Soft Contact Lens Information

Introduction

Contact Lenses rest on the cornea which is the transparent tissue that makes up the front surface of your eye.  The cornea has a high metabolic rate (high energy requirements) and therefore requires an adequate supply of oxygen to maintain its normal health.  The major source of oxygen to the cornea is from the air via the tears.  All contact lenses will reduce the flow of oxygen to the cornea to some extent.

The majority of oxygen that reaches the cornea with a soft lens, diffuses through the hydrated lens.  The oxygen supply is dependent on the lens material, the lens thickness and the water content.

Preparation for Wear

1.      Wash your hands with a mild (non-cosmetic) soap. Rinse your hands thoroughly and dry with a lint free towel.

2.      Close drain if working over a sink to prevent possible lens loss.  A flat work area is preferable and a mirror may be placed on the surface.

3.      To avoid confusion, always start with your right lens.

4.      To remove your lens from the case, gently place your index finger on the centre of the lens and slide it out of the case. 

5.      After removing the lens from the case inspect the lens to be sure it is clean and undamaged.  Never place a damaged lens on your eye.

6.      To determine if the soft contact lens is inside out observe the edge: If the edge appears to be flared (TURNED OUT) versus curved inward it is inside out.  If on insertion the lens feels uncomfortable and moves excessively check to see it is not inside out.

7.      If the lens folds and sticks together; place the lens in the palm of your hand and wet thoroughly with the rinsing solution recommended.  Then gently rub the lens between your index finger and the palm of your hand in a gentle back and forth motion.  If this gentle rubbing does not work soak the lens in the storage solution in the case.  DO NOT try and pull the lens apart with your fingers.

8.      If the lens flattens or drapes across your finger the lens or your finger may be too wet.  To correct this, dry your finger by transferring the lens from your finger and dry your finger.

Lens Placement

1.      Rinse the lens with a few drops of the rinsing solution in the palm of your hand.

2.      Place the lens on the tip of the index finger of the right hand.  With the head positioned in front of the mirror, look down and lift upper lid with forefinger of the left hand at the base of the eyelashes, press it up against the bony margin of the brow.

3.      Look ahead and gently pull down lower lid with middle finger of right hand.

4.      Keep looking straight ahead (directly at own eye if using a mirror) gently place the lens on the centre of your eye.

5.      While holding this position, look downward and slowly release your eyelids.

Alternate method

6.      Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Head up, looking straight ahead, pull down your lower lid with your middle finger of your placement hand.  Look up steadily at a point above you.  Then place the lens gently on the lower white part of your eye.

7.      Follow the same procedure for the left lens but use opposite hands.

8.      After placement of both lenses, discard the solution left in the case.

Lens Procedures

1.      If the lens feels uncomfortable then look up and gently place a finger on the lower edge of the contact lens.  Slowly slide it down onto the white part of the eye and move it side to side.

2.      If the lens still feels uncomfortable, remove and clean the lens.  Inspect the lens for any nicks or tears.  If irritation persists remove the lens and consult your optometrists.  Never wear a damaged lens.

Lens Removal

1.      First was and dry hands thoroughly.

2.      If preferred, position head in front of the mirror.  Look up and slowly pull down lower lid with the middle finger of your removal hand and place your index finger on the lower edge of the lens.  Slide the lens down to the lower white part of your eye.

3.      Squeeze the lens lightly between your thumb and index finger and remove it from your eye.

Cleaning, Disinfection and Storage

Daily cleaning is necessary to remove filmy deposits and mucus which can form on the lens through normal wear.  Clean lenses contribute to comfort and good vision.  Daily disinfection is necessary to help ensure good eye health.

1.      Wash hands prior to handling your lenses.

2.      Place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of the recommended cleaner.

3.      With the index finger of your other hand gently rub the lens in a circular motion for 10 seconds.

4.      Rinse the lens with the recommended rinsing solution.

5.      Follow the disinfection procedure as specified by your optometrist. 

6.      Any supplementary cleaning, eg. Protein tablets, if required, will be specified by your optometrist.

Wearing Schedule

It is advisable to build up your wearing schedule when adapting to soft contact lenses.  Do not exceed each day’s wearing time, even if the lenses continue to be comfortable. 

Do not exceed the maximum wearing time, even after adaptation, in order to avoid long term eye health problems.

For your follow-up examinations it is preferable to wear your contact lenses and bring your glasses, providing you aren’t having any persistent difficulties.

Recommendations

1.      All contact lens patients should have an annual eye examination.  A patient is able to judge the comfort of the contact lenses and the clarity of vision but not the health of the eyes.

2.      Soft contact lenses should not be worn all waking hours as they limit the amount of oxygen to the eye.  Your optometrist will discuss an appropriate wearing schedule for you.

3.      Up to date glasses are necessary for those periods while not wearing your contact lenses.

4.      DO NOT use any eye drops (unless specifically designed for use with soft lenses), eye medication, or solutions intended for use with hard contact lenses, while your soft lens is on your eye or prior to insertion of the lens on your eye.  If used, medicants or preservatives will be absorbed by your lens and serious damage to the eyes or your lenses could result.  If your optometrist or physician prescribes an eye medication, discontinue wearing your contact lenses until the treatment is completed.

5.      Blinking spreads the tear film across the cornea, maintaining the smoothness and moistness of the lens surface.  Complete relaxed blinks are important.

6.      DO NOT use water in place of the recommended solutions.  Use of fresh or tap water may cause the lens to swell and adhere to the eye.  There is a significant risk of contamination.

7.      The wearing of soft contact lenses during swimming is not recommended.  There is a significant risk of loss and contamination. A mask may be worn to reduce these risks.

8.      Soft contact lenses have a limited life which varies with the individual.  This can be discussed with your optometrists.  DO NOT wear dirty, discoloured or damaged lenses.

Soft lenses when properly prescribed and monitored by your optometrist, will provide you with safe, comfortable vision, when fitted correctly, kept clean, and not over-worn.