Are you still looking after your lenses properly or is it time for a recap?
When you are prescribed your first pair of contact lenses you hopefully took on board all our tips on how to look after your lenses. You read all the information we gave you and meticulously cared for your new lenses. However after years of wear are you still treating them like you did during week one?
Different lenses require different care however, so please take some time to remind yourself of some basic guidance which applies to all lenses.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
After removing your lenses, clean them immediately. Don’t store them without cleaning them first. Cleaning will remove mucus, protein, make up and debris that naturally build up on the surface during the day.
Never use tap water (or saliva!) to rinse your lenses or case. Microorganisms can build up in water, even distilled water, and can cause infections or even sight damage.
Ensure your lens case is kept clean. Replace your case once a month.
Use clean solution every time. Don’t reuse or top up.
Do not sleep in your lenses unless advised by your optometrist.
Ideally lenses shouldn’t be worn when swimming but if you do wear them make sure you wear goggles to reduce the chance of contact with pool water.
Follow the cleaning guidelines you were given, using the recommended products. Doing this will reduce the chance of picking up a nasty eye infection.
Insert your lenses before applying make up.
Have an up to date pair of spectacles on hand should you pick up an infection. Many treatments require you to stop wearing your lenses for the duration of the treatment so don’t be caught without a backup.
Don’t use any eye drops without advice from your optometrist.
Remember these three simple questions:
Do my eyes feel good with my lenses? You have no discomfort.
Do my eyes look good? You have no redness.
Do I see well? You have no unusual blurring with either eye.
If the answer to any of these questions is no, take out your lenses and consult us straight away. We are the experts in eyes and are fortunate to have two prescribing optometrists so can write you a prescription should you require treatment.