Correct use of contact lenses

Correct use of contact lenses

Correct use of contact lenses is important to ensure healthy eye health. Improper use of contact lenses can cause disease and damage to the eye. If you have not used lenses before, you should first see an optician to check your vision and to learn the correct technique for use.

Daily lenses, monthly lenses and 24-hour lenses

There are several types of contact lenses on the market. LenaPharm has daily lenses, monthly lenses, 24-hour lenses and non-strength colored lenses. These are used differently and it is important to follow the instructions for use carefully. Do not use the lenses for longer than they are intended for.

Daily lenses (one-day lenses) are worn for 1 day and thrown away in the evening after use. As they are replaced every day, daily lenses require no lens fluid or cleaning.

Monthly lenses are used during the day for up to 30 days. They are taken out in the evening, cleaned and placed in contact lens solution overnight. Cleaning the lenses is important to avoid deposits on the lenses that can cause inflammation in the eye.

Color lenses are colored monthly lenses without strength, which give a natural eye colour.

Pay attention to hygiene

Washing hands is important before handling contact lenses. Hands are a source of bacteria and viruses that can be transferred to the eye when inserting or removing contact lenses. Careful cleaning of the lens case and monthly and daily lenses is important to limit bacterial growth and prevent infection of the eye.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before handling the lenses.

• Use a clean, lint-free towel or paper towel to dry your hands after washing.

• Monthly lenses must be cleaned every evening and placed in contact lens solution overnight.

• Use fresh contact lens solution each time.

• Daily contact lenses should also be cleaned in contact lens fluid at regular intervals and otherwise as needed.

• Clean the lens case daily. The lens case is a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Replace the lens case regularly and preferably once a month.

Contact lens liquid

When using daily lenses and monthly lenses, it is important to clean and sanitize the contact lenses daily or every time you take them out, in contact lens solution. Contact lens liquid rinses, cleans and disinfects the lenses in a safe and good way, and removes deposits and protein coatings gently and effectively.

Wash and rinse the contact lenses with contact lens solution, then store them in a lens case filled with the same solution for next use.

Eye drops and contact lenses

The recommendations for the use of eye drops when using contact lenses at the same time vary between the different types of eye drops. The ingredients in the eye drops determine whether or not they can be used at the same time as contact lenses. Read the package leaflet or ask your pharmacist about the use of eye drops when wearing contact lenses.

Contact lens wearers should avoid eye drops with preservatives. Eye drops with the preservative benzalkonium chloride can cause discolouration of the lens and irritation of the eye, and should not be used at the same time as contact lenses. It is advisable to use eye drops in single-use containers without preservatives.

Contact lenses attract water. If you use eye drops with added medicine, simultaneous use of eye drops and contact lenses can extend the contact time of the eye with the medicine. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you wear contact lenses and are dependent on eye drops with added medicine. If you have been prescribed eye drops by a doctor with dosage morning and evening, you can drip the eye drops 1/2 hour before the contact lenses are inserted into the eye, and in the evening after the lenses have been removed.

Swimming and contact lenses

If you get water in your eye, the contact lenses can be washed out. Use swimming goggles if you experience this as a problem. Monthly and daily lenses can be advantageously cleaned after swimming.

Dry eyes

Using contact lenses can cause dry eyes. If you wear contact lenses and are often bothered by dry eyes, you should see an optician or ophthalmologist. Give your eyes a break from contact lenses from time to time and wear relief glasses. Artificial tear fluid can help with dry eyes - see our selection of products for dry eyes here.