A guide to looking after your contact lenses

Sometimes you may not feel like wearing your glasses, at times like these contact lenses can be life-changing.

They’re incredibly convenient, comfortable to wear and very easy to use once you’ve got the hang of them. But contact lenses do need a certain level of care.

From the best way to clean contact lenses to spotting some of the classic warning signs of a contact lens-related problem, here are our six top tips to keep your eyes healthy when wearing contact lenses.

1. Wash your hands properly before putting them on (or taking them out)

Over the day, your fingers touch all kinds of things that are covered in germs – your phone, your keyboard, door handles – and transferring these germs to your eye could cause a nasty infection. So, to avoid spreading harmful microbes, wash your hands thoroughly with soap for at least 20 seconds, rinse well with water and dry your hands well and hey presto, you’re ready to put your contacts in or take them out.

2. Clean the case properly and regularly

There are different types of lenses – from dailies, to lenses which last over a year – and if you have a reusable variety, it’s important to regularly clean their case to avoid a build-up of bacteria, and replace the case with every new bottle of solution. (Cases need only be full of solution when lenses are in them). Wash your hands (as above), tip out any old contact solution from your case into the sink and you’re ready to start cleaning. Scrub the case with your finger or a clean tissue to remove any biofilm, rinse the case with multi-purpose contact solution and then air dry your case face down on a clean tissue avoiding any contact with water. Finally, refill with fresh contact solution, when you next need to use the case.

Person sleeping

3. Don’t sleep with your lenses in

It’s the end of the day and all you want to do is climb into bed and go to sleep… but don’t forget to take your lenses out first! Unless you’ve had the okay from your optometrist, sleeping with your lenses in is a big no-no, even a short nap is not ok. Not only will the lenses likely get sticky and uncomfortable, but it can lead to infection, corneal abrasion, corneal ulcers or corneal scarring, which may permanently affect your vision.

4. Don’t apply lenses that are dirty, dusty or damaged

Dropped your lens on the floor and in a rush? Don’t just pick it up and put it straight on your eye – there is no such thing as the three-second rule when it comes to contact lens hygiene. Ensure you know the best way to clean contact lenses to avoid risking discomfort and infection from dirt or dust getting in your eyes. If you wear makeup, make sure to put on your lenses before you apply your makeup and take them out before you wash it off – that way you’ll limit the chance of any products coming into contact with your lens. And if your lens is damaged, unfortunately, that means it’s time to throw it away and use a new one, as a damaged lens can lead to a damaged cornea.

person rubbing uncomfortable eyes

5. Take out your lenses if your eyes feel uncomfortable, look red or sore, or you can’t see very well

If your eyes are in any pain, watering excessively, red, blurry, dry, light-sensitive or feel abnormal in any way, the best thing to do is take out your lenses immediately. The lens could be dirty – in which case you need to thoroughly clean and disinfect it – or damaged – in which case you need to throw it away and use a new one. If your symptoms persist once you’ve taken out the lens, make sure you consult your optometrist as there could be a more serious problem.

6. Go for regular checkups at your optician

The maximum time a contact lens specification is valid for is 12 months, so make sure you have at least an annual contact lens check-up. Attend more often as advised by your optometrist or if you have any concerns/questions, Leightons are here to help, with the expertise to advise you on anything from varifocal contact lenses to daily disposables and to provide you with complete contact lens care.

Book your contact lens appointment

So, whether you’re simply in need of a check-up to update your prescription or want to try contact lenses for the first time, book your contact lens appointment with Leightons today.

