How to look after contact lenses
There are many benefits to wearing contact lenses—they give you clear, panoramic vision, are convenient, and are great for active people. If you choose to wear contact lenses, whether part-time or full-time, you need to know how to look after them properly to keep your vision clear and avoid potential issues.
We’ve got some top care and hygiene tips that will prevent the problems that can come with incorrect care, such as discomfort, dryness, irritation and bacterial infections.
Our top tips
Let’s start with some handy tips on how to look after contact lenses. Getting into a routine can help maintain your lens hygiene, preventing problems that can come with incorrect care, such as discomfort, dryness, irritation and bacterial infections.
Clean hands
Our number one tip is to wash your hands well with soap and water before you touch your contact lenses or eyes. Even if you think your hands are clean, wash them anyway. It’s the best way to ensure there are no bacteria on your hands that could transfer to your eye. Dry your hands well, too, to avoid water coming into contact with your lenses.
Avoid contamination
When using reusable contact lenses, always maintain proper hygiene to protect your eye health. Here are some essential guidelines:
- Use fresh lens solution whenever you store your lenses in their case. Avoid using tap water to clean lenses or cases, as it could introduce harmful bacteria.
- Use the contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist; not every solution is suitable for all types of contact lenses.
- Replace your lens case every three months to prevent bacterial build-up.
- Never share your contact lenses or wear someone else’s to avoid cross-contamination.
- If lenses remain in their case for an extended period, re-clean them with solution before use.
- Do not use saliva to moisten your lenses, as it is not sterile and can be harmful to your eyes.
Follow recommendations
If you wear daily disposable lenses, remember to bin them after one use, even if you didn’t wear them all day. For 2-weekly or monthly lenses, jot down when you started using them and stick to the recommended schedule. Also, keep an eye on the expiry dates and resist wearing them if they are out of date. At your contact lens appointment, our optometrist will suggest a cleaning solution that’s suitable for your lenses and eyes, so it’s best not to switch it up without checking with us first.
When not to wear lenses
Unless you have contact lenses that are specifically designed to be worn at night, don’t sleep in your lenses. You should also avoid wearing them when showering and swimming. If you experience any discomfort, redness of the eyes or irritation, contact us to make an appointment, and we’ll assess your eyes and lenses.
Make-up and contact lenses
If you’re a contact lens wearer who loves eye makeup, keep your eyes happy by popping in your lenses before applying any makeup. This little trick helps prevent makeup from sneaking under your lenses. When it comes to choosing makeup, steer clear of fibre-filled mascaras and loose powder eyeshadows—they tend to flake. Also, avoid oil-based products, as these can cloud your lenses if they get into your eyes. Lastly, remember that eye makeup has a short shelf life, so check those expiration dates and refresh your collection regularly for the best results.
Contact lens aftercare appointments
Regular aftercare visits with our optometrists are an important part of being a lens wearer. Once you have had your initial consultation with us, we’ll arrange a follow-up appointment. We’ll check you’re getting on okay with inserting and removing the lenses, that the type of lenses you’re wearing suits you, and that you’re confident in lens hygiene practices. If you have any questions or problems with your lenses, you can talk to our experts, and they’ll be happy to help.
Sometimes, it can take a couple of tries before finding the best lenses to suit your eyes and lifestyle, so don’t be put off if you don’t get on with them at first. As there are many different lenses available, we’ll explain the differences and choose the type that we believe will work best for you.
Once you’re happy with your lenses, we will ask you to come in regularly for aftercare appointments. These are usually every 6 months, but our optometrists will advise you on how often you should visit, as everyone has different needs. You’ll need an up-to-date prescription to order your next supply of contact lenses.
At your contact lens aftercare appointment, we’ll do a quick check of your vision and then make sure your lenses are comfortable, fit well and suit your needs. Your cornea can change shape over time, so these checks are important. We’ll also look for any signs of irritation or dry eyes and offer solutions to any problems you may be experiencing.
The benefits of good lens care
Proper contact lens care has many benefits. You’ll enjoy increased comfort and clear vision while wearing your lenses, two of the most important things for a lens wearer. You’ll also find that looking after your lenses properly can extend their life span without the worry of infection or irritation. It’s easy to keep up with lens hygiene once you commit to adopting a routine of good habits and remaining vigilant about keeping them.
Get in touch
If you need any further advice on looking after your contact lenses, contact us to arrange a contact lens aftercare appointment at one of our opticians in Potters Bar, Finchley, or Temple Fortune. Our experts will be happy to give you guidance on lenses and general eye health.