At Earlam and Christopher we know that contact lenses are a popular choice for many, with the flexibility they offer from dailies to hard lenses, not to mention varifocals, they are hard to beat.
For the majority of contact lens wearers, no problems will be encountered. However, it is very important to make sure that contact lenses are worn correctly and cared for as advised. Failure to do this creates the risk of developing potentially serious problems which could cause vision impairment as well as very sore eyes so let us show you how to love your lenses!
Follow the tips below to ensure that you are taking good care of both your eyes and your lenses.
DO:
- Have regular check-ups – we can see if the lenses are pitted or scratched or if the shape is now wrong for your eyes
- Prior to handling lenses, always wash and dry your hands, don’t introduce dirt or germs into your eyes
- Always rub, rinse and store your lenses in the recommended solution before and after each use (with the exception of single-use lenses, which should be discarded after each wear)
- Always clean the lens case with solution, wipe with a clean tissue then air-dry after each use by placing the case and lids face down on a tissue
- To avoid mixing them up, always apply the same lens first. Even if your prescription is the same for both eyes you could introduce cross contamination by swopping them
- Check the lens for damage before applying – do not put a lens in with a split or a chip
- Check the lens is not inside out before applying
- Handle carefully to avoid damaging the lens, many a soft lens has been screwed down in the container and a hard one broken
- Apply your lenses before putting on make-up – added advantage is that you can see what you are doing!
- Be sure to remove your lenses prior to removing make up
- When using hairspray or other aerosols, keep your eyes closed
- Replace your lens case at least monthly
- Do not keep lenses and solutions beyond their expiry date, if they can’t sterilise anymore then they are useless
- Wear only the lenses specified by your contact lens practitioner
- Stick strictly to the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency, failure to do so could cause serious eye problems
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of replacement lenses or a spare pair
- Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses or if you lose one whilst out!
View these video’s on how to apply and remove your contact lenses
DON’T:
- Use any water, on your lenses or lens case. Water is not as pure as your soaking and cleaning solutions and will leave residue
- Sleep in your lenses unless advised to by your practitioner (exception to this are special lenses which correct your vision overnight such as EyeDream which comes with strict rules to ensure your vision is great)
- Use your lenses for swimming, in hot tubs or for water sports, unless wearing goggles – not only could you lose them but the solutions in the water could cause discomfort and infection
- Share contact lenses or wear any lenses not specified by your practitioner
- Wet your lenses with saliva
- If a lens falls on the floor or other surface, don’t apply it without cleaning and storing again – make sure it is thoroughly clean before inserting it back in your eye
- Re-use or top up solution – discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored
- Decant solution into smaller containers; your solution bottles are sterile and sealed with special tops to keep them that way!
- Wear lenses left in the case for more than seven days without cleaning and storing them in fresh solution
- Wear any lens overnight if you are unwell
- Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly closed – water and soap are not a good combination with lenses that should not be soaked in them!
- Switch the solution you use, except on the advice of your practitioner – you may experience an allergic reaction or damage the lenses cleaning them with inappropriate solutions
- Use any eye drops without advice from your contact lens practitioner
- Apply a lens if it is dirty, dusty or damaged
- Continue to wear your lenses if your eyes don’t feel good, look good, or see well
Finally…
It is important that you are aware of anything not being as it should be.
Ask yourself these three questions:
- Are my lenses uncomfortable during the day?
- Is there any redness to my eyes?
- Is my vision blurring?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it is important that you remove your lenses and speak to your practitioner for advice.