While eyeglasses are the most common type of corrective eyewear, data shows that almost 9% of the population in the United Kingdom and Ireland are contact lens wearers. (Disclaimer: This article contains spons0red content, meaning we may receive compensation from the products or services mentioned.)
This demographic includes adult women who need to correct refractive errors like myopia, as studies show that women had a 24% increased risk of developing short-sightedness during childhood compared to their male counterparts.
Beyond vision correction, working women can opt for contact lenses for confidence and self-empowerment since this type of eyewear looks more natural than prescription glasses. However, while convenient and easy to wear for seamless corrected vision, contact lenses still come with specific guidelines when it comes to wearing, cleaning, and storing them.
Proper hygiene, care, and safety must be practised to reduce the risk of eye infections, so here are a few tips you can follow if you plan to wear corrective contact lenses despite your busy work schedule.
Opt for soft gel lenses
Since you’re wearing contact lenses for comfort and convenience, it’s best to choose the soft gel material that allows more oxygen to pass through for longer wear and optimal clinical performance. Specifically, the silicone hydrogel lens material is designed to support wear times for monthly contact lenses, which are not only more cost-effective than daily disposables but also more suitable for busy lifestyles due to continuous wear before replacement.
Monthly contacts made of soft gel are known for their flexibility, durability, and moisture retention. They are also available for a wide range of prescription types. The retailer Lenstore offers brands like Air Optix and Biofinity in single-vision prescription lenses and toric lenses for astigmatism, allowing you to meet your vision and comfort needs. It also has express delivery options so you can replace your lenses on time without having to visit a physical store.
Clean and store your lenses properly
Soft contact lenses are well-suited for extended or continuous wear, but they must still be cleaned regularly to prevent bacterial contamination and eye infections, which may otherwise hinder productivity and affect overall health. So, in addition to ensuring your hands are clean before wearing contacts and taking them off, rinse them using a cleaning solution from trusted brands like Opti-Free and Bausch + Lomb.
Moreover, a Cureus journal article on contact lens risk factors notes that microbial contamination linked to microbial keratitis and corneal invasion can be found in contact lens storage containers. Besides using a contact lens case made of durable materials like hard plastic, use a multi-purpose contact lens solution to clean the container before letting it air dry. It is also recommended to replace your contact lens case every one to three months.
Update your prescription regularly
If you’re not wearing the right prescription, corrective contact lenses can contribute to discomfort and even worsen existing refractive errors. As highlighted in a previous post on essential health exams for women, remember to get your eyes checked regularly to update your prescription and monitor your overall vision health.
Although your work and other day-to-day responsibilities may make it challenging to schedule an appointment for an eye exam, optical services like Easee offer an online option that tests your visual acuity and validates your prescription. This hybrid at-home solution has even received the CE mark Class II under the new European Union Medical Device Regulation, ensuring quality and accessible eye care.
Overall, your busy schedule shouldn’t be an excuse to be careless about contact lens use and hygiene. By following the tips above, you can maximise the benefits of wearing contacts for all-day comfort, productivity, and efficiency at the workplace and in daily life.