Contact lenses frost

Increasingly, health forums on the Internet are full of alarming headlines: "Contact lenses should not be worn in cold weather." Fears associated with the two major misconceptions about what the lens can burst, unable to withstand low temperature, or freeze to the surface of the eye.

How likely? With this question we turned to Joan Skripchak - ophthalmologist branch of Eye Microsurgery MBUZ "Murmansk City Hospital ambulance." Cognitive conversation allowed to dispel many myths and get useful recommendations.

Rumors and myths

- Jeanne S., how justified rumors that at low temperatures to wear contact lenses dangerous? Can they break or freeze?

- These facts, of course, from the realm of fantasy. The lower limit of temperature that can withstand contact lenses (hydrogel, silicone hydrogel) is 55 degrees below zero. In Murmansk such cold weather does not happen. What about freezing lenses in the history of such cases have been recorded. It is also misleading. If a person familiar with the basics of physics, knows what is needed for the freezing temperature is below zero. A temperature of the eye is always the same as the body temperature - 35 degrees on average. Given that we often blink (about once every three seconds), the eye is constantly moistened with tears and warm. Therefore, the thin lens just can not physically freeze. It is constantly the same temperature as the eye itself.

Ungrammatical also talk about the possibility of damage to the retina it while wearing contact lenses. All who are familiar with the anatomy, know that the retina - is the inner membrane of the eye, our visual analyzer. In fact, it is a visual screen, which enters through the pupil image. And this is far from the display surface of the eye - the cornea, and in which is located a contact lens.

Winter eye hazard

- What rules should be observed in winter for people who constantly wear contact lenses?

- The probability of complications when wearing contact lenses is more characteristic for the summer. This holiday season. Murmansk live a more active life, moving, walking in the woods for mushrooms and berries. In winter, a high risk of colds. During the illness of the lens must be removed, so that the eye is not dried out more and infection through tear ducts did not get to them. In general, people who wear contact lenses should be doubly careful to hygiene. Highlights: clean hands and a clean container for lenses.

Should strictly abide by the terms of lens wear, recommended by the manufacturer. Even within one hour of wear on them appear proteinaceous deposits dirty environment. In my opinion, the most optimal and convenient are one-day contact lenses. This is the most gentle treatment for the eyes.

Winter in areas too dry air, radiators strongly enough dried it. That the lens and the eye does not dry out, you can use rewetting drops. So you can prevent dry eye syndrome. But do not moisten the lens in front of the exit to the street.

Now Murmansk period out of the polar night, the sun comes every day, reflected from the snow. There is a risk of sunburn mucosa, especially for lovers of skiing, snowboarding. It is worth to Murmansk will always carry sunglasses and contact lenses with UV protection.

If the cold brings to tears

- Advise what to do to the cold did not increase watering?

- There are a few general rules. Do not skimp on good warm mittens and shoes that protect against acts of cold allergy. If you wear contact lenses, select appropriate outdoor clothing that the head was well protected from the winds and blizzards. Buy a hat with good visor, jackets and coats with a deep hood. If bury rewetting drops in your eyes to avoid discomfort in rooms with air overdried, you should do it for 15-20 minutes before going outside.

Also, from experience, we know that the fabric is very influenced by the state of the mucous membrane. Synthetics and wool fabrics enhance the manifestation of an allergy. Therefore, the clothes in contact with the person (a sweater, scarf), should be cotton or flannel.