When using contact lenses, following the correct steps helps to avoid irritation and keep your eyes healthy. Applying and maintaining contact lenses can be tricky, particularly when you are first getting used to using them. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or experienced and looking for some tips, we’ve put together a useful guide of do’s and don’ts to ensure your eyes are healthy when wearing contacts.
Contact Lens Do’s
- Before touching your lenses or your eyes, make sure you wash your hands, so they are clean and dry.
- If you are experiencing any pain, discomfort, or you feel your eyes are reacting poorly to the contact lenses, remove them and refrain from wearing them. You should consult your optician and start wearing them again when advised it’s safe to do so.
- Follow the guidelines from your optician and wear the contact lenses for the recommended amount of time, avoiding excessive overwear.
- Remove contact lenses before going to sleep unless you have been advised to do so.
- Consult with your optician and arrange regular follow up appointments. Checkups ensure the contact lenses are accurate and should be attended even if you think you’re okay.
- Keep a suitable pair of glasses close by, particularly if you are driving or planning on being out for a long period of time. If your contact lenses become uncomfortable throughout the day you can safely switch back to glasses.
Contact Lens Don’ts
- Don’t share contact lenses with anyone else, either your own or someone else’s. Lenses are prescribed on an individual basis.
- Don’t use saliva or water to clean or wet your lenses at any time when applying them to your eyes. Both contain potentially harmful bacteria and hygiene is crucial.
- If you are using daily disposable lenses do not wear them more than once.
- If you drop your contact lenses don’t apply them to your eye without removing any debris and cleaning the lens thoroughly.
- Don’t wear contact lenses if you are required to use eye drops or eye medication. Only wear them if your practitioner has confirmed to do so.
- If you are wearing daily disposable contact lenses, make sure they are the correct way round.
- Don’t continue to wear your contact lenses if they appear to be damaged or if they are causing discomfort.
- Don’t keep contact lenses if you are in contact with water. This includes the shower, bath or hot tub, swimming and other water sports.
Contact Lenses with Reynolds & Slater Opticians
If you are considering contact lenses, we can support you in selecting which lenses are right for you and provide you with all the necessary information. At Reynolds and Slater, we have a wealth of experience with contact lenses and are proud to be recognised as an Acuvue® Centre of Excellence. For any contact lens related queries, get in touch with us today.
