Contact lens wearers need to take the proper care both of their lenses and hygiene of eyes. The lenses are in direct contact with the eyes and if they are not maintained/cleaned well then you can suffer from eye infections. The CDC reports that people do not seem to understand the risk that they take by not taking the prescribed care for their lenses.

Contacts are delicate optical aids, which provide effective and safe vision correction. Many people use them for cosmetic purposes as well. Whatever the purpose of use, the need for proper methods of wearing, cleaning, storing and disinfecting contact lenses is same for all. Otherwise, you may suffer from infection or inflammation which can be quite painful and disrupt your daily routine.

Not only that, but you must take particular care of your eye hygiene if you wear contact lenses regularly. The lenses are in direct contact with the eyeballs, and if any infection due to lack of eye hygiene occurs, then you will suffer immense discomfort, tearing, inflammation and make endless trips to the doctor.

Here are a few simple ways in which you can care for your lenses, as well as your eyes so that you can wear your lenses with comfort:

Wash hands

Every time you remove or put in the lens, be sure to wash your hands with soap and water to get rid of the germs, dust etc. on your hands. Always dry your hands before touching the contacts as water should not touch the lenses.

Use eyelid wipes/soft eyelid cleansers

One of the best things you can do for your eye health is to clean them with eyelid wipes or soft eyelid cleansers to remove any lurking dust, parasites, or germs. Do this twice a day, before putting in your contacts and after taking them off. Eye infections such as blepharitis can be prevented by a daily eye cleaning routine, preferably with eye friendly products containing Tea Tree Oil and without alcohol or parabens and other harmful chemicals.

People who wear contacts must take eye hygiene seriously or else the infection could be aggravated when they wear the lens.

Clean lenses with multipurpose solution

Use the doctor prescribed multi-purpose solution to clean the lenses. Put the contacts on your palm and moisten the lens with a little of the multi-purpose solution. These solutions are also known as ‘no rub’ solutions, meaning you do not have to rub the lenses with the solutions.

Put in the lenses

Using a saline drop in each of the lenses, put them in the eye. This step will ensure the contacts will be clean of all dust and debris and will not cause discomfort or infection in the eyes.

Change the solution in the case

Before removing the lenses, first replace the solution in the case. Topping up the solution is a strict no-no. Never mix the fresh solution with used or old solution.

Remove lenses after washing hands

Wash the hands thoroughly with soap and water and then remove the contacts gently. Place them in the case which has fresh solution.

Lubricate the eyes

Use the doctor prescribed eye lubricant after you remove the lenses before sleeping at night. This will keep your cornea moist and prevent conditions like dry eye, red eye etc.

Never sleep in your lenses – increases infection risk from six-eight-fold.

In exceedingly rare cases, people are asked to sleep in their lenses, by their doctors. Otherwise, never sleep in your contacts. It has been found in many studies that sleeping in lenses can irreparably damage your vision. If you wear them continuously without disinfecting them, you may end up in the emergency condition. Corneal abrasion, corneal ulcer and open sore can form on the cornea, which requires immediate surgery.

Never swim or shower wearing contacts

Remove your contacts before getting in the swimming pool or hot tub/tubs, as water can damage the lenses. There was a case which was reported in the Ophthalmology journal about a 34 year old man who slept and swam in his lenses, several times a week. He developed a rare eye infection called acanthamoeba keratitis, which required months of antibacterial and antiviral topical treatment, after which his vision was restored.

Replace contact lenses case periodically

Clean by rubbing and rinsing the case with the lens solution, and then dry with tissue paper. Place them upside down after removing the caps every time you use the contacts. Replace the case every three months.

Give rest to your eyes

Contact lenses cover the cornea, a transparent tissue which covers the eyes. While wearing contacts, air cannot reach the cornea. In case of overwearing, the cornea which is starved for oxygen, starts to grow new blood-vessels and eye inflammation can occur. Lipids deposits also occur in cornea, affecting vision. Thus, to protect your eyes, you should not wear contacts continuously. Allow oxygen to reach the cornea and stay safe.

Disinfect before use every time

If you happen to wear lenses sporadically, then clean the lenses the previous night, to get rid of any microbial growth on the lens and case. Even if you don’t wear them regularly, make a habit of cleaning them regularly, to avoid danger of infection.

Wear after proper prescription and fitting

Colored contact lenses are trendy and fashionable. But it is not an accessory which should be bought over the counter. They should be prescribed by your eye doctor, and only buy lenses which are of good quality.

Things to remember:

• Never over-wear, sleep or swim in lenses
• Follow eye hygiene habits such as cleaning with eyelid wipes or soft eye shampoo daily
• Never use tap water to clean your contact lenses
• Never reuse the cleaning solution
• Always wash hands before you handle contact lenses.

