Comprehensive Guide to Contact Lenses: Types, Choosing, and Care

Anzlens welcomes you to the world of contact lenses! As a new contact lens wearer, it’s important to learn how to care for your lenses properly to ensure your comfort, safety, and healthy vision. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you get started.

1. Know your Contact Lenses

Before you start, it's essential to know what type of contact lenses you’re using:

• Daily disposables: Worn once and discarded at the end of the day.
• Monthly/bi-weekly lenses: Reusable for a set period (two weeks or a month) and stored overnight in a cleaning solution.
• Toric lenses: For astigmatism, designed to correct irregular curvature of the eye.
• Multifocal lenses: For people with presbyopia (age-related near vision changes), allowing you to see both near and far.

Make sure to follow the wearing schedule prescribed by your optometrist.

2. Handling Your Lenses

Before You Start:

• Wash your hands: Use soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid getting particles on your lenses.     

• Inspect the lenses: Make sure they’re free of debris and damage. They should be smooth and free from tears.

How to Put In Contact Lenses:

1. Place the lens on your fingertip: It should look like a cup. If it’s inside-out, the edges will flare outward.                                                                      
2. Hold your eye open: With your non-dominant hand, gently hold your upper eyelid to prevent blinking. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
3. Place the lens on your eye: Slowly bring the lens toward your eye and gently place it on the center of your cornea.

Blink slowly: After inserting the lens, blink a few times to help it settle into place.

1. Removing Your Lenses
2. Wash and dry your hands: Always clean your hands before handling your lenses.
3. Look upward: Using your dominant hand, slide the lens down to the white part of your eye.
4. Pinch and remove: Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger and remove it.

Clean or dispose: If using reusable lenses, clean and store them in the prescribed solution. For dailies, simply discard them.

4. Cleaning and Storing Reusable Lenses

If you're using monthly or bi-weekly lenses, proper cleaning is crucial:

• Use only contact lens solution: Never use tap water or saliva to clean lenses.
• Rub and rinse: Even if using a "no-rub" solution, gently rub the lenses with your fingers and rinse them with fresh solution.
• Store in a clean case: Fill the case with fresh solution each time. Never reuse old solution.                                                                                                               

Replace the lens case regularly: Ideally, every three months to avoid bacteria buildup.

5. Dos and Don’ts of Contact Lens Wear

Dos:

• Follow your wearing schedule: Always wear your lenses for the recommended duration.
• Rest your eyes: If your eyes feel dry or tired, give them a break.
• Blink often: Helps keep the lenses moist, especially when staring at screens.
• Wear sunglasses: If you’re outside, sunglasses help protect your eyes from UV rays.

 Don’ts:

• Sleep in your lenses (unless prescribed): Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection.
• Swim or shower with lenses in: Water can introduce harmful bacteria.
• Ignore discomfort: If your lenses cause redness, pain, or blurred vision, remove them and consult your optometrist.

Use expired lenses or solutions: This can lead to serious eye infections.         

6. Common Issues and Solutions

• Dry eyes: Use contact lens-friendly lubricating drops to keep your eyes hydrated.
• Blurry vision: Ensure the lens is correctly positioned. If the issue persists, consult your optometrist.
• Redness or irritation: Remove your lenses and inspect them for damage. If redness continues, stop wearing them and seek professional advice.

7. When to See Your Optometrist

You should visit your optometrist if you experience:

• Time up:  when your prescription is about to expire.
• Persistent discomfort: Even after removing and cleaning your lenses.
• Sudden changes in vision: Blurry, distorted, or cloudy vision.

Eye infections: Symptoms like redness, swelling, excessive tearing, or discharge.

8. Maintaining Healthy Eyes

• Regular check-ups: Visit your optometrist annually or as advised.
• Replace lenses on time: Never extend the wear time of daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.

Hydrate: Drink plenty of water to help keep your eyes and body hydrated.

By following this guide and the recommendations from your optometrist, you’ll be able to enjoy clear, comfortable vision with your contact lenses!