Contact Lens Care & Handling

• Wash and rinse your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses and dry them with a lint-free towel or tissue.
• Clearer soaps are better as they contain less lanolin that can smear the lens surface.
• Remove any traces of soap, perfumes, hair sprays, creams, and lotions from your hands and around the eyes.
• Keep your nails trimmed and clean to avoid tearing or splitting the lenses.
• Avoid picking up lenses with your fingernails; use fingertips or soft plastic-tipped tweezers designed for contact lenses.
• Never touch your lenses with sharp, pointed objects like fingernails or pens.
• Ensure lenses do not get caught on the edge of storage cases; tap the lens case on the table before sealing it to fully submerge the lenses in solution.
• Never allow lenses to dry out or attempt to insert them when dehydrated.
• Do not use lenses from open or damaged packs, or expired lenses or solutions.

• Always check the lens is clean and moist before insertion.
• Confirm the lens is not inside out.
• Balance the lens on the tip of your forefinger.
• Use the middle finger to pull down the lower lid and hold the upper lid firmly from above with the middle finger of the other hand.
• Place the lens directly on the eye and move your eyes around to center the lens.
• Release the lower and then the upper lid, gently close the eyes, and rub the top lid lightly to remove any trapped air bubbles.
• If the lens is not properly centered, gently manipulate it using your fingertips and eyelids.

• Rewet the lenses with a drop of solution to help them slide off the eye.
• Look up and slide the lens to the white part of the eye using your index finger.
• Gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove it.

• Discontinue lens wear if you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or blurred vision and consult your practitioner.
• Avoid wearing lenses in swimming pools, saunas, or while sleeping unless advised otherwise by your practitioner.
• Lenses must be stored wet; if they dry out, soak them in saline or soaking solution until soft before cleaning and disinfecting.
• Do not wear lenses during periods of illness such as colds or influenza.
• Always use fresh solution and discard expired solutions.
• Remove lenses before using medicated eye drops, undergoing surgery, or anesthesia.
• Insert lenses before applying makeup and avoid using hairspray or liquid hand soaps before handling lenses.

• Increased glare sensitivity outdoors, relieved by sunglasses if excessive.
• Initial discomfort with prolonged close work.
• Dryness in air conditioning and smoky environments.
• Slight awareness of the lens.

For any abnormal symptoms or discomfort, contact our office for assistance.

• Clean lenses immediately after removal to remove sticky tear film buildup.
• Apply cleaning solution and rub gently in a circular motion on each side of the lens.
• Rinse thoroughly with saline or multipurpose solution and place in a container for disinfection overnight.
• Follow specific disinfection methods recommended by your practitioner.

Regular aftercare appointments are crucial for maintaining eye health.
Wear lenses to follow-up appointments and bring spectacles with you.
Most complications are avoidable and treatable with early detection.