Contact Lenses – do’s and don’ts

Wearing contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses, but proper care is essential for maintaining eye health. Knowing the do’s and don’ts of contact lens use can help prevent discomfort, infections, and long-term damage. Whether you’re a first-time user or a seasoned wearer, following these key guidelines ensures a safe and comfortable experience with your lenses.

To make an appointment simply call us on 020 7713 7713 or send an email to: info@zackseyes.co.uk

Contact Lens Do's

Have regular check-ups as advised by your practitioner
Always wash and dry your hands prior to handling your lenses
Always rub, rinse and store your lenses in the recommended solution before and after each use (except single-use lenses, which should be discarded after each wear)
Always clean the lens case with solution, wipe with a clean tissue then air-dry after each use by placing the case and lids face down on a tissue
Always apply the same lens first to avoid mixing them up
Check the lens is not inside out before insertion
Check the lens is not damaged before insertion
Handle carefully to avoid damaging the lens
Apply your lenses before putting on make-up
Remove lenses then remove make-up
Keep your eyes closed when using hairspray or other aerosols
Replace your lens case at least monthly
Discard lenses and solutions that are past their expiry date
Wear only the lenses specified by your contact lens practitioner
Stick strictly to the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency
Make sure you have an adequate supply of replacement lenses and solutions
Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses

Ask yourself these three questions, each time you wear your lenses:

Do my eyes feel good with my lenses? — no discomfort
Do my eyes look good? — no redness
Do I see well? — no unusual blurring with either eye

If the answer to any of these questions is no, leave your lenses off and contact us or make an appointment immediately.

Contact Lens Dont's

Use tap water, or any other water, on your lenses or lens case
Wet your lenses with saliva
Put a lens on the eye if it falls on the floor or other surface, without cleaning and storing again
Apply a lens if it is dirty, dusty or damaged
Continue to wear your lenses if your eyes don’t feel good, look good, or see well
Re-use or top up solution – discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored
Decant solution into smaller containers
Wear lenses left in the case for more than seven days without cleaning and storing them in fresh solution
Sleep in your lenses unless specifically advised to by your practitioner
Wear any lens overnight if you are unwell
Use your lenses for swimming, hot tubs or water sports, unless wearing goggles
Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly closed
Switch the solution you use except on the advice of your practitioner
Use any eye drops without advice from your contact lens practitioner
Share contact lenses or wear any lenses not specified by your practitioner

If you have any questions about your contact lenses please contact us or make an appointment for advice.

A good rule of thumb to remember is: “If in doubt take them out”.

For more information on contact lens, please contact us or make an appointment at our London practice (15 Warren Mews, London W1T 6AZ)