Contact Lens Care
Proper Handling of your contact lenses
Please review the guide to handling common contact lens issues as well as tips for travelling with your contact lenses.
Troubleshooting eye irritation
An Eyecare Plus optometrist can help you find your ideal contact lens so that great vision doesn’t come at the compromise of comfort. However, wearing contact lenses requires you to know how to look after your eyes as well as the contacts so that you can avoid irritation issues.
With the latest contact lenses and expert fitting by our optometrists, you should not experience irritation, red eyes, dry eyes, or blurred vision. Let our optometrists know if you experience any of these signs or symptoms as they might indicate an underlying problem. At Eyecare Plus our optometrists will be able to provide you with the expert attention needed to identify and manage any issues.
Causes and prevention
Caring for your contact lenses
No one wants to end up with discomfort or infection caused by improper care. All types of contacts are different and your optometrist will always advise you on the best way to care for the type prescribed to you. Here are some helpful tips that apply to most lenses.
- Clean them according to manufacturer instructions
- Avoid letting your lenses dry out
- Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses
- Avoid make-up, perfumes and hair products coming into contact with your lenses
- Never let anyone else wear your lenses.
Stick to your schedule
Different contact lens types are designed to be worn for different lengths of time, ranging from a daily replacement schedule to lenses that can be worn overnight. Our expert optometrists will advise you on the ideal schedule when they prescribe your contact lenses.
Wearing your contact lenses too long can lead to irritation or infection, whereas brand new contacts give your eyes a feeling of refreshment – just like putting on clean clothes. Replace your contact lenses as recommended by your optometrist to reduce the risk of discomfort. If you’re concerned about how your eyes are feeling, get in touch with your Eyecare Plus optometrist.
Don’t take chances with infection
Contact lenses, if not properly cared for, can cause bacterial infection. Such infections can be quite serious. If left untreated, an eye infection could be sight-threatening, so it’s important to see your optometrist as soon as possible if you think you might have an eye infection.
Fortunately, there are plenty of things that can be done so that you continue to enjoy your contacts. Because contact lens technology changes so rapidly, our expert optometrists will check at every visit to ensure that you have the best lens for you. They will also check your wearing schedule, which will vary depending on the lens material. Replacing your lenses as recommended will help you avoid any problems. Book an eye test today to make sure that you’re using the right contacts with the correct prescription.
Contact lenses and Flying
There’s no need to leave your contact lenses behind on your next trip. Flying whilst wearing your contact lenses doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Because the recycled air in plane cabins dehydrates you and your contact lenses, it’s worth checking the following handy tips for travelling comfortably with contact lenses.
Tips for travelling
Pack travel-sized eye solution
You’re allowed to carry liquid on the plane if it’s less than 100 ml, so packing a ‘one-step’ multipurpose solution that’s appropriate for your lenses will save space and money. (Your Eyecare Plus optometrist can advise on what’s best for you and your lenses.) Don’t forget your rewetting or lubricating eye drops – very handy if you wear your contact lenses while flying on the plane.
Consider daily wear
Daily wear contact lenses are ideal for holidays. You can put in a fresh pair every day and throw them out every night. No solutions, no containers, no hassle. If you wish to consider daily contact lenses for your holiday, schedule an appointment with your Eyecare Plus optometrist to make travelling on your next holiday easier for you. If you already wear daily lenses but need more for your trip, you can easily order some online and have them shipped right to your door
Pack a spare pair
No one wants to be caught out with a lost or torn contact lens halfway through a trip. Pack extra pairs as a back-up. You want to make sure you see everything clearly if you’re going on holiday!
Carry on
Always carry your eyeglasses, solution and contact lens container on the plane with you. It’s better to have it with you in case you need to pop out your contacts, or, if you end up going in a different direction to your luggage, you’ll be glad you had them with you.
Bag it
The pressure on airplanes can cause solution bottles to leak, so keep your eye solution or eye drops in a plastic sandwich bag.
Swim and splash safely
Daily contact lenses are best for water sports or swimming. If you happen to swim in your reusable lenses, it’s recommended that you dispose of them straight after as water exposure may lead to bacteria and infection.
Don’t forget your glasses
The environment at your holiday or travel destination may be drastically different from where you live, and you may find you need a break from lens wear. Always pack your eyeglasses with you and do not wear your contact lenses if your eyes are already irritated or red.
Keep your optometrist details on your phone
Call your Eyecare Plus optometrist immediately if you experience any persistent discomfort while you’re away. We’re always happy to take your call.
Make sure to follow these tips when planning your next trip, and you can enjoy the freedom and lifestyle benefits that only contact lenses can offer.