CONTACT LENSES FAQ's - Brown and White Opticians

1. DO CONTACT LENSES NEED TO BE RUBBED CLEAN BEFORE THEY ARE STORED OVERNIGHT IN A CASE?

A study at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Optometry examined the efficiency of three methods of contact lens cleaning before they are stored.

Two of the methods involved short and long periods of simply rinsing the lenses with the storage solution. Neither of these methods was found to be particularly effective.

However, the clear winner was the third method which involved rubbing lenses between finger and thumb, while rinsing with storage solution or aerosol saline. This method was shown to effectively remove the majority of protein, hand cream, and mascara on the lenses. The numbers of germs which attach to the lens surface are also reduced by the combination of rubbing and rinsing. A reduced number of germs on the lenses when they are put into the storage case, greatly increases the disinfection efficiency achieved in storage. Effective cleaning (which involves rubbing and rinsing) also has the advantage of helping lenses to keep their wettability by reducing oily deposits. This is a big factor in avoiding drying and associated discomfort. In conclusion, rubbing and rinsing before storage improves cleaning and comfort as well as reducing the risk of eye infections.

SUMMARY: DO CONTACT LENSES NEED TO BE RUBBED CLEAN BEFORE THEY ARE PUT IN A CASE?

Research showed that lenses should be rubbed and rinsed.

Rubbing and rinsing lenses should be done between finger and thumb.

This is the best method for cleaning contact lenses.

This method reduces the number of germs on the lens.

Fewer germs mean that lens storage is much safer.

Cleaner lenses are less oily.

Cleaner lenses are wetter and more comfortable.

Rubbing and rinsing gives better comfort and vision.

2. HOW IMPORTANT IS HAND WASHING BEFORE HANDLING CONTACT LENSES?

Hands are usually covered in millions of germs which can easily be transferred to contact lenses, the contact lens case, the nozzle tips of solution bottles, or to the eyes directly. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, hand washing is the single-most important means of preventing infection.

Effective hand washing includes a pre-soap rinse stage with running water (preferably warm), a soapy lather stage for the front and back of the hands, as well as between the fingers, for 15 seconds, and finally a thorough rinse with running water (preferably warm).

A lint-free paper towel or tissue is safest for drying and then can be used to avoid contamination of finger tips when turning off the tap. It is also very easy to pick up germs by touching other things such as door handles and light switches for example. In fact, just about anything at all has the potential to be a source of contamination when touched and should be avoided before handling lenses after hand washing. For example, use the paper towel or tissue to unscrew the lens case.

SUMMARY: HOW IMPORTANT IS HAND WASHING BEFORE HANDLING CONTACT LENSES?

Many thousands of germs are found on lenses handled with unwashed hands.

Research shows that hand washing greatly reduces the number of germs.

Rinse hands before using soap.

Rinse well after using soap.

Running water is best for washing and rinsing.

Warm water does a better job.

Paper towel is best for drying hands and turning off the tap.

Also use the paper towel to open your lens case.

BTW: One way to ensure children wash their hands for the recommended 20 seconds, is to have the child sing the ‘Happy Birthday’ song aloud while they are washing their hands. See “Hand washing” from the Mayo Clinic.

3. WHY DO CONTACT LENS CASES HAVE TO BE CLEANED AND REPLACED ROUTINELY?

There are always some germs in contact lens storage cases. Fresh storage solutions help to keep the number of germs to low levels. However, these surviving germs, including those most likely to cause eye infections, form a slime on the inside of the case. The slime is transparent and impossible to see in the early stages of its formation. The slime makes it easier for other germs to attach to and grow inside the case making it easier for your lenses to be contaminated when you put them on your eye. Drying the case using a clean tissue (or allowing it to dry in between lens storage periods) will limit slime growth. To avoid contamination from the air during the drying process, place the open case upside down on to a clean tissue during the drying process. In summary, to reduce the risk of infection it is necessary to keep contact lens cases clean and dry in between storage periods, and to replace them regularly as the presence of too much slime reduces the number of germs killed by storage solutions.

SUMMARY: WHY DO CONTACT LENS CASES HAVE TO BE CLEANED AND REPLACED ROUTINELY?

Fresh storage solutions kill germs on lenses and in cases.

Some germs form a slime on the inside the case.

The germs grow on this slimy coating.

Drying the case with a clean dry tissue removes the slime.

