Wearing contact lensesContact lenses are a convenient and stylish way to correct your vision. At OPSM, we have a complete range so there’s a type that will best suit your individual needs. Follow the instructions below for years of trouble-free use.
Inserting and removing soft contact lensesHow to insert soft contact lenses
- place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger with others tucked out of the way (your finger should be no wetter than the eye or the contact lens will stay on your finger).
- look slightly across your nose in the mirror.
- drag the bottom eyelid down with your middle finger.
- place the contact lens on the sclera (white part of the eye) with the bottom edge of the contact lens touching first (the angle the contact lens is placed on your finger is crucial).
- press firmly and then release your bottom lid.
- massage contact lens into place through lids or blink a couple of times.
- repeat for the other eye.
Hint: If the contact lens is folding over each time then it means you are blinking before the contact lens has settled. Try holding your top eyelid. You may find it easier to practice touching the white part of the eye without a contact lens a few times before inserting the contact lens.
How to remove soft contact lenses
- with your middle finger of your dominant or opposite hand, pull the lower lid down.
- bend your head forward.
- place your index finger of the same hand on the contact lens and slide it down onto the exposed sclera (white of the eye).
- with your thumb and index finger, pinch the contact lens off the eye (don't squeeze too hard).
- clean and store the first contact lens before removing the second.
Back to top INSERTING CONTACT LENSES Q&A What if I have long nails?
It’s always better for contact lens wearers to keep their fingernails trimmed short. However, in cases where this is not possible, use the same steps as above except the contact lens should be dragged past the sclera (white of the eye) and onto the bottom lid. Then it can easily be removed off the eyelashes.
What if I can't get my eye to open wide enough?
The simple trick here is to reach around over your head and, using just one finger, gently lift the upper lid open. Pull your lower lid down with the middle finger of the hand holding your contact lens. It also helps to keep both eyes open during contact lens insertion.
What if the contact lens sticks to my finger and not to my eye?
Contact lenses are part water and are attracted to wet things. Before handling contact lenses, be sure to wipe off any moisture from your hands with a clean lint free towel. If your fingertips are dry the contact lens will easily go from your finger onto the moist surface of your eye. Remember to keep your contact lenses wet and your finger dry.
Do I have to put the contact lens exactly in the middle of the eye?
A contact lens won't fit or feel right if it isn't centred. The good news is that the shape of your eye and the contact lens match so closely, that even if you put it in off-center, it will usually slide into place by itself.
Back to top Do’s and don'ts of contact lens wearDo
- always adhere strictly to the wear advice and wearing schedule recommended by your OPSM optometrist and the contact lens manufacturer’s instructions.
- consult your OPSM optometrist if your eyes are red, sore or your vision is blurry.
- always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses and dry with a lint free towel.
- always check that the contact lens has not turned inside out before inserting.
- always start with the right contact lens first so that they don’t get mixed up.
- insert contact lenses before applying make-up and take them out before removing make-up.
- keep your contact lenses wet at all times, either in your eyes or stored in solution in your contact lens case.
- after removing, clean and disinfect your contact lenses using fresh solution.
- clean your contact lens case after each use with multi-purpose solution and replace every 3 months.
- keep a back-up pair of glasses.
- have an eye test every 12 months or as otherwise recommended by your OPSM optometrist.
Don't
- don’t wear contact lenses if your eyes are red, sore or your vision is blurry - consult your OPSM optometrist promptly if symptoms persist (despite contact lenses not being worn).
- don’t insert contact lenses if they are damaged.
- don’t keep disposable contact lenses longer than instructed by your OPSM optometrist.
- don’t use contact lens solutions after their expiry date.
- don’t change contact lens solution types or disinfection procedures without consulting your OPSM optometrist.
- don’t use medicated drops on contact lenses without your OPSM optometrist's approval.
- don’t use tap water or saliva on your contact lenses.
- don’t rub your eyes when wearing contact lenses.
- don’t sleep in daily wear contact lenses or wear them more than once.
- don’t wear contact lenses when swimming unless you’re wearing goggles.
- don’t wear another person’s contact lenses.
- don’t forget to have an eye test every 12 months or as otherwise recommended by your OPSM optometrist.
- don’t place contact lenses on top of the television or any warm or hot appliance.
Back to top How to care for contact lensesMulti-purpose solutions
Contact lens multi-purpose solutions clean, disinfect and store contact lenses.
Disposable and soft conventional (non-disposable) contact lenses should be soaked in a contact lens disinfecting solution for a minimum of 6 hours to ensure disinfection from potentially harmful contaminants.
Contact lens cleaning solutions
Contact lens cleaning solutions are usually recommended for conventional (non-disposable) contact lenses but can be used with disposable contact lenses. Cleaning solutions are used to remove a build-up of unwanted contact lens deposits, such as oils and proteins. If deposits are left on contact lenses it may lead to discomfort, eye irritation and decreased contact lens life.
Contact lens comfort drops
Contact lens comfort drops can improve wearer comfort in air-conditioned and dry environments.
Caring for your contact lens case
After each use, wipe the case with your multi-purpose solution and leave to “air dry”. Replace the case every three months.
After-care visits
After-care appointments are important to ensure continued eye health and wearer comfort. It’s best to wear your contact lenses to an after-care visit at the end of their daily wearing time. You should also take your contact lens case and glasses with you.
Back to top
Call 13 20 20 to arrange a contact lens after–care appointment with your OPSM optometrist or click here to find your nearest OPSM store.
This information is for general education only and may not be suitable for everyone. It is not intended to be optometric advice and if any of the issues raised effect you, we recommend you seek specific advice from your OPSM optometrist.
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