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Are contact lenses and glasses prescriptions the same?
Are contact lenses and glasses prescriptions the same?
While both glasses and contact lenses do the same job in correcting your eyesight, there are some obvious differences in how each is worn. Glasses rest on the nose and are positioned away from the eyes, whereas contact lenses are in direct contact with your eyeball. These differences are the fundamental reasons why contact lenses and glasses prescriptions are absolutely not the same. In this article, we’ll explain why in more detail. Contact lens vs glasses prescription – what’s the difference? Quite simply, the lenses in your glasses will be very different to your contact lenses. That’s because each type of lens refracts light differently and therefore during an eye test, different measurements have to be made. The measurements from one eye test are not compatible with the other. So, is the prescription for contacts the same as glasses? The answer is NO because you need to have 2 separate eye tests, which will result in 2 different prescriptions. Contact lens prescription A contact lens prescription comprises a set of measurements relating to the curvature, size and power of the contact lens along with other relevant information. These measurements are carried out by an optometrist, also known as an ophthalmic optician. Glasses prescription An optometrist or ophthalmic optician is also responsible for carrying out the actual eye tests for glasses and lenses. The tests are to determine the strength of the lenses you require, along with other factors such as eye dominance, pupillary distance and axis number. All this information will be included in your glasses prescription. Learn how to read your glasses prescription How to read your contact lens prescription Have you ever wondered what all the abbreviations and letters on your contact lens prescription mean? Read on to find out. What does Base Curve (BC) mean? Base Curve (BC) refers to the specific curve with which a contact lens is made. Different corneal curves will need different base curve lenses, although with modern more flexible contact lens materials, there is some lea way in this. What does Diameter (DIA) mean? This measurement refers to the Diameter (DIA) of the contact lens itself and corresponds with the size of your cornea. It is the measurement from one edge of the lens to the other and is measured in millimetres. What does Power/Sphere (PWR/SPH) mean? The term Power (PWR) together with Sphere (SPH) refers to the strength of the lens. For long-sightedness this figure will show a plus sign (+) and for short-sightedness, it will begin with a minus sign (-). Other contact lens prescription figures People who have an eye defect such as astigmatism, will need to wear toric lenses and therefore will see additional words or abbreviations on their prescription. The same applies to people who might have presbyopia or short-sightedness, and have a prescription for varifocal or multifocal contact lenses. Other contact lens prescription figures are Prism, which refers to a lens or lenses that are designed to correct double vision. Also, Pupillary Distance (PD), which is a term that relates to the distance between the centre of your pupils. It is measured in millimetres and it is important that this measurement is accurate to ensure clear and comfortable vision. OD - Stands for Oculus Dexter, which means ‘right eye’ OS - Stands for Oculus Sinister, which means ‘left eye’ BAL - Stands for Balance, which means both eyes are prescribed the same lenses. DS - Stands for Dioptres Sphere, which means the eyes are spherical in shape. VA - Stands for Visual Acuity, which is a measurement of how clearly a person can see with corrective lenses. This measurement is expressed as a fraction. Your contact lens prescription might also include the brand or manufacturer’s name. What does Cylinder (CYL) mean? The term Cylinder (CYL) refers to an astigmatic prescription. if you have astigmatism then your eye will be more oval-shaped as opposed to globe-shaped. With this condition, you would need specially designed contact lenses called Toric lenses. What does Axis (AX) mean? Axis (AX) refers to the angle that the cylinder or astigmatic correction is placed in order to provide clear vision. This is a number, which is measured in degrees from 0 to 179. What does Addition (ADD) mean? The term Addition (ADD) refers to the amount of additional correction required to see clearly nearby and is given over and above the distance contact lens prescription. Multifocal contact lenses will have an ‘add’ in their prescription. An ‘add’ is generally only required when you develop presbyopia (an age related inflexibility of the intraocular lens, that typically starts between age 40and 45) What does Dominant mean? Most people have a Dominant eye which they unconsciously favour slightly, and a non-dominant eye. Certain contact lenses are best fitted taking this into account (generally multifocal contact lenses). Typically the dominant eye is fitted with the D lens (for better Distance vision) and the non-dominant eye is for better Near vision (this would be the N lens). Can you convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription? No, it’s not possible to do this because the optics of the lenses are different. Likewise, you cannot convert a contact lens prescription to a glasses prescription. How to get a contact lens prescription If you would like to know how to get contact lenses then you will first need to make an appointment with your optician for a contact lens prescription. Your appointment with your optician will include an assessment and a contact lens eye test. This is a different eye test to the type you would need for glasses. After your initial assessment and test, you will then need to have a contact lens fitting. Your optician will demonstrate how to safely insert and remove your lenses and how to care for them. Finally, you will receive your free written contact lens prescription. You can buy your contact lenses from the optician that carried out your eye test or you can buy them from another optician or an online supplier. Contact lenses need to be reviewed more frequently You should be aware that your eyesight can change over time so it’s important you get your eyes retested at least every 2 years. If you notice any changes in your vision at any time before that period then contact your optician for a check-up. Book a contact lens consultation today.
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