The above rules are a part of eye hygiene for those who use contact lens. If you are consistent and meticulous about the care of your eyes and your lenses, and establish a daily hygiene routine, then you can prevent eye infections which can potentially lead to vision impairment. Any eye pain, redness, blurred vision, and discomfort should not be neglected. Immediately remove the lenses and contact your eye doctor.

#Contact lens #Eyelidhygine #Eyecare  #dryeyes #blepharitis #oculeaf

Coronavirus, which started in China, has now spread to over 200 countries, and infected more than 4.1 Mn people globally. It is a highly contagious disease, as it is transmitted from person to person. Even countries with the most developed healthcare systems are finding it hard to beat back the virus. Europe & USA have become the new epicenter, reporting 100’s of deaths every day. There are many lacs of cases in the US, UK, Italy Spain, Germany, Russia, and other countries.

It has spread to India and most other countries in the world. As countries announce lockdowns for health reasons, still you do have to venture out to buy essentials like food and medicines. You must keep yourself safe, as it has been proven that the virus spreads through aerosol transmission, i.e. through respiratory droplets which can get deposited on you via an infected person, through the nose, eyes and mouth, or by touching surfaces on which the virus is present.

It is best to stay away from people who cough or sneeze, and donning a mask is helpful, though the virus is not airborne. The mask covers the mouth and nose, thus protecting you. If you do not have a mask, (since they have become scarce), cover your nose and mouth with a scarf when you go out, and wash it thoroughly with soap and water, after you come back.

However, WHO has stated that you should not touch your nose, mouth, face and eyes, whether you’re at home or outside. So, coronavirus does not spread just through your mouth and nose, but also through the eyes and may get itchy eyes or swollen eyes!

Avoid rubbing the eyes, as this is a habit most of us are prone to. If you get itchy eyes or you have to adjust your glasses, or for any reason you feel the need to touch the eyes, do so with a tissue. Dry eyes might lead to itchy eyes, so moisturize your eyes with tear drops, but do wash your hands with soap and water before you administer the eyedrops and afterward also.

As you cannot keep the eyes clean with soap and water, you should use non-toxic tea tree-based eyelid wipes and eyelid cleanser. Clean your eyelids and face at least two to three times a day with either eyelid wipes or eyelid cleanser to stay safe from the dreaded Coronavirus. This will help to clean any virus or bacteria which might be lodged in the eyelids.

Practicing safe hygiene as well as social distancing will help to slow down the spread of the disease:

• Wash hands many times during the day with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds.
• Take care to wash hands before eating, after using the restroom, coughing, sneezing, blowing your nose.
• Wash your hands after you reach home, taking care to touch door handles of your car and home with a dry tissue.
• If you do not have access to soap and water, while on the move, use a sanitizer which has 60% alcohol, but remember to wash your hands the moment you get a chance to do so.
• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth.
• Cover your face with a tissue or elbow while sneezing or coughing. After disposing of the tissue, wash the hands.
• Avoid standing close to people, especially sick people. The WHO recommends to stand at least 6 feet away from sick people.
• Do not go out if you have a fever, cold or cough, but call the government coronavirus helpline.
• To be on the safe side, try to use glasses instead of contact lenses for some time.
• Make a practice of disinfecting the surfaces as well as items of your home.
• Wash all products which you can wash (without destroying them!) with soap and water, such as milk packets.
• Plan your shopping trips so that after you buy your groceries and vegetables, you need not touch them for 12 to 14 hours. The virus does not survive for more than 14 hours on surfaces, according to WHO.

Coronavirus has ignited panic in people worldwide due to its ability to spread between people with ease. If you follow the recommended hygiene guidelines, in general and specifically for the eyes, nose and mouth, you may be protected from the virus.

Eye hygiene is vital and using cleansing tea tree Oil wipes and soft eyelid cleanser like Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes and Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser, which also is safe to use on the eyes and face, you can hope to fight coronavirus. Avoiding touching the eyes with your hands may prevent coronavirus infection through your eyes and if you have symptoms consult your eyelid doctor.

A mother’s role is not confined to providing healthy and delicious food. She is a manager, disciplinarian, psychologist (when she listens to everyone), and most of all, she is the best teacher anyone can have. We learn everything from our mothers –  basic hygiene such as brushing our teeth, how to eat and stay healthy, social etiquette, etc, etc, ….

Mothers not only stay inside the home, but step out to do the household shopping, to work, pick and drop their kids from school and their sports and music lessons and tuitions.

