Electronics and Eyestrain

Incorrect Contact-lens Use

 If you wear contact lenses, it’s important that you use and care for them properly. This is especially the case if you use a computer and other digital-screen devices often. Proper contact-lens use helps avoid eye irritation, swelling, infection and vision problems.

First of all, it’s important to give your eyes a break: Wear your glasses! If you usually put your contacts in first thing in the morning and take them out before going to bed, you might consider taking them out a few hours early (say, when you get home) and wearing your glasses for a period.

If you’re not in the habit of taking your contacts out before bed, change that. You shouldn’t ever sleep in your contact lenses, even if they are labeled “extended wear.”

Lastly, always use good cleaning practices. While millions of people safely use contact lenses every day, lenses do carry a risk of eye infection. And in extreme cases, some eye infections can lead to blindness or permanent damage.

Here are some important things to keep in mind when cleaning your contact lenses:

• Avoid touching the lenses with water; use fresh solution every time for cleaning and storing.
• Rub your contacts when you clean them, even if you use a no-rub solution.
• Clean your storage case regularly (with fresh solution, not water) and replace it every 2-3 months.

Stop wearing your contact lenses and see an ophthalmologist right away if you develop any of these problems: Eyes that are red, blurry, watery, sensitive to light or sore; eye swelling or discharge.

If you get sufficient rest, properly use contact lenses, and periodically give your eyes a break through the workday, computer use shouldn’t cause significant eyestrain, tiredness or dryness.

For more eye health information, visit www.geteyesmart.org