Never leave your case open to dry unless it is face down on a tissue.

Replace the case with a new one every three months.

4. WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CLEAN AND RINSE LENSES BEFORE STORAGE RATHER THAN BEFORE INSERTION?

The capacity for storage solutions to kill germs is greatly reduced when lenses are transferred directly from the eye into the storage case without cleaning. The germs and lens deposits, which should have been removed by cleaning immediately after lens removal, greatly overload the storage solution. The risk is that the lens is even more contaminated with germs the next time it is removed from the case. The extra soiling and germ contamination makes the lens much harder to clean prior to insertion. For example, apart from increased numbers of germs, deposits that are easy to remove when the lens is first removed from the eye, can be much harder to remove when the deposits are given time to chemically bond onto the lens surface. Similarly, germs attach more securely to cases and lenses if given time. Removing them before storage (on lens removal) is important.

A recent study found that failure to rub and rinse before storage resulted in the surface of the eye being damaged.

This is especially so if lenses are only worn occasionally. In this situation, lenses which are not effectively cleaned prior to storage, may have several days before they are worn again. As time passes the lenses are likely to become even more contaminated. It is best to make it a hard and fast rule to always clean and rinse immediately after lens removal from the eye.

SUMMARY: WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CLEAN AND RINSE LENSES BEFORE STORAGE RATHER THAN BEFORE INSERTION?

There are a lot of germs on the lenses after removal from the eye.

The storage solution cannot kill them all.

Cleaning and rinsing your lenses before storage reduces the number of germs on the lenses.

The storage solution can kill the rest of the germs.

Also dirt is easier to remove from lenses before storage.

Rubbing and rinsing before storage gives safer and cleaner lenses.

5. IS IT OK TO JUST TOP-UP THE STORAGE SOLUTION?

Lenses need to be completely immersed in storage solution. However, studies of the factors associated with contact lens problems show that the risk of infection is greatly increased by the habit of “topping up” or adding a little fresh storage solution to the old storage solution.

Storage solution has a limited useful life in the storage case. This means that the power to kill germs doesn’t last long and completely fresh solution is needed every time the lenses are worn. Another problem with “topping up” is the absence of the opportunity for the case to be cleaned and/or to dry in between uses. Drying is important for preventing slime buildup inside the cases.

If the lenses are not worn regularly, it is necessary to replace the storage solution completely the night before the next period of lens wear. “Topping-up” is definitely not safe in this situation.

SUMMARY: IS IT OK TO JUST TOP-UP THE STORAGE SOLUTION?

Lenses need to be completely covered in fresh storage solution.

Old storage solution is not safe to use again.

Old storage solution needs to be thrown away so that the case can be cleaned and dried.

Infections can occur if fresh solution is added to old solution.

Replace old solution with fresh solution if you haven’t worn the lenses for more than two weeks.

6. WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NOZZLE-TIP OF THE SOLUTION BOTTLE BECOMES CONTAMINATED WITH GERMS?

A nozzle-tip of the bottle can easily become contaminated with germs so that the solution also becomes contaminated as it comes out of the bottle.

Contamination is avoided by not touching the nozzle-tip with your fingers, or allowing it to touch the case or a lens, or your eye, or your eye lids, or your eye lashes. In addition, a dirty bottle cap can contaminate the bottle nozzle, so make sure that you don’t let it become contaminated. Always replace the cap carefully so that the bottle is never left uncapped.

SUMMARY: WHAT HAPPENS IF THE NOZZLE-TIP OF THE SOLUTION BOTTLE BECOMES CONTAMINATED WITH GERMS?

Germs from fingers can easily stick to the tip of the solution bottle.

Do not touch the tip of the bottle onto the lens or your skin.

Do not touch the tip of the bottle onto your lashes or lids.

The storage solution can become contaminated.

Make sure the bottle cap does not become contaminated.

Always place the cap back on the bottle.

7. CAN TAP WATER BE USED TO RINSE LENSES OR STORAGE CASES?

Even treated (chlorinated) tap water contains some particularly nasty germs. Normally these germs, if they make contact with the eye, are easily flushed out by the tears and blinking.

However, when they become attached to, and trapped under contact lenses on the eye, these germs have a much better chance of causing infections.

It is necessary to avoid all exposure of your lenses and lens case to tap water. Also, it is necessary to always dry your hands completely after washing, preferably with a lint-free paper towel or tissue to help reduce any soap residues and the number of germs that survive the rinsing process.

