Do’s and don'ts of Contact lenses

It is always exciting fitting a new contact lens wearer, the amazement on their face when they can see clearly without wearing spectacles. There are many do’s and don’ts regarding wearing contact lenses that I discuss whilst fitting and it is very important to follow them to ensure safe and comfortable contact lens wear.

Always wash your hands with a mild soap and thoroughly dry them before handling your contact lenses. Make sure the lens is immersed in solution in the lens case or blister pack before removing. Do not use if the packaging is not sealed.

Clean and disinfect your lenses following strictly the instructions for your contact lens solution, do not use household cleaning products on your lenses.

For frequent replacement contact lenses, for example monthly contact lenses I will recommend a lens wearing regime and lenses should not be worn past one month in this example as eye infections and discomfort may result.

Daily disposable contact lenses should only be worn once, if the lens is uncomfortable upon insertion, remove and rinse it with contact lens solution then re-insert.

If your eyes become red, irritated or you experience any pain, remove your lenses immediately and consult your optometrist as soon as possible.

Avoid contaminating your contact lenses with make-up or aerosol sprays. Always best to put on make-up after contact lens insertion to avoid transfer of your make-up onto your contact lenses.

Replace damaged or contaminated lenses immediately.

Contact lenses should never be shared.

Do not sleep in your contact lenses unless your optometrist has advised it is safe to do so.

Importantly do not use saliva to wet your lenses and never rinse your lenses and contact lens case with tap water as you may contaminate them with harmful microbes that may lead to a sight threatening eye infection.

I know it’s a long list however I hope you found it useful. Contact lenses give you the freedom of sight without spectacles and have become very popular. They can provide clear vision at all distances for many different prescriptions.

Reference: ProVision Patient lens care guide