Eye problems faced by mothers

While stepping out, pollution may cause many eye problems. The dirt and debris that get inside their eyes may block eye glands and cause MGD or Meibomian Gland Disorder and subsequently blepharitis, red eyes, and dry eyes.

Working mothers may have to spend hours in front of a computer. Working mothers as well as house wives may work on the computer for a long time for supervising their kids’ homework or school projects. And then, for a little downtime, they may like to check Facebook and Whatsapp on their phones, or watch their favorite Netflix shows on a computer, a phone, or a tablet. Such a long exposure to screens and blue light might cause Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) and Dry Eye Syndrome (DES).

And last but not the least, a mother likes to look good and put on eye make up (among other make up), which may harm her eyes if not cleaned well.

The role of eyelid hygiene

Practicing eyelid hygiene can be an effective way for a mother to stay safe from the above lifestyle and environment related eye problems.

Eyelid hygiene practice is comparatively new in India, but it is an aspect of basic hygiene that should not be ignored, especially if you are a mother. As you know well, if a mother is ill in any way, the whole family’s life is disrupted. Children too become distressed emotionally as they are closest to their mothers.

So eyelid/eye hygiene is really important for all mothers, who are the backbone of a family.

How should you practice eye hygiene?

It’s easy to practice eyelid or eye hygiene. However, if you’re thinking you’re doing it already by washing your eyes with water every day, it’s not enough.

You have to clean your eyelids thoroughly where the dust/debris accumulate. There are many mites known as Demodex mites, which reside on the eyelids of almost all humans. These mites can also travel across your face , sometimes causing rosacea, and you can never see them, as they are microscopic. Demodex mites can cause eye infection which can be very painful and might need medication.

To keep yourself safe from Demodex mites, allergens, debris, make-up residue, Dry Eye Syndrome, and Computer Vision Syndrome, you should use eyelid wipes and eyelid cleansers.

Eyelid wipes, such as Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes that are pre-moistened with TTO (Tea Tree Oil) and do not have any toxic chemicals, can be used. They have effective refreshing agents, which keep your eyes moistened. Swipe the eyelid wipe from side to side, and clean the eyelid, eyelashes, eyebrows, and face. Yes, these wipes can be used for the face too!

Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes and Oculeaf soft Eyelid Cleanser (Shampoo) can be used twice in a day, unless you’re advised to clean your eyes/eyelids more than twice by a doctor.

Practice eyelid hygiene for you and your family’s benefit

So, mothers, why not start practicing eyelid hygiene from today? With all the pollution in the environment (chemicals and particulate matter floating around), you have to protect yourself. Establishing a regular eye/eyelid cleaning routine will keep your eyes healthy and happy, and help in inculcating this healthy habit in your entire family.

Wearing contact lens has many advantages but some people suffer from contact lens discomfort. A study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology revealed that among young adults, 25% of visits to the ophthalmology is due to eye problems due to contact lenses. If you wear contact lens, you may be quite happy with them. On the other hand you may be experiencing some discomfort. Here are some reasons as well as tips to help you manage your discomfort with eyelid wipes, such as Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes:

Contact lens discomfort – symptoms

• Stinging, burning, itching in the eyes
• Dry eyes
• Pain, eyes’ watering, redness
• Blurred vision, sensitivity to light

These symptoms might indicate simple issues such as problems with the fit or a serious problem like corneal infection and ulcer. If you think contact lens discomfort is normal, then you’re very wrong! After the initial acclimation period, the lens should feel comfortable at all times. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice you are wearing them.

Reasons which cause discomfort due to contact lens

The lens are not a good fit

If your lens does not fit well, it can lead to serious problems. Your lenses rest directly on the eyes, buoyed by the tear film and a multi-layer of oil protectant (mucin, water and oil). Ill-fitting lenses may cause you extreme discomfort. If you experience any symptoms of discomfort, you should get them redone with the right measurement.

Dry eye caused by tear film drying out

Wearing contacts may sometimes dry out the tear film, and you experience all the dry eye symptoms such as burning, itching, pain and red eyes. A good solution for this is to use doctor prescribed artificial tears.

Another solution is to clean your eyes daily with Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes which is pre-moistened with tea tree oil. It will help to manage dry eyes as it will lubricate the tear film and you could use eyelid wipes before you put on the lenses. TTO is the best natural remedy for all kinds of eye problems, even dry eyes caused by contact lenses.

Eat well to have better tear quality

Eat a nutritious diet composed of omega-3 fatty acids and include flaxseed oil as a supplement. It will improve the composition of the tears, making it more oily. Oiler tear film will prevent evaporation of tears, as well as allowing lenses rest comfortably on your eyes’ tear film.

Avoid sharing

Sharing contacts increase the chances of eye infections. Wearing someone else’s contacts means they won’t fit well and can cause damage to the cornea. Teenagers are usually prone to share their contacts, and should be advised not to do so.

