Inserting and Removing Contact Lenses

Before handling contact lenses, wash, rinse and dry your hands. A wet finger can cause a soft lens to flatten. Always insert your lenses in the same order to avoid mix-ups. Remove the lens from the lens case. Check the lens for deposits or particles. Place the lens cup side up; the lens edge should be almost straight up. If the lens is inside out the edge will bow out slightly.

To insert, hold your upper eyelid with your left hand’s index and second finger to prevent blinking. Simultaneously, pull your bottom eyelid open with the second finger of your right hand. Look forward, slowly and gently place the lens on your eye. Carefully release your eyelids and blink. You can gently massage your eyelid to position the lens. Repeat the same steps for inserting the lens for the left (or second) eye.

To remove, look up and hold your lower lid down. Pull the lens downwards and with your index finger and your thumb pinch the edges of the lens and remove the lens from your eye.

Contact Lens Care Systems

Whether you are wearing daily wear or extended wear contact lenses, a particular lens care system is recommended. This system includes products for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses among others. Different systems use different types of chemicals thus it is best not to substitute solutions from other systems. Basically, a lens care system performs six varied functions. These are daily cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storing, lubricating drops and protein removal. Some systems combine two or more functions into one product. Daily cleaning removes debris build-up. Debris, if not removed can eventually interfere with vision, makes the lenses uncomfortable and cause undue harm to the eyes. Disinfecting kills micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi and viruses in the lenses. Rinsing and storing require the use of ophthalmic isotonic saline solutions or some type of disinfectant solutions. Lubricating drops are recommended especially for dry eyes. They provide needed refreshment for the eyes. Protein removal eliminates protein deposits and with cleaning and disinfection restore clean contact lens surface.

Lens Care Pointers

There are some general pointers to be followed for all lens types. These guidelines can help keep your contact lenses clean and safe which will automatically keep your eyes healthy and your vision crisp and clear as possible.
• Diligently follow cleaning instructions for your lenses.
• Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before inserting and removing contact lenses.
• Always rinse the lens and storage case and let it air-dry to avoid contamination.
• Insert your lenses before applying eye make-up and remove lenses before taking-off eye make-up.
• Never wet your contact lenses with tap water or saliva.
• Protect your contact lenses from lotions and creams.
• Never wear contact lenses longer than prescribed.
• Never exchange lenses with another person.
• If the eye gets irritated or turns red, remove the lenses. Maybe you did not insert the lenses properly.
By following these simple tips, you can rest assure that you will have a safe and comfortable lens wearing experience.