Instruction videos for applying and removing contact lenses

Tips on wearing contact lenses

Important things to remember
  • Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses. It is essential that you use good hygienic methods in the care and handling of contact lenses.
  • Be careful when using soaps, lotions, creams, cosmetics, hairsprays or deodorants as they can cause irritation if they come into contact with your lenses
  • Insert your lenses before applying make-up and remove them before taking make-up off
  • Never allow contact lenses to come into contact with non-sterile liquids (e.g. water or saliva) as microbial contamination can occur, which may lead to permanent eye damage
  • It is recommended that contact lens wearers visit their optometrist as directed for regular check-ups​


Looking after your eyes - the 3-Step check
As a contact lens wearer, it is a good idea to help keep your eyes healthy. That's why we recommend conducting a simple 3-part self-examination of your eyes. At least once a day, ask yourself:
  1. Do my eyes feel good with my lenses? – is there any discomfort
  2. Do my eyes look good? – is there any redness
  3. Do I see well? – is there any blurring


When not to wear lenses
It is inadvisable to wear contact lenses with some health conditions. Also, you should avoid wearing your lenses in certain environments and activities. Examples include:
  • Allergy, inflammation, infection or irritation in or around the eyes or eyelids
  • Periods of poor health, such as severe colds or influenza
  • Excessively dry or dusty environments
  • Swimming or water sports without the use of goggles
  • When showering
  • In a hot tub or Jacuzzi
  • When sleeping
 

Possible problems
While problems are thankfully rare, contact lens wear does increase your chances of developing eye infections and other problems. That is why it is so important to follow your recommended hygiene procedures carefully and also to pay close attention to any suspicious symptoms. Danger signs to look out for include:
  • Discomfort/pain
  • Eye redness
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Reduced clarity of vision
  • Rainbows or haloes around lights
These symptoms, if ignored, may lead to serious complications, such as bacterial infections and corneal ulcers. Acanthamoeba keratitis is a rare but particularly nasty example of such a problem. It is a painful and virulent infection of the cornea at the front of your eye which progresses quickly and can lead to permanent loss of vision.

 
What to do if a problem occurs
If any unusual signs or symptoms do occur:
  • Immediately remove your lenses
  • Inspect your eye with a mirror for redness and other suspicious signs
  • If your signs and symptoms persist, promptly contact your optometrist