The St Luke’s Hospital’s Information and Communications Department yesterday recommended that contact lenses should be cleaned, rinsed and disinfected at least daily and preferably every time they are removed from the eyes.

Contact lenses stored longer than 12 hours require cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting prior to use. Lenses are to be handled with care, while always washing, rinsing and drying your hands thoroughly first, the department said.

Harmful or irritating vapours should be avoided while wearing contact lenses.

The department also said that it is a must for users to always remove contact lenses prior to going to sleep, unless advised by an ophthalmologist. In case of any adverse reaction such as discomfort, excessive watering, blurring of vision, sensitivity to light or redness of the eye, it is extremely important for users to immediately remove their contact lenses and consult an ophthalmologist.

The department advised that the use of saliva, tap water or anything other than the recommended solutions should not be used for contact lens care, while contact with cosmetics, lotions, creams, deodorant or sprays should be avoided. Lenses should never be removed with fingernails or tweezers, the department said.

Extra precautions should be taken in warm and humid weather, when it is advisable to clean contact lenses more frequently, while also changing them and their corresponding disinfecting solution more often.

Underwater swimming with contact lenses is possible when swimming goggles are used. However, the department does not recommend contact lens users to wear contact lenses when swimming without goggles due to impurities or chemicals in the water.