Contact Lenses – All you need to know

How to use contact lenses

If you’re one of the people who use contact lenses, you know that learning to use them properly is very important. When your optometrist first prescribes it to you, he or she should show you how to use them correctly. But in case you’re still new to using contact lenses, we’ve put together a list of important tips for keeping your eyes healthy while using them.

What are contact lenses?

Contact lenses are thin lenses placed directly onto the surface of your eye in order to correct a vision impairment. Neovision offers a wide range of contact lenses that you can purchase from any of our branches.

How to insert contact lenses correctly

1. Start off with clean hands and lenses. Remove any debris and rinse to clean properly.
2. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger.
3. Make sure the lens is the right way around (if it’s inside-out the lens will make a saucer shape, if it’s the right way around it will make a cup shape).
4. Pull down the lower eyelid with the middle finger on the same hand.
5. Use the other hand to pull open the upper eyelid.
6. Make sure you can see your full eye in your mirror.
7. Gently place the contact lens directly on the eye. It’s very important that you don’t push the lens onto your eye or it’ll fold over your finger.
8. Once the contact lens is on the eye, look down and slowly release the lower eyelid and then the upper lid.
9. Blink a few times until the lens is centred correctly. If the lens is scratching, slide it over to the white part of your eye and blink a few times.

Removing contact lenses

1. Fill the lens container with contact lens solution.
2. While looking at yourself in the mirror, use your middle finger to pull down the lower eyelid.
3. Use the other hand to pull open the upper eyelid.
4. Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens until you can grip and remove it.
5. Place the lens inside its case and seal it closed.

The dos and don’ts

Do:

• Wash your hands before using lenses
• Rub and rinse your lenses every day
• Replace the solution inside the case daily
• Throw old lenses away
• Have annual checkups
• Remove your contact lenses if they are irritating you. If this happens regularly, book an appointment with your nearest Neovision optometrist.

Don’t:

• Sleep with your lenses in
• Ever use water to top-up your contact lens solution
• Wear lenses longer than prescribed
• Share lenses with someone else
• Swim with lenses in
• Buy lenses from a flea market or over the internet