All about contact lenses

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Types of contact lenses

Daily disposable lens

  • It is the most convenient way to correct your eyesight. These soft lenses are worn all day and then simply thrown away – there’s no need to store and clean them. The can be more expensive than other lenses if used every day , although you will save a little on contact lens solutions. They are convenient and economical if you want to wear contact lenses part time – they are ideal for sport, going out or traveling.

Two-weekly / monthly daily wear lenses

  • They are worn daily for up to a month and are removed each night , then simply cleaned and stored in the recommended solution. They offer all the benefits of soft lenses and are more cost-effective than daily disposables for people who wear their contact lenses every day. Some speciality lenses are replaced less often.

Flexible / extended / continuous wear lenses

  • The can be left in the eye overnight or for extended periods. Only lenses approved for overnight use can be worn during sleep and only on advice of your Torga Optical optometrist as not everyone’s eyes are suitable. Sleeping in contact lenses carries an increases risk of infection. If you sometimes need to wear lenses overnight or have long hours of daily wear, these lenses may be appropriate.

Gas permeable lenses

  • They are cheaper to maintain than soft lenses and some people find them easier to handle.

Care procedures for contact lenses

How long you wear your lenses and how often you replace them are important factors in successful contact lens wear. Follow your optometrists advice and don’t be tempted to over-wear your contact lenses. Take precautions when showering, swimming or using hot tubs and for water sports. Make sure you take special care when travelling and take all lenses and solutions you may need with you.

Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses.

If you wear daily disposable lenses insert a fresh lens directly from the pack and throw away after each use.

If your lenses are re-usable, rub and rinse them with solution before you put them on your eyes and before you store them.

Make sure you empty the lens case after each use, clean and air dry it and replace the case regularly.

Never use tap water to store, clean or rinse your lenses or lens case.

Only use the solution recommended by your optometrist and follow the instructions carefully.

Do’s and don’ts of contact lens wear

DO
  • Have regular check-ups as advised by your optometrist.
  • Wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses.
  • Rub, rinse and store your lenses in the recommended solution before and after each use – except daily wear lenses, which should be thrown away after each use.
  • Clean the lens case with solution, wipe with a clean tissue and then air dry after each use.
  • Always insert the right lens first to avoid mixing them up.
  • Check that the lens is not inside out before inserting.
  • Handle carefully to avoid damaging the lens.
  • Insert your lenses before putting on make-up.
  • Remove lenses and then remove your make-up.
  • Keep your eyes closed when using hairspray or other aerosols.
  • Replace your lenses at least monthly.
  • Discard lenses and solutions that are past their expiry date.
  • Wear only the lenses specified by your optometrist.
  • Stick strictly to the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency.
  • Make sure you have an adequate supply of replacement lenses or a spare pair.
  • Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses.
 DON’T
  • Use tap water, or any other water, on your lenses or lens case.
  • Wet your lenses with saliva.
  • Put a lens on the eye if it falls on the floor or other surface without cleaning it again.
  • Insert a lens when it is dirty, dusty or damaged.
  • Continue to wear your lenses if your eyes don’t feel good, look good or see well.
  • Re-use or top-up solution – discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored.
  • Decant solution into smaller containers.
  • Wear lenses that was left for more than seven days without cleaning and storing them in fresh solution.
  • Sleep in your lenses unless specifically advised to by your optometrist.
  • Wear any lens if you are feeling unwell.
  • Use your lenses for swimming, hot tubs or water sports unless wearing goggles.
  • Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly closed.
  • Switch the solution you are using unless you do it on advice of your optometrist.
  • Use any eye drops without advice from your optometrist.
  • Share contact lenses or wear any lenses not specified by your optometrist.