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First Time Lens Users - Easy Hints!
In some circumstances, the first time application of
a lens is a bit uncomfortable. It will take some patience to get use to wearing them. To make your first time color lens experience comfortable, safe and easy to use, follow these simple steps.
- Lenses sitting in a package have a tendency to produce calcium build up. These are very small (undetectable) particles that make wearing a lens a little uncomfortable.
• Simple to Remember – very clean lenses makes for
very comfortable lens wear.
• Place your new lenses in fresh solution for 4 to 6 hours prior to cleaning. Rinse and then apply.
- 7 Day “Get Use to Your Lens” Schedule – It takes time for you to get use to wearing lenses, plus your lenses will take time to conform to the shape of your eyes. So follow this simple schedule:
Day 1 – 1 hour of wear
Day 2 – 2 hours of wear
Day 3 – 3 hours of wear
Day 4 – 4 hours of wear
Day 5 – 5 hours of wear
Day 6 – 6 hours of wear
Day 7 – 7 hours of wear
and always remember to follow the Cleaning Your Lenses section of this guide.
- First time reaction to new lenses include – tearing, redness, itchiness and increased blinking. Don’t worry! By following our “7 day schedule” your eyes will adapt to wearing lenses and these symptoms will gradually diminish.
- If the symptoms persist – discontinue use and consult an eye care professional to see if your eyes are suitable for lens wear.
Preparing Your Lenses for Insertion:
- Wash your hands with NON CREAM BASED soap, rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free towel prior to inserting your lenses. A wet finger may cause a soft lens to flatten or stick to your finger when you attempt to insert the lens.
- Avoid using fingernails to handle your lenses.
- Do not work with your lenses over a sink; you could lose one down the drain. If you do work near the sink, close the drain, If the lens drops in the sink, you should disinfect the lens again.
- Pour the lens and storage fluid from the lens case into your palm. Inspect the lenses for particles, deposits, small crack or tears. Upon opening your new lens package, ensure that lenses sit in fresh solution for 4 to 6 hours, followed by proper Cleaning Instructions. (section on Cleaning Your Lenses).
- Place the lens, cup side up, on your dry index finger.
- Make sure the lens is not inside out. If it is, reverse it. If it is right side out, (correct) the edge of the lens will appear almost straight up. If it is in the (incorrect) position the edges will flare out.
- Hold the upper lashes and eyelid against the bony ridge just below the brow and hold your mouth open as wide as possible at the same time, to prevent blinking.
- Pull the lower lid down using your middle finger. Look up so that the white of your eye is showing.
- Place the lens onto the exposed white of your eye and move the lens onto the centre of your eye with the lower lid.
- Remove your finger and release the lid. Lower lid first, and then the upper one.
- Look downward to help the lens, then close your eyes momentarily.
- If your lenses feel dry or if your vision is blurred, BLINK HARD SEVERAL TIMES. IF THE REDNESS OR BLURRY VISION PERSISTS AFTER BLINKING, apply one or two comfort drops (eye drops). If your vision is still blurred remove your lens and consult an eye care professional.
- Repeat this procedure to insert the other lens.
It is advisable to place solution in your lens carrying case and carry it with you at all times. You never know when you may have to remove your lenses.
How to Remove Your Lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands and close any nearby drains.
- Place your index finger on the lower eyelid of your right eye and pull the eyelid down.
- Touch the lower edge of the lens with the tip of your finger.
- While still looking up, slide the lens downward to the white of your eye using your index finger.
- Still looking up and holding the lens under the index finger, move your thumb so you can compress the lens lightly between the thumb and the index finger, then gently remove the “folded up” lens from the white of the eye.
- If you have difficulty removing the lens, place a few comfort drops in the eye, wait a few minutes and try again.
- Upon removal, place the lens in your palm ready to be cleaned, followed by placing the lens in the case with fresh solution.
Cleaning Your Lenses:
- You must clean and disinfect your lenses each time you remove them.
- Wash & dry your hands with a lint free towel and place the lens in your palm.
- Squeeze several drops of daily contact lens all purpose solution into your palm.
- Rub one side of the lens with the solution against the palm of your hand using your index finger for about 5 seconds, in a straight back and forth motion. Then turn the lens over and repeat the cleaning process but add a few more drops of solution.
- Rinse the lens thoroughly with more all purpose solution. Never use homemade solutions or tap water, they may contain organisms that could cause an infection.
Storing Your Lenses:
- Fill your case with contact lens disinfection solution. Place your lenses in the storage case. If a soft lens dries out, it will shrivel-up and can break easily.
- A dried lens can be rehydrated in the recommended solution. Check it for rips or tears, then clean and disinfect it (you must store the lens for a minimum of 6 hours for disinfection to be complete) before putting it back into your eyes.
- Never store soft lenses in tap water, mineral water or anything other than sterile soft lens solution as there is a risk of infection.
Making Cleanliness a Habit:
Want to make the most of your contact lenses? For great vision & healthy, comfortable lens wear, keep these guidelines in mind.
- These lenses are for cosmetic purposes and should only be worn for 6 to 8 hours at a time, even if they feel comfortable.
- Never sleep or nap while wearing your lenses.
- Apply cosmetics after you insert your lens and remove cosmetics after removing your lenses. Water based cosmetics are less damaging to your lens then oil based.
- Avoid handling of your lenses for to long before inserting them or you could cause an eye irritation.
- Never swim while wearing your lenses. It is very likely that you will lose them and if not lost they may get contaminated.
- Do not get lotions, creams or sprays in your eyes or on your lenses and avoid the presence of chemicals.
- Never skip in lens care. Cleaning by itself is not enough. You must store your lenses in fresh solution at least twice per week and for no less then 6 hours in your all purpose disinfecting solution.
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