A Guide for Contact Lens Wearers

General Tips

• Wash your hands and plug the sink before handling.
• Never use tap water to rinse your lenses (except for emergencies).
• Avoid using your nails.
• Use the solutions recommended by your eye care professional. Never mix products of different brands. Although many companies mention “no-rub” on their solutions, it is strongly recommended to lightly rub your lenses for a few seconds after removing them.
• Non-waterproof and hypoallergenic makeup is recommended.
• Be careful with sprays and hair products. Close your eyes if you use them while wearing your lenses.
• Always store your lenses in your case when you are not wearing them.
• Avoid exposing your case to extreme temperatures when your lenses are stored in it (e.g. in a vehicle parked in the summer sun or winter cold).
• Never use saliva to moisten your lenses.
• Always insert your lenses before applying makeup to your eyes and remove your lenses before you remove your eye makeup.
• Wear sunglasses to prevent your lenses from drying out when practicing high-speed activities (e.g. cycling).
• Always bring your contact lens solution, glasses and contact lenses case with you in case of an emergency.
• When your eyes burn or feel dry, one or two contact lens eye drops can ease your discomfort.
• It is not recommended to wear your lenses when swimming. However, if you wish to do so, it is recommended to wear goggles.
• Clean your case with your soaking solution and let it air dry upside down.
• Replace your case every three months.
• Although most soft lenses available now allow your eyes to breathe very well, it is safer to remove them before going to sleep.

Insertion

• First, verify that the lenses are on the right side.

• To avoid swapping lenses, always start with the right lens and only open one side of your case at a time.
• Place the wet lens on the dry tip of the index finger of your dominant hand.
• Pull your lower eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand inserting the lens.
• Looking up, place the lens gently on the lower white part of your eye.

• Bring your gaze downward to position the lens correctly.
• Slowly release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment. Blink a few times to center the lens in your eye. Repeat for the other eye.

Removal

• While directing your gaze upward, pull your lower eyelid down using the middle finger of the hand used to insert your lenses.
• Gently bring your index finger close to your eye until you touch the bottom of the lens. Slide the lens to the lower white part of your eye.
• Gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and index and pull it out of your eye.

Normal Adaptation Symptoms

• Slight sensation of a foreign body, like an eyelash
• Intermittently blurred vision
• Slight redness
• Increased sensitivity to light (good sunglasses are recommended)
• More frequent blinking
• For new multifocal contact lens wearers:
  • 3D effect while reading
  • Diffused points of light at night
  • Increased need for light when reading

Adaptation symptoms can last from one week to one month.

If discomfort persists, vision remains blurry or eyes are red, stop wearing your lenses and consult your Opto-Réseau eye care professional.