Aerosol cans of saline are a safe method of rinsing cases and lenses.

SUMMARY: CAN TAP WATER BE USED TO RINSE LENSES OR STORAGE CASES?

Even normal tap water contains nasty germs.

Normally these germs are easily flushed out of the eye by tears and blinking.

A contact lens makes it easier for these germs to cause an infection.

The germs can become trapped under a contact lens.

Do not ever use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.

Do not ever use tap water to rinse your case.

Aerosol cans of saline are safest for rinsing cases and lenses.

Always dry your hands with a paper towel after washing and rinsing them.

Drying helps remove germs in water.

8. WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF KEEPING CONTACT LENSES CLEAN?

Soiled lenses make it easier for germs to multiply on the lens surface. The germs use the protein on the lenses as a source of nourishment.

Soiled lenses have a sticky surface which increases the friction effect of the lids during a blink. Sticky, soiled lenses dry out more easily and are not as comfortable to wear.

Sticky lenses are also less stable on the eye. For example, the correction of astigmatism becomes inconsistent as soiled, sticky lenses tend to rotate off-axis with each blink.

Soiled lenses are also more difficult to disinfect because soiled, sticky lenses attract more germs while the germ killing power of the storage solution is reduced by the deposits on the lens.

SUMMARY: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE ADVANTAGES OF KEEPING CONTACT LENSES CLEAN?

Dirty lenses are sticky making it easier for germs to stick to the lens.

It is easier for germs to grow on dirty lenses.

The germs live on the dirt on the lenses.

It is harder to kill germs on dirty lenses.

It is easier for dirty lenses to dry and become uncomfortable.

Dry lenses are sticky and move about on the eye too much as well as reduce vision.

9. IS IT SAFE TO CHANGE BRANDS WHEN BUYING NEW SOLUTIONS?

Sometimes equivalent products are available when new supplies are needed and the solutions that you normally use cannot be accessed easily. However, changing solutions may also cause problems. Some products are inappropriate for certain lens types. Solutions for hard lenses are inappropriate for soft lenses, for example.

In addition, an allergy to one of the ingredients in the alternative solution may develop. Such allergies may take weeks or months before causing redness and irritation.

If you are enjoying good contact lens performance with your recommended products, switching brands involves an unnecessary risk of allergies or other types of problem.

The best idea is to maintain a good supply of products that are known to be safe and effective and to take advice from your practitioner before experimenting with a new product. Always buy replacement solutions well before they are needed, especially when traveling.

SUMMARY: IS IT SAFE TO CHANGE BRANDS WHEN BUYING NEW SOLUTIONS?

Some solutions can cause irritation or allergy for some people.

Sometimes allergy comes after months or years.

If your lenses are comfortable, do not change your solution.

Changing solutions can cause problems.

Always have a spare bottle of solution and stick to the same brand.

Take a full bottle of solution when you travel.

10. WHAT ARE THE REASONS FOR MAINTAINING A STRICT LENS REPLACEMENT SCHEDULE FOR DISPOSABLE LENSES?

Contact lenses have different capacities to become soiled with tear components. For example, tear protein can easily form excessive deposits on the lens surface in one day in the case of daily disposable lenses. They are not intended to remain clean for longer than a one day wearing period.

For other lens types, materials and manufacturing methods, tear protein deposits are slower to accumulate and may not become significant until toward the end of the intended replacement cycle.

Toward the end of the intended wearing cycle, lenses tend to dry more easily, become sticky and less stable on the eye, provide better conditions for germ contamination, as well as being more likely to be associated with allergy problems. These types of problems can all be best avoided by maintaining the recommended replacement schedule for each type of lens.

SUMMARY: WHY SHOULD DISPOSABLE LENSES BE REPLACED ON TIME?

Lenses get more and more soiled as you wear them.

They cause more redness when they are soiled.

It is easier for them to dry when they are soiled.

Problems can be avoided by replacing lenses as recommended.

Daily lenses are not intended to remain clean for longer than a one day wearing period.

They get more soiled more rapidly and need to be replaced every day.

11. WHY SHOULD CONTACT LENS WEARERS TO HAVE REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS?

Re-examination is always urgently required when eyes become unusually red, and/or sore and/or blurred. However, regular re-examinations are necessary at other times to ensure that contact lenses are being worn without causing any other types of adverse eye responses.

