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People wear contact lenses for different reasons. Some lenses are used only once and are disposed of by the end of the day, and some need only to be replaced every month. There are multi-focal lenses for all-in-one vision correction, lenses for sufferers of astigmatism and even lenses that come in different colours for making a fashion statement. Everything begins with consulting an optician, who will then help you find the pair of contact lenses that’s right for you. The optician will also show you how to care for and use your contacts, but here are a few more helpful tips as a refresher.

The first step

The process begins with a lens examination with an optician, who will tell you if you are suited to wear contact lenses. He or she will then show you how to use and clean them. Once you have completed a short trial, and if everything goes smoothly, you will receive a prescription.

Putting in your lenses

Always ensure that you have clean and dry hands when dealing with contact lenses. To put your lens in, place it in the palm of your hand and make sure it is in good condition and then put it on your forefinger. Look up and with one hand, hold up your upper eyelid while the other holds down your lower eyelid. Place the lens onto the white of your eye and then look downwards as it slips into place. Blink once or twice and it should be in the right position. Be careful not to mix up your lenses. Some contact lenses have markings to help this process.

Removing your lenses

Photo: kevin (iapetus)

When it comes to removing your contact lens, first make sure it is in the middle of your eye. Look upwards or sideways when you pull down on your lower lid. Pull down your lower eyelid and use a finger to gently slide the lens own to the white part of your eye. Gently pinch the lens between your finger and thumb and lift it off your eye. For a beginner user, having clipped fingernails helps to not scratch your eye.

Cleaning your lenses

If you wear contact lenses, it is important that you clean and take care of them. Add a few drops of solution to your contact and rub the lens gently on both sides. Fill your lens case with contact lens solution and place your rinsed contact lens in the compartment. Make sure the case is secure. Your lenses should soak for a few hours so they are disinfected. When you take your lenses out of the case, pour the solution out of the case, rinse it with fresh solution and let the case dry.

Some extra tips

You shouldn’t wear contact lenses longer than ten to 12 hours for up to five days a week. Wearing glasses for a few days ensures your eyes receive enough oxygen. Contact lenses with a UV-blocking agent are available these days to help to protect your eye from sun damage.

Photo: chris5aw

Eye makeup can stick to contacts and cause irritation. To prevent this from happening, apply makeup before putting on your contact lenses and use non-allergenic makeup. Be careful when applying eyeliner. Remove your lenses with clean hands before removing your makeup and replace your makeup frequently to prevent a build-up of bacteria.

Look out for…

Worrying symptoms that should be checked out include feelings of discomfort, redness, excessive watering and visual disturbance.

Always when using your contact lenses, be clean and careful. Take a little extra time to make sure you’re doing the job correctly and save yourself from unwanted irritations. Consult an optician if you are experiencing discomfort.