Mastering Contact Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide to Safe and Comfortable Wear

Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses, providing clear vision and a wider field of view. However, successful contact lens wear requires proper handling, insertion, removal, and maintenance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring you can enjoy the benefits of contact lenses safely and comfortably.

Before You Begin: Essential Preparations

Before you even think about touching your lenses, several crucial steps must be taken:

1. Consult an Eye Care Professional: This is paramount. Never attempt to wear contact lenses without a proper fitting by an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They will assess your eye health, determine your prescription, and recommend the most suitable type of lens for your needs. Different types of lenses cater to various needs (e.g., daily disposables, extended wear, toric for astigmatism, multifocal for presbyopia). They’ll also teach you the correct procedures.
2. Obtain Your Lenses: Get your lenses from a reputable source, either directly from your eye care professional or a licensed optical retailer. Avoid buying lenses from unverified online sources, as they may not be genuine or sterile. Ensure that your lenses are exactly the brand and prescription specified by your doctor.
3. Gather Necessary Supplies: You’ll need:
   • Contact Lens Solution: Use only the solution recommended by your eye care professional. Different types of solutions exist (e.g., multipurpose, hydrogen peroxide). Never use tap water or saliva.
   • Contact Lens Case: Replace your lens case every three months or as directed by your eye care professional to prevent bacterial contamination.
   • Clean Towel: A lint-free towel for drying your hands.
   • Optional: Small travel mirror for on-the-go lens insertion/removal.
4. Read the Instructions: Carefully read all instructions and information pamphlets that come with your lenses and lens solution. These will contain important guidelines specific to your brand.
5. Wash Your Hands: This is arguably the most critical step. Before touching your lenses or your eyes, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Rinse well, and dry them with a lint-free towel. Avoid using hand lotions or moisturizers, as they can transfer to the lenses and cause discomfort.

Step-by-Step Guide to Inserting Contact Lenses

Now that you’re prepped, let’s dive into the insertion process:

1. Prepare Your Lens: Remove one lens from its case. Gently place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Inspect it closely. The lens should look like a small, smooth bowl, not like a rimmed saucer. If it’s inside out (appearing like a saucer), gently flip it. Some brands have a small indicator (such as a number or a mark) that helps you determine if it is the right side out, if available follow its guidance. Also, check for tears or debris. If you notice any damage, discard the lens and get a new one.
2. Prepare Your Eye: Using your non-dominant hand, gently pull up your upper eyelid with one finger, using other fingers gently pull down your lower eyelid. Keep your eye wide open and focus on a specific point, such as a fixed point on the mirror. This helps minimize blinking.
3. Insert the Lens: Gently bring the lens towards your eye. Look straight ahead and place the lens directly onto the coloured part of your eye (the iris). Try to avoid touching your eyelashes. As you place the lens on the eye, keep your eye wide open.
4. Release Your Eyelids: Slowly release your eyelids. Gently close your eye for a few seconds and blink a couple of times. This helps the lens settle in place.
5. Check the Lens: Look around and make sure the lens feels comfortable. If your vision is clear and the lens feels good you have successfully inserted it. If the lens feels uncomfortable or vision is blurred, remove it, rinse it with solution and reinsert it following the above steps. If problem persists, consult with your eye care provider.
6. Repeat for the Other Eye: Follow steps 1-5 to insert the lens in your other eye.

Troubleshooting Insertion Problems

Insertion can be tricky at first. Here are some common problems and solutions:

• Lens keeps folding or sticking: Make sure your hands are completely dry. Also, be sure the lens is properly oriented and not inside out. Gently rinse it with solution and try again.
• Lens won’t stick to my eye: You might be blinking too much or moving your eye while trying to insert it. Try holding your eyelids more firmly to prevent blinking. Look directly at a specific point, not all over the place while trying to insert.
• Lens feels uncomfortable after insertion: Remove the lens, rinse it with solution, and inspect it for damage or debris. If the lens still feels uncomfortable after reinsertion, consult your eye care professional. It may be inside out or damaged.

Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Contact Lenses

Removing lenses is just as crucial as inserting them. Follow these steps:

1. Wash Your Hands: As always, start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly.
2. Prepare Your Eye: Use your non-dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid with a finger and at the same time pull up upper eyelid using other fingers. Keep the eye wide open looking at a point on the mirror.
3. Pinch and Remove: Look up and using the index finger of the dominant hand, gently bring the finger toward the lens. Using your index finger and thumb, gently pinch the lens and pull it away from your eye. Be careful not to scratch your eye with your fingernails. It may feel more comfortable to use just the tip of your finger to slide the lens down toward the white of your eye, and then pinch the lens off. Whichever method you chose, do it carefully.
4. Dispose or Store:
   • If you are using daily disposable lenses, discard the used lens immediately after removal. Never reuse daily disposables.
   • If you are using reusable lenses, clean and disinfect the lenses immediately following the directions by your optician or as instructed on the lens care product. Place each lens in its respective chamber in a clean lens case filled with fresh lens solution. Do not reuse the lens solution.
5. Repeat for the Other Eye: Follow steps 1-4 to remove the lens from your other eye.