Signs of the early stages of developing difficulties usually allow simple remedial steps to be taken before the same problems develop to the stage of requiring more drastic measures. (Having to give up contact lenses for example!)

Of course, all other aspects of general eye health should always be monitored on a regular basis.

SUMMARY: WHY SHOULD CONTACT LENS WEARERS TO HAVE REGULAR EYE EXAMINATIONS?

Checks on your eyes and contact lenses are needed each year to make sure everything is OK.

It is best to fix problems early.

Checks are always needed if eyes become unusually red, sore or blurred.

12. IS SWIMMING SAFE WITH CONTACT LENSES?

The risk of lens loss when swimming is greatest with rigid lenses, even when swimming goggles are worn.

Wearing daily disposable soft lenses is the best choice, with goggles for pool or long distance ocean swimming. However, goggles can be difficult to wear when surfing or board riding.

The risk of problems is increased when water has direct contact with your eyes.

SUMMARY: IS SWIMMING SAFE WITH CONTACT LENSES?

Rigid lenses are easily lost when swimming, even when wearing goggles.

Daily disposable soft lenses are the best choice when goggles are worn.

Do not let water (and germs) get into your eyes.

Goggles can be very difficult to wear when surfing or board riding.

13. WHO CAN SLEEP IN THEIR CONTACT LENSES?

Not everyone can safely sleep overnight in their contact lenses and it should only be done under guidance from your practitioner. Some eyes are more tolerant and some eyes are not at all tolerant to sleeping in contact lenses.

Also, sleeping overnight in lenses safely is only possible in some types of extended wear lenses, which allow adequate oxygen supply to the cornea.

Short (10 to 15 minute) naps while watching TV, or traveling in a plane, for example, should be harmless in most lens types. However, longer periods increase the risk of severe oxygen deprivation for the cornea and should be avoided unless extended wear lenses are worn by selected patients.

However, sleeping in contact lenses should definitely be avoided if lenses are uncomfortable or eyes are unusually red, especially for people who are unwell in any way.

SUMMARY: WHO CAN SLEEP IN THEIR CONTACT LENSES?

Some people can sleep in their lenses overnight if their lenses are suitable.

Your eyes must also be suitable for sleeping in lenses overnight.

Do not sleep in your lenses unless you are told it is safe.

Usually short naps (10 to 15 minutes) are OK.

Do not ever sleep in lenses if your eyes are sore or you are sick.

14. HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE RECOMMENDATIONS FOR LOOKING AFTER CONTACT LENSES.

Clean lenses are more comfortable. Older lenses accumulate excess protein which causes redness and irritation.

Research has shown that failure to follow the rules is associated with more lens soiling and more irritation.

Irritation is the main reason people fail as contact lens wearers.

People who become contact lens failures are usually very comfortable when they start wearing contact lenses.

Keeping lenses clean and replacing them on time helps to sustain the many benefits of successful contact lens wear.

People who don’t follow recommendations are much more likely to get an eye infection.

Topping-up storage solutions increases the risk of infection.

Keeping storage cases clean and replacing them on time also helps avoid infections.

Safe hand washing helps avoid infections.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE THE RULES FOR LOOKING AFTER CONTACT LENSES?

Old lenses are soiled.

Old lenses cause redness and irritation.

Keep lenses clean to keep them comfortable.

Replace lenses on time to maintain comfort.

Clean hands and cases help to avoid infections.

Always use fresh storage solution to help avoid infections.

15. IS THE BATHROOM THE BEST PLACE TO HANDLE LENSES?

No.

Bathrooms have a high concentration of germs in the air, increasing the risk of case and lens contamination. For example, in any location a lens case left to dry after cleaning should always be placed with the open side resting upside down on a tissue to avoid contamination from germs in the air.

A clean towel over a broad area (bench or table) is the basis for safest lens handling because a lens dropped onto the towel is much less likely to become seriously contaminated. In contrast, a dropped lens in the bathroom can easily become lost into the sink or contaminated with germs.

Most parts of the bathroom can be major sources of fungi and moulds which can easily contaminate lenses.

SUMMARY: IS THE BATHROOM THE BEST PLACE TO HANDLE LENSES?

No.

There are a lot of germs in bathrooms.

Your case can easily collect germs from the air.

It is easy for a lens to collect germs if dropped in the bathroom.

