A contact lens guru has stepped in to clear up some of the most common queries that thousands of Brits are Googling each month. These include the repercussions of snoozing with your contacts in, what to do if they get stuck, and how to determine if they’re inside out.
Tina Patel from Feel Good Contacts has taken on the internet’s top contact lens conundrums to set the record straight. What happens if you kip with your contact lenses in?
It’s a common blunder to nod off with your contacts in, whether it’s due to sheer exhaustion or simply forgetting after a night on the tiles.
Unless you’re sporting lenses specifically designed for overnight use, sleeping in contacts ups the risk of issues like dry, gritty eyes, corneal abrasions, or even infections such as conjunctivitis. If you accidentally drift off with your lenses in, don’t fret.
Wait five to ten minutes after waking to let your peepers rehydrate naturally, then use lubricating eye drops to make removing the lenses easier. In cases where this is a regular occurrence, like after siestas or nights out, you might want to chat to your optician about switching to extended wear lenses designed for overnight use, reports Surrey Live.
However, taking your lenses out before hitting the hay is always the best option to keep your eyes healthy and protected. How can I tell if my contact lenses are inside out?
If you’ve ever squinted at your contact lens, wondering which way is up, you’re not alone. While putting in a contact lens inside out won’t harm your eye, it can certainly make things less comfortable, so here’s how to tell.
One simple test is to see if the lens resembles a saucepan with flared edges; if it does, it’s inside out and needs flipping. Some lenses include numbers or markings on the rim.
If these appear reversed, this is another sign that the lens is the wrong way around. Another popular trick is the ‘taco test,’ where you gently squeeze the lens between your fingers.
If the edges curl inward like a taco, the lens is correctly positioned. If they flare outward, it’s inside out.
Ultimately, the best way to tell is by the feel of the lens in the eye once inserted. If your vision is blurry or your eye feels scratchy, then it’s likely the wrong way around.
Simply remove it, rinse it with solution, and then reinsert it the right way. For many, inserting contact lenses when they’re first starting out can feel daunting, which explains why this is a common question on the web.
Over time, applying lenses will become easy with practise, but in the beginning, it’s important to be patient. Start with clean and dry hands to avoid introducing dirt or irritation.
Using silicone hydrogel lenses can also make a big difference for beginners, as these are designed for added moisture and comfort.
To avoid discomfort, ensure your lens is the right way round before putting it in, and don’t rush the process. If you’re still having issues, speak to your optician to check for any underlying problems.
It’s not possible for a contact lens to get stuck behind your eye, but it can sometimes feel that way. If that happens, try to remain calm.
Although a contact lens can’t get stuck, it can move into an awkward position or tear. Wash and dry your hands, then use lubricating eye drops to moisten your eye and loosen the lens.
Close your eye and gently massage your eyelid towards the centre to help guide the lens back to the cornea, making it easier to remove. If it’s a gas-permeable lens, apply plenty of drops and remove it once your eye is well hydrated.
If these steps don’t work or you’re struggling to find the lens, get help from your optician or visit AandE. Tina added: “Contact lenses are an amazing way to improve vision, but proper care and knowledge are essential for keeping your eyes healthy. By answering the most common questions, we hope to help contact lens wearers feel more confident and comfortable.”