First step - Solutions and cleaning

The first thing you will want to learn about is the cleaning solution your doctor has recommended. The newer solutions on the market are almost fool proof, but there are some things you need to know about using them. Most of the multi-purpose solutions on the market today are a no rub solution, so for cleaning you just have to take the lens out and rinse them, then store them in the solution. Then when you are going to put the contact lenses in you just rinse again and place them in your eyes. These no rub solutions are the most commonly prescribed cleaning solutions today and are very effective in removing debris and bacteria from the surface of the contact lens.

Tips to remember:

    
• Remember to rinse the contact lens before inserting - this will ensure that any debris is washed away from the surface
    
• If the tip of the solution touches the contact lens or your eye the whole bottle may be contaminated
    
• Clean the case at east once a week with warm water and soap, using a new toothbrush to scrub the case out. Let the case air dry and every 2-3 months throw the case away.¹

Step two - Soft lens Preparation

Before you go rushing to put those lenses in you have to ask yourself one question: have I washed my hands? As obvious as this may sound, it is still a common fumble when it comes to inserting contact lenses. Keep in mind that we are trying to maintain a sterile and healthy environment for our eyes. After washing your hands we open the lenses and check to see if they are inverted or not. I bet you didn't know that contact lenses will go on your eye whether they are inside out or not. Its true the lenses will fit right on your eye inside out, but they may feel uncomfortable or pop out quickly - it can and does happen. To prevent the lens from going inside out we are going to learn three methods to test the lens for the correct side.

    
1. The Taco Test - This technique is accomplished by placing the lens in the crease of your hand towards the outside of the palm. As you close the palm of your hand you should notice the lens rolls in the shape of a taco if done correctly. If the lens is inside out you will notice that the edges will flair out and the middle of the lens will fold against itself.
    
2. The Bowl - This method consists of scrutinizing the contact lens on the tip of your finger to see if it forms the shape of a bowl. If the lens is inside out you will notice that the edges flair out. Sometimes you will have to flip it and check it both ways just to be sure.
    
3. The Code Word - For those of you with good near vision some of the manufacturers engrave letters or numbers on the lens to help you tell which side is right. If the letters are backwards then they are inside out.

Tips to remember

    
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
    
• If you wear makeup, eye creams, or hand lotion; put them on after getting the lens in. This should help the lenses stay cleaner and wetter.

Step three - Insertion

There are a number of different ways to put contact lenses in so don't feel like this is the say all be all of inserting lenses. This is just the most commonly taught way of doing it, if you feel you have a better way try it a few times to see if it works. First you place the contact lens on the index finger of the hand you write with. With that same hand you take the middle finger and hold down the bottom lid by the lid margin. Now the free hand should reach over the head and hold the top lid by the lid margin. You should have created a large enough opening for the contact lens to go in with out touching anything other than the eye. Bring the finger closer towards the eye and when all the edges of the lens touch your eye then the contact will release from your finger and attach to your cornea. Release your hands and slowly close your eye, patting your eye through the lid gently. I find that patting it a little helps to get out any air that has been trapped under the lens. Repeat for the other eye.

Tips to remember

    
• Hold the lids as close to the eyelashes as possible to prevent from blinking.
    
• After every 3-4 tries place a drop or two of solution on the lens to prevent the lens from drying out.
    
• Gazing upward will help to keep the upper lid open a little better.
    
• Staring at a mirror in front of you instead of the lens helps.
    
• Start with the same eye every time from start to finish to prevent mixing up the contacts.

Step four - Removal

There are two main ways of removing the contact lenses. We will start with the short fingernail technique. Pull the contact lens down onto the sclera or the white of your eye with your index finger. Now using your thumb and index finger gently pinch the lens out. Remember to never pinch the lens straight from off the cornea - you could possibly do damage that way. The second technique is the long fingernail technique. Take the middle knuckle of your index finger and place it on the lens and in a "J" motion sweep the lens down and to the side using you whole finger in the process. The lens will roll up into the side of your eye for you to take out.

Tips to remember

    
• Your contact lens can not roll into the back of your eye.
    
• Don't pinch straight off the cornea.

Step 5 - Wearing Schedule

This is one of the most important parts to listen to and remember. The first day you should wear your lens for 4 hours. Then add 2 more hours every day until you have reached your prescribed lenses wearing time. It is also important to keep in mind that lenses should not be worn for longer then prescribed; 8-10 hour lens should be just that. If they are disposable lenses throw them away at the proper time. Don't and I repeat don't try to make them last longer. The FDA determines the life of the lens and wearing times allowed through vigorous testing. Any questions you have in this area are best handled by the doctor.

Symptoms - Adaptive / Abnormal / Emergencies

They come clear or in colors, but don't be fooled - contact lenses are a medical device. As such they can have side effects and complications. It is important to know what they are so you will be well prepared should any of these situations present themselves to you.

Adaptive Symptoms

These are normal symptoms that most lens wearer will notice until they are fully adapted to wearing contact lenses.

    
1. Tearing up when you first insert the lens.
    
2. Feeling scratchy or like something is in the eye.
    
3. Mild photophobia or light sensitivity.
    
4. Slight headaches for higher prescriptions

These symptoms usually go away after getting used to a full days wear, but could take longer. Expect some of the symptoms to reappear when being fitted for new brands or material lenses.

Abnormal and Emergencies

If any of these symptoms occur during contact lens wear remove the lens and call your eye care practitioner.

    
1. Persistent pain.
    
2. Burning and tearing.
    
3. Redness that won't clear up.
    
4. Hazy vision that remains an hour or more after removal.
    
5. Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

If any of these symptoms occur it is important to remove the lenses and contact your eye care professional or nearest emergency room for advice.

Tips to remember

    
• If you happen to fall asleep in lenses don't rip them out upon waking. Make sure the lens moves freely then lubricate and remove. Your eyes may feel a little scratchy and irritated afterwards discontinue contact lens wear for at least twenty four hours.

If you found this article helpful look forward to the Contact Lens Wear and Care - Rigid Gas Permeable Lens coming soon.

References

¹Contact Lens Manual Volume I by the Contact Lens Society of America