Inserting Soft Contact Lenses
- Carefully remove a lens from its case, ensuring you select the correct lens for each eye.
- Place the lens in the palm of your hand and add a little soaking solution.
- Place the lens on your forefinger and look at the shape of the lens from the side.
- This lens is inside out – note the shape of the lens at the edges.
- This lens is the correct way round.
- Using the second finger of one hand, gently raise the upper eyelid.
- Using the second finger of the other hand pull down the lower eyelid slightly and gently place the lens onto your eye.
Removing Soft Contact Lenses
- Before removing the lens, thoroughly wash your hands.
- Look straight ahead and pull down the lower eyelid with your second finger.
- Place your index finger on the lens and slide it onto the white part of the eye.
- Pinch it off between your thumb and index finger
Soft contact lenses have a soft structure making them very comfortable to wear. However, it is vitally important that contact lenses are treated with care to avoid the development of eye infections which in some cases can lead to more serious problems including blindness. Contact lenses can be susceptible to a build up of micro-organisms and deposits and if not cleansed can reduce vision and comfort.
Contact lenses care has never been easier. There is a range of one-bottle contact lenses care solutions, which are convenient, inexpensive and hassle free. Different types of contact lenses require special eye care and certain types of products. Ophthalmic dispensing staff at Visioncare will be happy to recommend cleansers for your specific contact lenses.
1. Always wash your hands thoroughly to avoid the transfer of dirt and germs to your eye. It is best to avoid mositurising soaps, as they do not react well with contact lenses and can leave a film on the hands which can be transferred to the contact lense. Dry hands with a lint-free cloth
2. Carefully remove one lens at a time, place in the palm of your hand and cleanse it with a small amount of all-in-one solution. Using circular movements, rub the solution into the lens. Repeat this for a few seconds
3. Rinse the lens again to remove any loosened debris. Place the lens in a clean case and fill with all all-in-one solution. This stage will kill any micro-organisms on the lens
4. Place the lid on the lens. It is also useful to frequently replace the lens case to minimise risk of infection. Cases should be replaced at least every three months and cleaned with hot water or a sterile solution and dried
5. It is also advisable to keep finger nails short to avoid scratching the contact lenses or indeed the eye.
Tap water contains chlorine, minerals, metal particles and micro-organisms. Water can damage contact lenses and cause nasty eye infections. It is vitally important not to use water for rising contact lenses.
There are a variety of cleansing products available for cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses including Saline Solution, Daily Cleaner, Multipurpose Solution and Hydrogen Peroxide Solution.
Once you have reached a decision as to which product to use for your cleansing and disinfecting regime, it is essential to ensure the following:
– Be particular about where you store your solution bottle tips. Do not allow solution bottle tips to come into contact with any surfaces and never touch them otherwise there will be risk of contamination
– Never allow water near your contact lenses or accessories due to the danger of micro-organisms found in water and the risk of developing a serious eye infection
– It is vital that you clean your contact lenses accessories including the lens case, cleansing and disinfecting devices
– Ensure you rinse your lens case with hot water or sterile solution and dry when not in sue. Ensure you change your contact lens case on a regular basis as they are also prone to contamination
– Clean and disinfect contact lenses daily.
By adhering to our contact lenses care guide, your eyes will remain healthy and safe from the development of eye infection and contamination from contact lenses. If you have concerns about caring for your contact lens, contact Visioncare where our professional and experienced ophthalmic dispensing staff will advise you further.
Inserting RGP Contact Lenses
- Remove the lens from the case, ensuring you select the correct lens for each eye.
- Place the lens in the palm of your hand and add a little wetting solution.
- Place the lens on the tip of your forefinger.
- Using the second finger of one hand raise the upper eyelid.
- Using the second finger of the other hand pull down the lower eyelid and gently place the lens onto your eye.
Removing RGP Contact Lenses
- Wash your hands thoroughly before removing your lenses.
- For your left eye, place the forefinger of your left hand at the corner of your eye.
- Place your right hand below the eye ready to catch the lens.
- Watch again. Stare wide and with your left forefinger pull the eyelid towards your ear then blink.
- The lens should just pop out of your eye.