Observed August 21 to 25 this year, Contact Lens Health Week holds a crucial place in the national health calendar, even though it may often be overlooked. While you may not currently use contact lenses or consider them a significant part of your life, the health of our eyes and our vision is a precious gift that should never be taken for granted.
Contact Lens Health Week serves as a vital call to action for all individuals who require assistance with their vision. With contact lenses being widely used and readily available, it becomes essential to raise awareness about their proper use and care. The condition of your contact lenses directly impacts your ability to see clearly, making it crucial to prioritize their maintenance and seek professional guidance when needed.
Even if you do not use contact lenses at present, understanding the significance of eye health and regular eye care is paramount. The health of our eyes can significantly impact our overall well-being and quality of life, making it essential to cherish and safeguard our vision for the years to come. This special week serves as a reminder of the essential role proper contact lens care plays in maintaining clear vision and ocular health.
Contact lenses have revolutionized the way we correct vision, providing convenience and comfort to millions worldwide. However, along with the benefits come responsibilities, as improper lens care can lead to various eye complications and discomfort. Contact Lens Health Week is an initiative to educate and empower contact lens wearers to adopt safe practices, ensuring our eyes remain healthy and our vision remains crisp.
Today, eye health and our ability to see are greatly taken for granted; the rise in technology and medical science means that most people should have the use of their eyes up until the day they die.
If they do suffer from any impairments, there are optics to help, surgeries, and transplants. Your eyes are replaceable now, but that wasn’t always the case, and for this week, you must understand just how far we’ve come and how valuable those precious sites are.
The first record of glasses for the improvement of one’s eyesight date back to the 1300s when very primitive lenses were crafted into frames. Salvino D’Armate is the most likely inventor. From there, framed spectacles became more refined, handmade, and only available to the elite in society.
At about the time of the industrial revolution, glasses became quite accessible, and the common man could now enjoy improved vision at an affordable price. In the early 1800s, Thomas Young created the first contact lens prototype, using wax and water-filled lenses, followed by another set of lenses to correct any light refracturing. Over the next 150 years, contact lenses were given some attention, and by the 1940s, real progress had been made in creating a reliable replacement for everyday glasses. But it wasn’t until the introduction of soft lenses that people started to buy into the idea en masse.
From there, the general public now opts between glasses and contact lenses, but most of the population does so without proper care and maintenance. Contact lenses come with two very important details: a replacement schedule and a wear schedule. The most advanced contact lenses can be worn for a maximum of 30 days and nights, then they need to be replaced with fresh lenses.
National Contact Lens Health Week is a call to action for all those who wear contact lenses to be reminded of the importance of practicing regular care when using contact lenses. The nature of the lens makes it so that little oxygen penetrates the lens, while over extended periods can cause further deterioration of your vision.
Your eyes are irreplaceable, so make their care a priority! Healthy habits lead to healthy eyes. By taking proper care of your contact lenses, you can enhance your vision and maintain the well-being of your precious eyes.
When cared for properly, contact lenses can provide a safe and effective way to correct your vision. In fact, more than 45 million Americans wear contact lenses. However, wearing contact lenses can increase your chance of getting an eye infection—especially if you do not care for your lenses the right way.
Your habits, supplies, and eye care provider are all essential to keeping your eyes healthy. Both contact lens wearers and eye care providers play an important role in proper eye care. By following your eye care provider’s instructions on how to wear, clean, and store your lenses properly, you can enjoy the comfort and benefits of contact lenses while lowering your chances of an eye infection. Follow these healthy habits to safely wear contact lenses and help protect your eyes.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses to prevent the transfer of dirt and bacteria to your eyes. Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses, and dry your hands well with a clean cloth before touching your contact lenses every time.
To ensure the safety and well-being of your eyes, it is essential to follow your eye care provider's recommendations regarding the proper use and care of your contact lenses. If you have not been prescribed to sleep in your contact lenses, it is crucial to remove them before bedtime to reduce the risk of eye infections and other potential complications.
Follow your eye care professional's instructions for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing your contact lenses. Avoid shortcuts and use recommended solutions. Rub and rinse your contact lenses with a contact lens disinfecting solution—never water or saliva—to clean them each time you remove them. Don’t “top off” solution. Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution in your case—never mix fresh solution with old or used solution. Use only the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care provider.
Clean your contact lens case by rubbing and rinsing it with contact lens solution—never water—and then empty and dry with a clean tissue. Store upside down with the caps off after each use. Replace your contact lens case at least once every three months.
Schedule regular eye exams with your eye care professional to ensure your contact lens prescription remains up-to-date and to monitor your eye health. Have a conversation with your eye care provider during your next appointment to discuss your contact lens wear and care habits and to help prevent eye infections. Visit your eye care provider yearly or as often as he or she recommends. Remove your contact lenses immediately and call your eye care provider if you have eye pain, discomfort, redness, or blurred vision.
If you experience any eye discomfort, redness, or irritation while wearing contacts, remove them immediately and consult your eye care professional.
Carry a backup pair of glasses with a current prescription—just in case you have to take out your contact lenses.
Observing Contact Lens Health Week provides an excellent opportunity to prioritize eye health and promote safe contact lens practices. Here are some ways to participate and celebrate this important week:
Take the time to learn about proper contact lens care, hygiene, and the potential risks associated with improper use. Stay informed about the latest guidelines from eye care professionals and health organizations.
Share informative posts on social media platforms to raise awareness about Contact Lens Health Week. Use hashtags such as #ContactLensHealthWeek and #HealthyEyes to reach a broader audience.
Organize virtual events featuring eye care professionals who can provide valuable insights on contact lens care and best practices. Allow participants to ask questions and seek expert advice.
If you're an eye care provider or contact lens retailer, consider offering special discounts or promotions on contact lens products or eye exams during Contact Lens Health Week.
Share infographics and tips on how to properly clean, store, and handle contact lenses. Emphasize the importance of regular eye exams and the significance of following prescribed wearing schedules.
Advocate for regular eye exams among your family, friends, and followers. Emphasize that a comprehensive eye exam is essential, even for those who do not currently wear contact lenses.
Partner with local eye care professionals or organizations to co-host educational events or collaborate on informative content.
Develop eye-catching infographics or short videos that emphasize the do's and don'ts of contact lens care. Make them shareable to reach a wider audience.
Encourage your audience to participate in a contact lens care challenge, where they pledge to follow the proper lens care routine for a week and share their experiences.
Remember, the primary goal of Contact Lens Health Week is to prioritize eye health and safety. By actively participating and promoting safe lens practices, we can help individuals maintain clear vision and enjoy the benefits of contact lenses without compromising their eye health.
We invite all contact lens wearers to join us in celebrating Contact Lens Health Week 2023. Together, we can raise awareness, promote safe lens practices, and empower one another to enjoy the freedom and joy that comes with a clear and healthy vision.
Let's take proactive steps towards nurturing healthy eyes and embracing the beauty of clear vision.