Summer brings along its own set of challenges for contact lens wearers. The increased heat, exposure to sunlight, and outdoor activities can affect both the comfort and safety of your lenses. Proper care and maintenance of contact lenses are crucial to avoid eye infections and ensure clear vision. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to take care of your contact lenses during the summer months.
Tips To Take Care of Contact Lenses During Summer
- Hydration is Key: The hot summer weather can cause your contact lenses to dry out more quickly than usual. To combat this, keep your eyes well-hydrated. Use rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses. Drinking plenty of water also helps maintain your overall hydration levels, which in turn can keep your eyes from feeling dry.
- Protect Your Eyes from UV Rays: Just like your skin, your eyes need protection from harmful UV rays. Extended exposure to the sun can damage your eyes and affect your contact lenses. Choose contact lenses with UV protection and always wear sunglasses with UV-blocking capabilities when outdoors. This dual-layer of protection will help safeguard your eyes.
- Keep Your Hands Clean: Summer often means more outdoor activities and travel, increasing the chances of your hands coming into contact with dirt and bacteria. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. This simple step can prevent the transfer of harmful microorganisms to your eyes.
- Avoid Swimming with Contact Lenses: Swimming pools, lakes, and the ocean are breeding grounds for bacteria and other pathogens that can stick to your contact lenses, leading to serious eye infections. It’s best to avoid swimming with contact lenses. If you must wear them while swimming, use waterproof goggles to keep water out of your eyes.
- Proper Storage and Cleaning: The heat can affect the efficacy of your contact lens solution. Store your lenses and solutions in a cool, dry place to prevent any deterioration. Follow the recommended cleaning regimen by your eye care professional. Always use fresh solution for storing your lenses, and never reuse old solution. Ensure that your lens case is also clean and replaced regularly.
- Be Mindful of Allergies: Summer can exacerbate allergies, which can lead to itchy and watery eyes. This can be particularly uncomfortable for contact lens wearers. If you suffer from allergies, consider using daily disposable lenses to reduce the buildup of allergens on your lenses. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops can also provide relief, but ensure they are safe to use with your contact lenses.
- Stay Cool: Heat can cause your contact lenses to become uncomfortable. Try to stay in air-conditioned environments when possible, and avoid exposing your eyes to direct, hot winds. If you experience discomfort, give your eyes a break by removing your lenses and switching to glasses temporarily.
- Regular Check-ups: Regular visits to your eye care professional are essential, especially during the summer. They can check the health of your eyes and the condition of your contact lenses. If you’re in Mumbai, consider visiting a reputable eye hospital for comprehensive eye care. Arohi Eye Hospital, a leading eye hospital in Mumbai, offers expert advice and services for contact lens wearers.
- Be Prepared: Always carry a backup pair of glasses and an extra contact lens case with solution when you’re on the go. This ensures that you are prepared for any situation where you might need to remove your lenses unexpectedly.
Conclusion:
Taking care of your contact lenses during summer requires a bit of extra effort but is essential for maintaining eye health and comfort. By following these tips, you can enjoy all the activities that summer has to offer without compromising your eye health. Remember, if you experience any persistent discomfort or symptoms of an eye infection, seek professional advice immediately. For residents in Mumbai, Arohi Eye Hospital is a trusted option for all your eye care needs. With more than 14 years of experience and state of the art equipments, Arohi has become the best eye hospital in Mumbai.
