The do's and don'ts of contact lens wear

Around three million people in the UK successfully wear contact lenses. Make sure you get the best out of your lenses by following the advice of your contact lens practitioner.

DO

•      Attend for regular check-ups as recommended by your practitioner
•      Wash and dry your hands prior to handling your lenses
•      Clean, rinse and disinfect your lenses after each use (except daily disposable lenses, which should be discarded after each wear, and continuous wear lenses)
•      Air-dry the storage case and keep dry when lenses are being worn
•      Apply your lenses before putting on make-up
•      Remove lenses then remove make-up
•      Avoid hairspray as this can coat your lenses
•      Replace your storage case monthly to prevent a build-up of contamination
•      Have spare lenses (and solutions, if used)
•      Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles available for when you need to remove your lenses

DON’T

•      Use tap water on your lenses or lens case
•      Wet your lenses with saliva
•      Re-use disinfecting solution – discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored
•      Sleep in your lenses unless specifically advised to by your practitioner
•      Switch the type of solution you use except on the advice of your practitioner
•      Use your lenses for swimming or water sports, unless wearing goggles
•      Wear your lenses when showering or using a hot tub

                 Ask yourself these three questions, each time you wear your lenses:

1.      Do my eyes look good? — no redness
2.      Do my eyes feel good in my lenses? — no discomfort
3.      Do I see well? — no unusual blurring

                 If the answer to any of these questions is ‘no’, leave your lenses out and consult your contact lens practitioner.