PERSONAL SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL CARE

Soft Contact Lenses

A Wear and Care Guide

3 GREEN END, WHITCHURCH, SHROPSHIRE, SY13 1AD TEL: 01948 666767 / 666434 [email protected] CHESTER WELLNESS CENTRE NEAR CHESTER BUSINESS PARK WREXHAM ROAD, CHESTER, CH4 9DE TEL: 01244 679841 [email protected] 22 CHESTER STREET, WREXHAM, LL13 8BG TEL: 01978 263710 [email protected] www.janesmellieopticians.co.uk

Soft contact lens insertion

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To get the best level in comfort and vision always ensure your contact lenses are not inserted inside out.

With all contact lens wear we need to ensure that you can safely put your lenses in, and take them out. There are different methods to do this and we may find that we need to modify your technique to suit you. 1 Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. 2 Ensure your lens is not inside out. 3 Using your most dominant hand place lens on tip of first finger, ensuring that your finger is dry and the lens is slightly wet. 4 Use the second finger of the same hand to pull down the lower lid. 5 Use the second and third fingers of the other hand to hold the upper lid. 6 Place the lens gently onto the centre of the eye. 7 Take the finger away from the eye, still holding onto the eyelids. 8 Slowly release the eyelids. 9 Check that the lens is on the eye and that you can see. 10 If there are any air bubbles beneath the lens, close your eye, and with the eye closed, roll the eye gently. Another way of getting rid of air bubbles is to massage the lids very lightly. Under no condition, however, should you rub your eyes.

Soft contact lens removal 1 2 3 4 5 6

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Concentrate on the reflection of your eye in the mirror. Using your fingers, hold the eyelids apart at the eye lid margins. Direct the pad of the forefinger onto the centre of your eye, touching the lens. Pull the lens downwards and to the side to slide the lens onto the white of the eye. With the lens on the white of the eye it will be easier to see it and easier to remove it. Use the pads of the thumb and forefinger to then gently ‘pinch’ the contact lens off the white part of the eye.

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Alternatively you can try and pinch the soft contact lens off the coloured part of your eye. Depending on the lens material, sometimes this can be an easier way of removal. Do not use this technique with long finger nails as you could scratch your eye.

If your eyes become sore or you are unable to remove your lenses, take a break.

ENSURE THAT THE SOFT CONTACT LENS IS ON THE EYE AND YOU CAN SEE IT PRIOR TO ATTEMPTING THE ABOVE REMOVAL TECHNIQUE. SOFT CONTACT LENSES CANNOT DISAPPEAR AROUND THE BACK OF THE EYE. IF YOU CANNOT SEE THE LENS ON YOUR CENTRAL EYE CHECK UNDER THE LIDS AND ON THE FLOOR CONTACT US IN CASE OF EMERGENCY

Looking after your soft contact lenses ● With contact lenses cleanliness and hygiene are vital to ensure safe contact lens wear. ● You should always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses. ● Never use tap water to rinse your contact lenses or contact lens case. ● Keep fingernails short and put contact lenses in before applying make up.

Cleaning your soft contact lenses Cleaning instructions may differ according to the type of solution you have been prescribed, always follow the advice of your contact lens practitioner.

Multipurpose Solutions 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Remove the soft contact lens from your eye. Place the soft contact lens into the palm of your hand. Pour a few drops of the solution onto the lens. Use your little finger and palm to rub both sides of the soft lens for about 15-20 seconds. Fill your soft contact lens case with fresh solution. Leave your contact lenses to disinfect for at least 6 hours or overnight. After 7 days, if you have still not worn the soft lenses, replace the storage solution until you resume wear. After contact lens insertion discard any remaining storage solution and leave the contact lens case to air dry in a clean, dry environment. Replace your contact lens case as recommended by the solution manufacturer.

