Contact Lens Wear & Care Guidelines

Contact Lens Wear & Care Guidelines

Taking care of your contact lenses properly ensures comfort, safety, and the best possible vision. Here’s everything you need to know about using your lenses, from opening the package to cleaning and storing them.


Before You Begin

  1. Check Your Eye Prescription: Before opening your contact lenses, ensure they match the prescription given by your eye care professional. Check the grade of the lenses on the packaging and compare it with your eye grade. If you’re unsure, consult with your optometrist or ophthalmologist to confirm.
  2. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt or oils to your lenses.
  3. Check the Lenses: Inspect the lenses for any tears, dirt, or debris before putting them in. Never use lenses that are damaged.


Step-by-Step Guidelines

Opening the Package

  1. Check Expiry Date: Ensure that the lens packaging is intact and hasn’t expired.
  2. Remove Lenses from the Packaging: Carefully open the blister pack by peeling back the seal. Use the lens applicator or your fingers to gently lift the lens out of the case. Never touch the lens with dirty hands.
  3. Inspect the Lens: Check the lens for any defects, such as tears or unusual discoloration. If the lens looks damaged, discard it and use a new one.


Wearing the Lenses

  1. Check the Lens Orientation: Ensure the lens is not inside out. Hold the lens on your fingertip and look at its edges. If the lens forms a bowl shape, it’s right side up. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out.
  2. Insert the Lens:
    • Top Lid Open: Gently pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger and use the other hand to hold the lens.
    • Place the Lens: Carefully place the lens on the center of your eye. Blink a few times to position it correctly and ensure comfort. Repeat for the other eye.
  3. Avoid Overwearing: Follow the recommended wearing time for your lenses. Daily lenses are typically worn for up to 12-14 hours, while monthly lenses should be worn for up to 30 days (with proper care). Always follow your eye care professional’s advice.


Cleaning Your Lenses

  1. Use the Right Cleaning Solution: Never use tap water, saliva, or any other liquids for cleaning your lenses. Always use an approved contact lens solution (saline or multipurpose solution) for cleaning, disinfecting, and rinsing your lenses.
  2. Cleaning Process:
    • Place the lens in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of the cleaning solution, and gently rub it with your finger for 20-30 seconds to remove any debris.
    • Rinse the lens thoroughly with more solution to remove any residue.
  3. Disinfection: After cleaning, place the lens in a clean lens case filled with fresh disinfecting solution. Let the lens soak for the recommended time (usually 4-6 hours) to ensure full sterilization.
  4. Clean Your Case Regularly: Clean your lens case every time you refill it with fresh solution. Wash it with soap and water and let it air dry completely before reusing it.


Storing Your Lenses

  1. Always Use a Clean Lens Case: Use a clean, dry case for storing your lenses. Avoid using a case that is cracked or has visible damage, as it may affect the cleanliness of your lenses.
  2. Replace Your Lens Case: The lens case should be replaced every 3 months to ensure it remains safe for your lenses. Do not store lenses in the same case for prolonged periods without cleaning.
  3. Store in Fresh Solution: Always store your lenses in fresh disinfecting solution. Never reuse old solution, as it can contain bacteria and debris.
  4. Never Sleep with Lenses On: Unless advised by your eye care provider, always remove your lenses before going to bed. Sleeping with lenses on can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes, leading to irritation and infections.


Replacement Guidelines

  1. Daily Lenses: Discard after one use.
  2. Monthly Lenses: Replace after 30 days of use, even if you don’t wear them every day. This includes proper cleaning and storage.
  3. Yearly Lenses: Yearly lenses are designed to be worn for up to one year, with proper care, cleaning, and storage. However, they should be replaced at the end of the year regardless of how often they were used. Even if you haven’t worn them every day, it’s essential to replace them annually to maintain eye health and comfort.
  4. Replacement Every 3-6 Months: For lenses designed for longer durations but not specifically yearly, replace them every 3-6 months for hygiene and performance reasons.


Signs That You Should Replace Your Lenses Immediately

  • Blurred Vision: If your vision becomes blurry or your lenses feel uncomfortable, it may be time to replace them.
  • Dry Eyes: If your lenses feel dry or cause discomfort, remove them immediately and give your eyes a rest.
  • Tears or Scratches: If you notice any damage, discard the lens and use a new one.


Do’s and Don’ts for Contact Lens Wear and Care

Do’s

  1. Do Wash Hands Before Handling Lenses: Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your lenses to prevent dirt or bacteria from transferring to your eyes.
  2. Do Use the Recommended Solutions: Only use recommended contact lens cleaning, rinsing, and storing solutions. Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions.
  3. Do Clean and Disinfect Regularly: Clean your lenses after each use and store them in fresh disinfecting solution.
  4. Do Replace Lenses as Recommended: Stick to the replacement schedule for your lenses (daily, monthly, or yearly).
  5. Do Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Advice: Consult your optometrist for any concerns and follow their advice regarding wear time, cleaning, and replacements.

Don’ts

  1. Don’t Wear Lenses Longer Than Recommended: Over-wearing lenses can lead to eye irritation, discomfort, and infections. Remove them at the recommended time.
  2. Don’t Sleep in Your Lenses: Unless specifically designed for overnight wear, never sleep in your contact lenses, as this can reduce oxygen flow to the eyes.
  3. Don’t Use Expired or Damaged Lenses: Do not use lenses past their expiration date or if they are damaged. They may not provide proper vision correction and could cause harm.
  4. Don’t Reuse Contact Lens Solution: Never reuse solution in your lens case. Always use fresh solution for cleaning and storing.
  5. Don’t Share Lenses: Never share your contact lenses with others, as it can lead to contamination and increase the risk of eye infections.
  6. Don’t Wear Lenses While Swimming: Avoid wearing contact lenses while swimming, as water can introduce bacteria and other pathogens into your eyes, increasing the risk of infections.
  7. Don’t Wear Lenses While Cooking: It’s best not to wear contact lenses while cooking, especially when handling hot oil or steam. This can cause discomfort, irritation, and increase the risk of particles getting trapped under the lens.


Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or concerns about your contact lenses, feel free to reach out to us:

Instagram: @thepinkshoppe

WhatsApp, Viber, Line: @thepinkshoppe

Phone (SMS only): 0915.685.PINK (7465)

Facebook: @thepinkshoppe