In 1508, Leonardo Da Vinci described the contact lens as a convenient means of correcting vision. Today, they’ve become so widely accepted that it’s not unusual for people to wear colored contact lenses purely for cosmetic reasons.

Contact lenses are medical products, so it’s necessary to obtain them from a qualified optician who’s authorized to prescribe contact lenses. With a thorough eye check-up and proper aftercare, contact lenses are quite safe. Problems usually occur when the eye examination is hastily or badly performed, the wrong type of lens is chosen and the lenses are poorly maintained or cleaned.

There’re two main types of contact lenses: soft lenses and rigid (hard) lenses. Both have their advantages-soft lenses are more comfortable, but hard lenses keep shape better and may therefore provide sharper vision.

A contact lens is really a foreign object in the eye, so it must be handled and maintained properly to prevent complications. Contact lenses must be cleaned and disinfected after each wearing. Cleaning products and schedules very according to the type of lens prescribed. Follow instructions on the package carefully. Clean with enzyme tablets to help remove protein deposits weekly. Don’t mix or substitute solutions from different cleaning systems. This could lead to discolored lenses, eye discomfort or injury.

Remember to wash and rinse your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses. Clean, rinse and air-dry your lens case. Dirty contact lens cases can be a source of bacterial growth. Replace your lens cases regularly. Don’t wear lenses beyond the recommended number of hours. Don’t wear your lenses while sleeping. Discard soft lenses after 12 to 18 months of use. Hard lenses need to be replaced after 5 years.

Don’t use saliva to wet your lenses and don’t use home-prepared saline, distilled water or tap water for cleaning your lenses. These solutions may not be sterile. Keep your contact lenses moist. Hard lenses may warp if allowed to dry and soft lenses may harden, shrivel and break. Don’t allow your lenses to come into contact with cosmetic lotions, creams or sprays. It’s best to insert your lenses before putting on makeup and to remove your lenses before cleaning face. Water-based cosmetics are less likely to damage your lenses than oil-based products. Use appropriate protection for the eyes when necessary. For example, during water sports like swimming, surfing, windsurfing and sailing, goggles should be worn to protect both the user’s eyes and lenses.

Daily disposable lenses may useful for those who have trouble keeping their lenses clean. Disposable lenses are worn for a single day then thrown away and replaced with a new pair. During camping or long trips, use extended-wear lenses to minimize handling. Extended-wear soft lenses can be worn up to 6 days continuously and the discarded. However, this type of lens is not recommended for daily long-term use. See your contact lenses practitioner or family doctor if you experience pain, discomfort, redness or itching of the eye, or if you find your sight is blurred.

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