Do’s and Don’t’s DO always follow the prescribed wearing schedule. DO always wash your hands before handling your lenses. DO always attend for regular eye examinations and contact lens aftercares. DO replace your storage solution every day and do not re-use it. DO make sure that you know how to use your solutions. DO change your case regularly. DO apply make-up after inserting contact lenses and remove contact lenses prior to removing make up. DO contact us straight away if your contact lenses feel uncomfortable or if your vision is not clear. If you need any further information or advice please contact us. DO have our phone number stored in your telephone so that you can contact us easily. DO NOT wear your contact lenses if your eyes are sore, red or if you think you may be developing an eye infection. DO NOT wear your soft lenses in dusty, dry environments e.g. on a flight, building sites etc. DO NOT wear your soft lenses on a sun bed. DO NOT sleep in your contact lenses, unless specifically discussed with your contact lens practitioner. DO NOT share your contact lenses, they are made specifically for you. DO NOT share your contact lens case or solutions, the wrong solution could damage your lens or even your eye. DO NOT use tap water to store your contact lenses, rinse your case or contact lenses. DO NOT wear split or damaged contact lenses. DO NOT over wear your contact lenses or extend the recommended “life” of your lenses e.g. a monthly lens needs to be discarded thirty days after it has been opened NOT after thirty wears. MAKE-UP ADVICE ● Put make-up on after applying your lenses. ● Do not use mascara that flakes. ● When using hair spray, close your eyes to prevent getting any onto your lenses, or spray before



inserting lenses.

● Do not share make up with anyone. ● Ensure that your make-up is in date as this could



result in an infection.

To wear or not to wear... If your soft lenses feel uncomfortable remove them and seek the advice of your contact lens practitioner before resuming contact lens wear. Remember, if you can answer YES to the following three questions you CAN wear your soft lenses: 1 Can I see? 2 Are my soft lenses comfortable? 3 Do my eyes look healthy and not red? Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information or advice on soft contact lens wear and care.

DIRTY LENS

X

X

X

X

X

DAMAGED LENS

X

FOREIGN BODY

REDNESS

REMOVE

DISCOMFORT

REPLACE

POSSIBLE CAUSE

CLEAN

PROBLEM

CONSULT OPTICIAN

Troubleshooting

EYE ABRASION

X

X

EYE INFECTION

X

X

OVER WEAR

X

X

SOLUTION SENSITIVITY

X

X

ALLERGIES (INC

X

X

X

X

ALL ABOVE PLUS:

HAYFEVER) INTOLERANCE BLURRED VISION OR LIGHT SENSITIVITY

DIRTY LENS DAMAGED LENS

X

X

X

X

X

EYE ABRASION

X

X

EYE INFECTION

X

X

OVERWEAR

X

X

The above chart is only a guide to help you to decide what you should do, should the need arise. It DOES NOT replace the advice of your Optician, who should be consulted if you are in any doubt.

Customer acknowledgement form Please read the acknowledgement form carefully prior to signing it. Should you have any questions or require further information please consult your practitioner. 1. I have been given a full explanation of the various types of contact lenses suitable for me and the benefits and risks of each type. 2. I am aware that wearing contact lenses could possibly put me at risk of eye infections and associated complications. 3. I have received full instructions (demonstrative, verbal and written) on how to insert and remove my contact lenses. 4. I am aware and understand the instructions for cleaning and looking after my contact lenses, which have been demonstrated to me and acknowledge that adherence to these instructions will reduce the risk of possible infections and associated complications. 5. I have received and understand the wearing schedule for my contact lenses. 6. I am aware of what I should do if I have any problems with my contact lenses. 7. I understand the importance and benefit of attending regular contact lens aftercare appointments. Should I not attend these appointments I am aware that my new contact lenses can not be supplied until I have attended a contact lens aftercare. 8. I understand the importance and benefit of attending regular eye examinations. Should I not attend these appointments I am aware that my new contact lenses can not be supplied until I have had an eye examination. 9. I am aware of the risks associated with extended wear and understand the course of action to take if I have a problem and I should not wear my lenses overnight unless advised to do so. 10. If my contact lenses are uncomfortable for any reason I should not, under any circumstances, sleep in my lenses. 11. I am aware that it is possible for contact lenses to tear or become damaged through wear. 12. I am aware that daily disposable lenses must be discarded of after 1 days wear. 13. I am aware that reusable lenses must be disposed of as recommended by the manufacturer. I have read the above acknowledgement form: Name Signature Date

Your Trial Contact Lenses:

Solutions: Wearing Schedule: Day 1

Hours

Day 2

Hours

Day 3

Hours

Day 4

Hours

Day 5

Hours

Please do not exceed the recommended wearing schedule given to you by your practitioner. Your aftercare appointments are very important; please remember to wear your contact lenses to all aftercare visits, unless you are having problems. Please also bring your glasses and contact lens case with you. Your next aftercare appointment is:

BENEFITS OF JOINING OUR CONTACT LENS SCHEME ● Your lenses delivered direct to your door or to the practice for your convenience. ● All contact lens revisits covered by your monthly payment. ● Solution provided at no extra charge. ● Reduced cost eye examinations. ● 10% off all in-store purchases.

PERSONAL SERVICE, PROFESSIONAL CARE