Handling lenses over a towel on a table is better.

If a lens is dropped it will be easier to find and pick up.

Lens cases left to dry should be face down on a clean tissue.

16. IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP MY SPECTACLE PRESCRIPTION UP TO DATE?

There are many situations in which contact lenses are not worn or cannot be worn so that spectacles become essential or at least very useful. For example, first thing in the morning; last thing at night; for any emergency during the night; when you are not well; during any time you have in hospital; if your contact lenses are uncomfortable; if you have any excess redness or discharge from your eyes; etc, etc.

SUMMARY: IS IT A GOOD IDEA TO KEEP MY GLASSES UP TO DATE?

There are times when contact lens wearers need to wear their glasses.

First thing in the morning; last thing at night; when something happens during the night; when you are sick; when you are in hospital; if your eyes are red or sore, etc.

17. WHY IS KEEPING EYE-LASHES CLEAN A CONCERN FOR CONTACT LENS WEARERS?

Eyelashes and lid margins are great places for dust, germs, particles that can cause allergy. The lashes actually prevent a lot of these irritants from going onto the eye. However, by the end of the day, lashes have usually collected a lot of these particles. Lid manipulation during lens insertion and removal can easily dislodge these particles from the lids and lashes onto the eye.

Research has found that a greater number of germs on eyelids is associated with a greater risk of contact lens contamination and infection.

Removing eye cosmetics usually provides a simultaneous lash/lid cleaning benefit. For those who don’t wear eye cosmetics, cleaning the lids and lashes with a fresh face cloth

or a clean cotton swab, is a great way to reduce eye contamination before lens insertion or removal. Allergic people might prefer cold water, but, depending on the season, some people like to use warm water for maintaining lid/lash hygiene. It is important to keep eyes shut during lid cleaning to prevent water going into the eyes.

In the mornings, removing the crusts that form while sleeping is the main benefit from lash cleaning and in the evenings, removing the particles that have been collected by the lashes during the day is the key advantage. Risk of infection and allergic reactions is reduced with lid hygiene and eye and contact lens comfort increased.

Special lid/lash hygiene kits, which include cleaning agents and swabs, maybe be recommended to you by your practitioner.

SUMMARY: WHY ARE CLEAN EYE-LASHES BETTER FOR CONTACT LENS WEAR?

Eyelashes collect dust and germs which can cause allergy and infection.

Dust and germs are transferred to the eye during lens insertion or removal.

Lashes can be cleaned with a wet face cloth or cotton ball before lens insertion or removal.

The face cloth or cotton ball can be wet with warm or cold water.

Keep eyes closed to stop water going into your eyes.

Lash cleaning kits may be better for you.

18. WHY IS IT NECESSARY TO DRY MY HANDS AFTER WASHING?

Unwashed hands have been shown to contaminate contact lenses during lens insertion as well as during lens removal. Washing hands without drying them thoroughly was found to reduce the number of germs on the lenses by 87%. However, when hands are washed and dried thoroughly, lens contamination is reduced by 95% and is by far the safest option. A single use paper or cotton towel is the most effective drying method.

SUMMARY: WHY DO I NEED TO DRY MY HANDS AFTER WASHING THEM?

Dirty hands transfer germs to the eye.

Hand washing lowers germ numbers on the lenses by 87%.

Hand washing and drying lowers germ numbers by 95%.

A one-use paper towel is best for drying.

19. IS IT SAFE TO PLAY SPORT IN CONTACT LENSES?

Contact lenses are usually a distinct advantage when playing sport. Apart from providing a much wider field of view, contact lenses won’t steam or fog-up like spectacles and they won’t be a bother in the rain. The exception can be normal rigid lenses which can be more easily dislodged and lost when playing contact sports.

However, larger size rigid scleral lenses, like soft lenses, can be worn with much less risk of them being dislodged. Daily disposable lenses are ideal for most sports and the less expensive types which don’t correct astigmatism, will often be suitable. Sunglasses are often difficult to wear during sporting activities and a type of lens which includes UV protection is recommended for outdoors..

Insertion and removal of lenses must always be done as hygienically as possible when it can’t be done at home on sports days.

SUMMARY: IS IT SAFE TO PLAY SPORT IN CONTACT LENSES?

Contact lenses are usually a big advantage when playing sport. They give a much wider field of view and do not fog-up like spectacles. Also they stay clear in the rain.

