty or poorly maintained contact lenses can lead to keratitis, a serious cornea infection. This condition can be caused by various factors, including wearing lenses too long or failing to clean or replace them as instructed. Following the proper cleaning regimen will prolong the life of your lenses and protect your vision.
Common Mistakes First-Time Users Make
New users often fall into the trap of wearing their lenses longer than advised or neglecting to remove them before bed. This can have serious consequences. For instance, in one alarming case, a 26-year-old woman developed a parasitic infection after showering with her lenses. It resulted in her losing vision in one of her eyes. The condition was so severe that Emily Leath, 26, had to undergo a corneal transplant.
A specialist revealed that she had acanthamoeba keratitis (AK), a rare yet serious eye infection usually seen in contact lens wearers. The condition is caused by an amoeba, typically present in major water bodies. SELF discloses that Emily now has to use a daily eye drop, to ensure she can see clearly.
Always stick to the recommended wear time for your lenses and only sleep with them if they are designed for extended wear. It’s also a good idea to give your eyes a break by removing the lenses whenever possible, especially if they start to feel uncomfortable.
FDA Recalls and Staying Informed
Always stay updated on any recalls involving contact lenses. Recalls are often issued when a product is found to be unsafe, defective, or contaminated. For example, Alcon recently recalled certain batches of its Dailies Total1 and Total30 contact lenses due to potential quality issues during manufacturing.
The recalled lenses include the Astigmatism, multifocal, and soft contact lenses sold at Walmart, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale Club. However, Yahoo reports that the company asserts these lenses won’t pose any additional risk to the user.
Keeping track of such recalls helps you avoid any potential harm. The FDA and manufacturers typically release these updates through official channels. Checking for product recalls is a good habit, especially if you notice any discomfort or issues with your lenses.
Commonly Asked Questions
Q1. How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?
Most people adapt to contact lenses within a week or two. You might feel slight discomfort initially, but this usually subsides quickly. If you’re still struggling after two weeks, consult your eye doctor. They can check the fit and suggest alternatives if needed.
Q2. Can you swim with contact lenses?
It’s best to avoid swimming with contact lenses. Water can contain harmful microbes that may cause serious eye infections. If you must swim, wear waterproof goggles over your lenses. After swimming, remove and clean your lenses, or use fresh disposables.
Q3. How often should I replace my contact lens case?
Replace your contact lens case every 30 to 90 days, even if it looks clean. Old cases can harbor bacteria, increasing infection risk. When you get a new case, thoroughly clean it before use. Always keep your case clean and dry between uses.
All in all, contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable way to correct your vision. However, they require responsible use and care. Understanding different lens types, practicing proper hygiene, and staying informed on the latest safety information will ensure your experience is positive and safe.
Remember, your eye health is paramount. Schedule regular eye exams and consult your eye care professional for personalized advice when in doubt.