**Lens and glasses hygiene** Contact lenses and prescription glasses are important and vital tools for improving vision for millions of people around the world. But along with the countless benefits they have, maintaining their proper hygiene is of great importance. Failure to observe hygiene tips can lead to serious eye infections that cause discomfort and pain, and in more severe cases may cause permanent damage to vision. This article will help you to get to know the correct principles of lens and glasses hygiene and by following them, you will protect the health of your eyes from pathogenic factors and enjoy clear and comfortable vision. **The importance of lens and glasses hygiene** The health of our eyes is a very valuable treasure, and lenses and glasses, with direct or close contact with the eyes, can easily become a breeding ground for germs and bacteria. Lack of proper hygiene for contact lenses is one of the main causes of lens-related eye infections, which can include the cornea (keratitis). These infections are often painful and require immediate medical treatment. In the same way, contaminated glasses can also transfer bacteria to the skin around the eyes and cause problems such as scurvy or skin infections. Hygiene is the best defense against these dangers. ### **Preventing eye infection by following hygiene principles** The most important reason for the obsession with the hygiene of lenses and glasses is the prevention of eye infections. Infections can occur from a variety of sources, such as contaminated hands, unsanitary water, or expired storage solutions. Proper hygiene includes washing hands before any contact with eyes or lenses, using appropriate sterile solutions, and changing lenses and solutions in a timely manner. With these simple but necessary measures, the risk of bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections can be significantly reduced. **Read more: Colored contact lenses: beauty or hidden danger?** Contact lens hygiene Correct use of contact lenses requires strict hygiene. Ignoring these details can endanger the health of your eyes. ### **disinfection of the lens** Contact lens disinfection is the most important step in your daily hygiene. This helps to eliminate germs and proteins that accumulate on the surface of the lens. **1- Compliance with lens replacement time:** Follow the lens manufacturer's instructions and your ophthalmologist's recommendations regarding lens replacement time (daily, biweekly, monthly, etc.) completely. Excessive use of contact lenses greatly increases the risk of infection. **2- Cleaning the jalenzi:** Rinse your jalenzi with a sterile solution at least once a week and dry it in the open air. Change the lining once every three months. **3- Storage in a fresh container:** Store the lenses in a clean container filled with fresh solution. Never use the solution left over from the previous day. The solution should be completely changed daily. **4- Rubbing and rinsing:** After each use, place the lens in your clean palm, pour a few drops of fresh solution on it and gently rub both sides of the lens for 10 seconds with your clean finger. Then rinse the lens with a stream of fresh solution. **5- Using the right solution:** Use only multi-purpose solutions or hydrogen peroxide recommended by the ophthalmologist. Never use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to clean or maintain lenses, as they can contain dangerous germs. **6- Washing your hands:** Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them completely before touching your lenses. Use unscented soaps and moisturizers to prevent chemical transfer to the lens. It is very important to know the symptoms of an eye infection so that you can see a doctor in time. Any delay can lead to more serious problems. **Symptoms of eye infection: be careful!** - **Swelling of the eyelids:** Swelling or puffiness of the eyelids. - **Feeling of presence of a foreign body:** A feeling similar to the presence of sand or a foreign body in the eye. - **Sensitivity to light (photophobia):** Discomfort or pain when exposed to light. - **Sudden blurred vision:** Sudden and unexplained loss of vision. - **Abnormal secretions:** The discharge of pus or opaque secretions from the eye. - **Pain or burning:** Sensation of pain, burning, or severe itching in the eye. - **Persistent redness of the eye:** If your eye remains red and inflamed for a long time. If you see any of these symptoms, immediately remove your lenses from your eyes and see an ophthalmologist as soon as possible. Never self-medicate. **Methods to prevent eye infections** Prevention is always better than cure. By following a few simple tips, you can minimize the risk of eye infections when using contact lenses and glasses: - **Never sleep with lenses:** unless your lens is designed for sleeping and approved by an ophthalmologist. Sleeping with regular contact lenses greatly increases the risk of infection. - **Always wash your hands:** Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eyes, contact lenses or glasses. - **Pay attention to the expiration date:** Both lenses and maintenance solutions have an expiration date. Never use expired products. - **Do not share lenses with others:** Contact lenses are personal equipment and sharing them can cause infection. - **Regular eye examinations:** Visit the ophthalmologist regularly to check the health of your eyes and the condition of your lenses. - **Don't wear lenses if you are sick:** When you have a cold, flu or any kind of illness, don't wear lenses and use glasses instead. - **Do not contact the lenses with water:** Avoid swimming, showering, or any contact of the lenses with tap water, pool water, hot tub or the sea. **Important tips for the health of prescription glasses** Prescription glasses also require regular care and cleaning to provide clear vision and maintain your personal hygiene. ### **The best ways to clean glasses** 1. **Cleaning the frame:** The frame of the glasses can also be a place of accumulation of fat and bacteria. Clean it regularly with a microfiber cloth or special wet wipes. 2. **Drying with a microfiber cloth:** Gently dry the lenses and frame using a clean microfiber cloth for glasses. Never use paper towels, towels or clothing as they can scratch the lenses. 3. **Rinse thoroughly:** Rinse the glasses thoroughly under cold running water to remove all the soap. 4. **Special cleaning sprays:** You can use special cleaning sprays for glasses that are available in pharmacies or optical stores. 5. **Cold water and mild dishwashing liquid:** Wash your glasses under cold water to remove dust particles. Then pour a small drop of mild, lotion-free dishwashing liquid on each lens and gently rub with your fingertips. ### **Common mistakes in eyeglass hygiene** One of the common mistakes is to use the mouth to steam the lens; Oral steam contains acid and particles that can damage the lens coating. Also, placing glasses upside down on your head or table can cause the frame to bend or the lenses to scratch. The use of rough cloths such as paper towels, clothes or towels, as well as the use of strong chemical cleaners, are other things that should be avoided, because these substances can scratch the lens and damage its anti-reflective and anti-scratch coatings. **Conclusion:** The hygiene of lenses and glasses is not only a recommendation, but a necessity to maintain the health of your eyes. By strictly following the principles of lens disinfection, recognizing the signs of eye infection and following prevention strategies, you can prevent serious eye problems. Remember that your eyes are valuable assets that you should take the best care of. Incorporate good health habits into your daily life and discuss any concerns with your eye doctor to enjoy healthy and comfortable vision throughout your life. ### **