Small rigid lenses can be more easily lost in contact sports but large rigid lenses, like soft lenses, are safe for contact sports.

Daily disposable lenses are ideal and can give protection from the sun’s ultra violet.

Cheaper lens types will often be suitable for sport.

Clean hands are still needed when handling lenses away from home.

20. ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS WHEN WEARING CONTACT LENSES IN AN INDUSTRIAL OR WORK SHOP ENVIRONMENT?

Contact lenses cannot be regarded as eye protection devices. When worn in an industrial or workshop situation it is essential that all recommended shields, safety goggles, masks etc are worn over the contact lenses. This is especially the case when there is exposure to toxic smoke or fumes. However, it can be much easier to obtain effective protection from fumes or smoke or dust if the correct goggles are worn over contact lenses rather than having to fit them over spectacles.

Welding is not an issue with contact lenses providing the correct protective filter lenses are worn over the contact lenses. Daily disposable are ideal for industrial and workshop environments. They can protect the eyes from dust particles which find their way under goggles or masks and they can be replaced on a daily basis.

SUMMARY: WHAT ABOUT CONTACT LENSES IN A FACTORY OR WORKSHOP?

Contact lenses are much better than glasses under shields, goggles, and masks.

Make sure contact lenses are not exposed to fumes.

Always wear the correct filters over contact lenses for welding.

Daily disposable lenses are best for workshops. Soft lenses help protect against dust that gets under goggles or masks.

I have dry eyes. Can I wear contact lenses?

Modern contact lenses materials mean that contact lenses can be worn, at least for part of the day, by most people. Contact us for an appointment.

Is there an age limit for fitting contact lenses?/I have presbyopia. Can I wear contact lenses? Can children wear contact lenses?

Children find contact lenses very beneficial, especially for sport, and with new multifocal contact lenses, there is no upper age limit either. Speak to your optometrist about contact lenses for your specific prescription.

I have astigmatism and have been told I can’t wear contact lenses. Is this true?

Modern contact lens parameters mean that most prescriptions can be fitted successfully with contact lenses, so it’s worth asking for advice for your specific prescription.

Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?

No. The eye has a membrane underneath both upper and lower eyelids which means that a contact lens cannot go behind your eye.

Can I wear make-up if I wear contact lenses?

Yes, but there are a few considerations.

– Put your lenses on before applying make-up, and remove the lenses first before cleaning your face.

– Our experience suggests that dual mascaras (with primer) should be avoided as they can leave deposits on contact lenses.

– Don’t use hand cream before handling your lenses.

– Use hairspray before putting on your contact lenses. (This is also excellent advice for spectacle wearers. Hairspray leave a residue on lenses that is very difficult to clean off.)

– Keep false eyelash cement, nail polish and removers and perfumes away from contact lenses.

Do contact lenses need to be rubbed clean before they are stored overnight in a case?

A study at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Optometry examined the efficiency of three methods of contact lens cleaning before they are stored.

Two of the methods involved short and long periods of simply rinsing the lenses with the storage solution. Neither of these methods was found to be particularly effective.

Do contact lenses need to be rubbed clean before they are put in a case?

Research showed that lenses should be rubbed and rinsed.

Rubbing and rinsing lenses should be done between finger and thumb.

This is the best method for cleaning contact lenses.

This method reduces the number of germs on the lens.

Fewer germs mean that lens storage is much safer.

Cleaner lenses are less oily.

Cleaner lenses are wetter and more comfortable.

Rubbing and rinsing gives better comfort and vision.

How important is hand washing before handling contact lenses?

Summary: How important is hand washing before handling contact lenses?

Many thousands of germs are found on lenses handled with unwashed hands.

Research shows that hand washing greatly reduces the number of germs.

Rinse hands before using soap.

Rinse well after using soap.

Running water is best for washing and rinsing.

Warm water does a better job.

Paper towel is best for drying hands and turning off the tap.

Also use the paper towel to open your lens case.

Why do contact lens cases have to be cleaned and replaced routinely?

Summary: Why do contact lens cases have to be cleaned and replaced routinely?

Fresh storage solutions kill germs on lenses and in cases.

Some germs form a slime on the inside the case.

The germs grow on this slimy coating.

Drying the case with a clean dry tissue removes the slime.

Never leave your case open to dry unless it is face down on a tissue.

Replace the case with a new one every three months.

