by Joel Harrison
26. February 2011 12:56
An eye care expert argues that contact lenses which have dried out could be saved provided their owner takes appropriate steps.
The problem was raised on a website devoted to providing medical advice, familydoctormag.com. One of the website’s users asked what to do if his contact lenses have dried in their cases, and received an answer from Dr M. Bowes Hamill, who is an associate professor of ophthalmology at the Cullen Eye Institute.
According to Dr Hamill, in some cases, it is possible to use such lenses safely. The user should rehydrate and clean them thoroughly in accordance with the instructions provided by the manufacturer, after which they should be ready and as comfortable as new ones.
However, Dr Hamill warned, it does not always work. Lenses with dirt that has dried on their surface need to be replaced by a fresh pair. Moreover, if any vision problems or irritation occur when ‘saved’ contact lenses are worn, the user should immediately consult an ophthalmologist.
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