Troubleshooting Removal Problems

• Lens won’t come off: Make sure your hands are dry. If the lens is stuck, apply a drop of rewetting eye drops and blink a few times. If you are still having trouble, contact your eye care provider for help.
• Lens folds: It might be getting pinched too tightly. Try a softer pinching action, or slide it toward the white of your eye and pinch gently.

Caring for Your Contact Lenses: Hygiene and Maintenance

Proper lens care is crucial to prevent eye infections and maintain lens comfort:

1. Clean and Disinfect Daily: Never reuse lens solution. Always discard solution from the lens case after you wear the lenses. Always clean lenses after removal and before storage following the cleaning procedure as indicated by your eye care professional or as instructed on the lens care product packaging.
2. Store Lenses Properly: Always store your lenses in a clean case filled with fresh, approved solution. Never use tap water.
3. Replace Your Lens Case Regularly: Replace your lens case every three months or as recommended by your eye care professional.
4. Avoid Tap Water: Never use tap water to rinse or clean your lenses or your case. Tap water can contain harmful microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections. Always use lens solution.
5. Do Not Sleep in Lenses: Unless specifically prescribed by your eye care professional, do not sleep with your contact lenses. Sleeping in lenses, especially overnight, increases the risk of eye infections.
6. Follow the Instructions for Your Lens Solution: Follow the directions on the lens solution bottle for cleaning and disinfection. Different solutions have different procedures.
7. Use Lubricating Drops (If Necessary): If your eyes feel dry, use lubricating eye drops specifically designed for contact lens wear.

Important Do’s and Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear

To ensure comfortable and safe contact lens wear, adhere to these essential guidelines:

Do’s:

• Do have regular checkups with your eye care professional.
• Do wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
• Do use only recommended contact lens solutions.
• Do clean and disinfect lenses as directed.
• Do replace your lens case regularly.
• Do remove your lenses before swimming or using a hot tub unless advised by your eye care provider.
• Do remove your lenses if you experience any discomfort, redness, or vision changes.
• Do carry your glasses with you as a backup in case of discomfort or emergency.
• Do replace your lenses as prescribed (daily, weekly, monthly).

Don’ts:

• Don’t wear lenses without a prescription from an eye care professional.
• Don’t use tap water to rinse your lenses or case.
• Don’t reuse lens solution.
• Don’t sleep in your lenses unless prescribed by your eye care professional.
• Don’t wear damaged or dirty lenses.
• Don’t rub your eyes when wearing contact lenses.
• Don’t ignore any discomfort or changes in your vision.
• Don’t share contact lenses with others.
• Don’t use expired contact lens solution or lenses.

When to Contact Your Eye Care Professional

It’s essential to recognize when you need to seek professional advice. Contact your eye care professional immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Persistent eye redness or pain
• Blurred vision or halos around lights
• Excessive tearing or discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• A foreign body sensation in your eye
• Any other unusual symptoms related to your eyes

Adapting to Contact Lenses

It might take some time to get used to wearing contact lenses. Be patient with yourself and follow the instructions carefully. Here are some tips to help you adjust:

• Start Slowly: When you first start wearing contact lenses, wear them for a few hours each day and gradually increase the wearing time as your eyes adjust.
• Practice Regularly: Practice inserting and removing your lenses each day until you become comfortable with the process.
• Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Advice: Adhere to all instructions and guidelines provided by your eye care professional.
• Don’t Give Up: It can be frustrating at first, but with practice and patience, you’ll become proficient in wearing and caring for your contact lenses.

Different Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses come in different materials, wearing schedules, and designs. Here’s a brief overview of the most common types:

• Soft Lenses: These are the most common type of lenses. They’re made from flexible, water-containing plastics and are comfortable to wear. They come in daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly replacement options.
• Gas Permeable (GP) or Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses: These are made from a firmer plastic material that allows oxygen to pass through them. They offer sharp vision and can be a good option for those with certain eye conditions. They require a different type of cleaning solution.
• Daily Disposable Lenses: These are worn once and then discarded. They are very convenient and reduce the risk of infections.
• Extended Wear Lenses: These are designed to be worn overnight for a specified period of time (e.g., several days, one week). Consult your doctor if these lenses are suitable for you.
• Toric Lenses: These lenses are designed for people with astigmatism. They have a specific shape to correct the irregular curvature of the cornea.
• Multifocal Lenses: These lenses are designed for people with presbyopia, which is age-related vision change that affects near vision. They allow for clear vision at multiple distances.
• Colored Contact Lenses: These lenses are used to change the colour of your eyes. They’re available in both prescription and non-prescription varieties.

Your eye care professional will recommend the most appropriate lens for your vision needs and lifestyle.

Conclusion

Wearing contact lenses can be a life-changing experience. By following these detailed instructions and maintaining proper hygiene, you can enjoy the freedom and convenience of clear vision without the need for eyeglasses. Remember to be patient, diligent, and always prioritize the health of your eyes. If you have any questions or concerns, consult with your eye care professional, they are the best resource for guidance on your specific situation. Enjoy the clarity and confidence that contact lenses can provide.