Why is it important to clean and rinse lenses before storage rather than before insertion?

A recent study found that failure to rub and rinse before storage resulted in the surface of the eye being damaged.

Summary: Why is it important to clean and rinse lenses before storage rather than before insertion?

There are a lot of germs on the lenses after removal from the eye.

The storage solution cannot kill them all.

Cleaning and rinsing your lenses before storage reduces the number of germs on the lenses.

The storage solution can kill the rest of the germs.

Also dirt is easier to remove from lenses before storage.

Rubbing and rinsing before storage gives safer and cleaner lenses.

Is it ok to just top-up the storage solution?

Summary: Is it ok to just top-up the storage solution?

Lenses need to be completely covered in fresh storage solution.

Old storage solution is not safe to use again.

Old storage solution needs to be thrown away so that the case can be cleaned and dried.

Infections can occur if fresh solution is added to old solution.

Replace old solution with fresh solution if you haven’t worn the lenses for more than two weeks.

What happens if the nozzle-tip of the solution bottle becomes contaminated with germs?

A nozzle-tip of the bottle can easily become contaminated with germs so that the solution also becomes contaminated as it comes out of the bottle.

Summary: What happens if the nozzle-tip of the solution bottle becomes contaminated with germs?

Germs from fingers can easily stick to the tip of the solution bottle.

Do not touch the tip of the bottle onto the lens or your skin.

Do not touch the tip of the bottle onto your lashes or lids.

The storage solution can become contaminated.

Make sure the bottle cap does not become contaminated.

Always place the cap back on the bottle.

Can tap water be used to rinse lenses or storage cases?

Even treated (chlorinated) tap water contains some particularly nasty germs. Normally these germs, if they make contact with the eye, are easily flushed out by the tears and blinking.

However, when they become attached to, and trapped under contact lenses on the eye, these germs have a much better chance of causing infections.

Aerosol cans of saline are a safe method of rinsing cases and lenses.

Summary: Can tap water be used to rinse lenses or storage cases?

Even normal tap water contains nasty germs.

Normally these germs are easily flushed out of the eye by tears and blinking.

A contact lens makes it easier for these germs to cause an infection.

The germs can become trapped under a contact lens.

Do not ever use tap water to rinse or store your lenses.

Do not ever use tap water to rinse your case.

Aerosol cans of saline are safest for rinsing cases and lenses.

Always dry your hands with a paper towel after washing and rinsing them.

Drying helps remove germs in water.

What are some of the advantages of keeping contact lenses clean?

Soiled lenses make it easier for germs to multiply on the lens surface. The germs use the protein on the lenses as a source of nourishment.

Soiled lenses have a sticky surface which increases the friction effect of the lids during a blink. Sticky, soiled lenses dry out more easily and are not as comfortable to wear.

Sticky lenses are also less stable on the eye. For example, the correction of astigmatism becomes inconsistent as soiled, sticky lenses tend to rotate off-axis with each blink.

Soiled lenses are also more difficult to disinfect because soiled, sticky lenses attract more germs while the germ killing power of the storage solution is reduced by the deposits on the lens.

Summary: What are some of the advantages of keeping contact lenses clean?

Dirty lenses are sticky making it easier for germs to stick to the lens.

It is easier for germs to grow on dirty lenses.

The germs live on the dirt on the lenses.

It is harder to kill germs on dirty lenses.

It is easier for dirty lenses to dry and become uncomfortable.

Dry lenses are sticky and move about on the eye too much as well as reduce vision.

Is it safe to change brands when buying new solutions?

In addition, an allergy to one of the ingredients in the alternative solution may develop. Such allergies may take weeks or months before causing redness and irritation.

If you are enjoying good contact lens performance with your recommended products, switching brands involves an unnecessary risk of allergies or other types of problem.

Summary: Is it safe to change brands when buying new solutions?

Some solutions can cause irritation or allergy for some people.

Sometimes allergy comes after months or years.

If your lenses are comfortable, do not change your solution.

Changing solutions can cause problems.

Always have a spare bottle of solution and stick to the same brand.

Take a full bottle of solution when you travel.

What are the reasons for maintaining a strict lens replacement schedule for disposable lenses?

For other lens types, materials and manufacturing methods, tear protein deposits are slower to accumulate and may not become significant until toward the end of the intended replacement cycle.

Summary: Why should disposable lenses be replaced on time?