Practice right hygiene

Contacts can get damaged due to rough handling. Damaged contacts should never be worn. Also, it is imperative to wash hands before wearing your contacts. This simple hygienic practice will save you from infections due to germs from your hand.

Why you should Oculeaf Eyelid wipes

Features of Oculeaf eyelid wipes

• Contains natural moisturizer which hydrates and refreshes eyelids & eyes – The natural moisturizers Sodium Hyaluronate and Tea Tree Oil keeps eyes refreshed and shooting which helps to wear contacts comfortably every day. If your tear film is properly lubricated, you will not experience the discomfort due to dry eyes.
• Wipes are pre-moistened with tea tree oil -So why should you use Oculeaf eyelid wipes? Well, because it is formulated using Tea Tree Oil (TTO)as one of the main ingredients. TTO is considered to be the best for controlling/preventing eye infection.
• Free from parabens, fragrance, SLS and preservatives – Oculeaf Eyelid wipes are free from all harmful chemicals, making it safest for daily use. It removes eye exudates, dust, mites and bacteria.

How to use Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes

Step 1: Wash your hands and close your eyes.

Step 2: Gently clean your eyelids with a pre-moistened Oculeaf Wipe from the center to the corner of your eyes. Repeat for the other eye contour too.

Step 3: Insert your contact lenses after washing hands.

Use Oculeaf eyelid wipes twice a day, before inserting and after removing your contact lenses for best results. Oculeaf is available in 12 and 24 wipes’ pre-moistened wipes, which you can carry around easily.

For more information, visit www.waypham.com, and in case of severe problems do visit your ophthalmologist.

Learn how eye hygiene can protect your cornea

The cornea is a very important part of your eye. Your cornea is dome-like in shape and transparent, situated at the front part of the eye. It functions like the lens of a camera, focusing light onto the retina. It also has nerves which make us alert to irritants that could harm vision and eye health. It is very delicate and has to be protected because if it is damaged in any way, your eyesight will be poor, even though the rest of your eye is healthy.

What is the cornea made of?

In order to understand the ways to protect your eyes, you should know a little about the composition of the cornea. It comprises of five parts – the epithelium, Bowman’s membrane, stroma, Descemet’s membrane, and the endothelium.

Epithelium: The topmost layer of the cornea is the epithelium. This is the layer that requires enough lubrication. If the epithelium is dry or dirty, you will suffer from dry eye syndrome, eye irritation, and itching. One of the ways to strengthen your cornea is to clean your eyes daily with harmless eyelid wipes and eyelid cleansers.

It’s important to keep your Eyes & Eyelids clean by wiping daily with Eyelids Wipes – this may help reduce microbial loads and other pollutants and chemicals and thus improve overall Eyelids Hygiene. It will reduce the seepage of irritating and infective materials into the corneal epithelium and protect your vision. Using harmless eye cleaners like the Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes and Oculeaf Eyelid Soft Eyelid Cleanser is one of the ways eye hygiene can protect your cornea.

Stroma: The stroma is the densest part of the corneal part, and if it gets damaged, you will suffer significant loss of vision. Corneal infections left untreated can damage stroma. It can also be damaged by foreign bodies in the eyes. When you know the importance of and how to take care of eyes daily, you will be able to prevent corneal infections and protect your vision. Again, the best way how eye hygiene can protect your cornea is by using tea tree oil-based Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes and Cleansers.

Endothelium: The cornea’s innermost layer is the endothelium. The endothelium is hydrated by aqueous fluid and keeps eyes lubricated. If this layer is damaged via infections, then corneal transplant might be needed.

Why you should use Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes, Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser, and Oculeaf Eyelid Gel to protect your Vision

Your cornea is the first layer of defence of your eyes. Gently cleaning the contour of your eyes & Eyelids daily with Oculeaf Eyelid wipes will clean the impurities as well as bacteria which can cause infections or allergy. These wipes are the best in line and most advanced product in its category. The wipes are formulated from Natural Tea Tree Oil, along with Sodium Hyaluronate, Panthenol, and Glycerin. You can use these Oculeaf Eyelid Wipes on your eyelids, eyebrows, and face every day as they are quite safe.

Similarly, use the Oculeaf Soft Eyelid Cleanser as this contains Tea Tree Oil, & Aloe barbadensis flower extract as the base and a very gentle formulation of Panthenol and Tocopherol (High vitamin E).

Keeping the eyes clean will help the cornea to function at its best, giving you the benefit of optimum vision. A regular eye care routine using Oculeaf products will take only five minutes of your time but give you a lifetime of enjoying healthy eyes!