Cosmetic contact lenses, also known as beauty lenses or enlarging lenses, can change eye color and enhance facial features. Dr. Nguyen Duc Huy, an ophthalmology specialist at Tam Anh General Clinic District 7, emphasizes the importance of proper contact lens use. Incorrect usage can lead to eye damage, including corneal ulcers and vision loss.

Choose products from reputable sources

The eyes are sensitive organs, susceptible to damage. Therefore, users must select high-quality contact lenses from verified sources. Standard-compliant products are controlled for material, safety, and sterility, ensuring comfortable vision and reducing dryness, burning, and irritation.

Wear the correct prescription

Wearing contact lenses with the correct prescription for nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism is essential. This ensures light focuses precisely on the retina, providing clear and accurate vision. Incorrect prescriptions force the eyes to over-accommodate, leading to fatigue, headaches, dizziness, and reduced concentration. Prolonged use of incorrect lenses can also accelerate the progression of refractive errors, cause binocular vision disorders, and negatively impact academic performance, work efficiency, and daily safety.

Dr. Huy examines a woman's eyes. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Dr. Huy examines a woman's eyes. Illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Proper hand hygiene and contact lens application

Before inserting or removing contact lenses, wash hands thoroughly with soap and dry them completely. Lenses must be cleaned with a specialized solution; do not use tap water, spring water, or saline solution for rinsing. The lens case also requires regular cleaning and periodic replacement every 1-3 months, as its moist environment can easily accumulate bacteria and fungi. Using an old case for too long increases the risk of corneal inflammation and eye infections.

Avoid prolonged lens wear

Cosmetic contact lenses should not be worn for more than 6-8 hours daily. Wearing them for too long deprives eyes of oxygen, causing dryness, irritation, and increased susceptibility to inflammation. Dr. Huy advises against wearing cosmetic contact lenses while sleeping, including naps, and to avoid them if eyes are red, painful, have discharge, or show signs of conjunctivitis.

Replace products on schedule

Each type of contact lens has a different lifespan, such as daily, monthly, or three-month disposables. Users must adhere strictly to manufacturer recommendations and avoid extending usage beyond the specified period to prevent bacterial buildup. Contact lens soaking solution should also be replaced with each use; do not top off old solution.

Dr. Huy recommends an eye examination at a reputable facility before using cosmetic contact lenses. This allows for an assessment of corneal health and advice on suitable lens types. During use, if symptoms such as: pain, watery eyes, light sensitivity, or blurred vision appear, immediately remove the lenses and seek prompt medical attention.

Nhat Minh