CONTACT LENS QUESTIONS

Can I change to a different contact lens solution without checking with the optometrist?

Your Optometrist will have recommended a solution for you based on many different factors. Your lenses and solutions should be seen as working as a team, and changing the solution can cause discomfort, allergy or other problems. Supermarkets often vary the contents of the bottle without changing the packaging so unless you note the ingredients down you can't tell what you are buying.



Who can wear contact lenses ? and what age can I start wearing them?

It doesn’t matter how young or old you are, what kind of prescription you have, or what kind of lifestyle you lead – almost anyone can wear contact lenses. If you and your optometrist are happy that you’re comfortable putting them in, taking them out, and cleaning them, then there’s really nothing stopping you.



I have astigmatism. Can I wear contact lenses?

Nearly all people with astigmatism (irregular or rugby ball shaped eyes) can now be fitted with contact lenses. Soft and rigid gas permeable lenses can be used, and depending on the prescription even daily disposable soft lenses are available.



Do I need to clean and disinfect my lenses every night ?

Yes ! Cleaning the lenses with an approved solution removed deposits from the lens surface and kills microbes that potentially cause eye infections.



Can I rinse my lenses with tap water?

NO ! Even tap water can harbor pathogens including Acanthamoeba , the dangerous amoeba that can cause painful, vision threatening eye infections. It is recommended to rinse lenses with non preservative sterile saline.



Can I use eye drops with my lenses in?

If you require eye drops for a condition such as glaucoma or allergies , it is recommended they be instilled at least 5 minutes prior to application of the lenses or after lenses are removed.



What do I do if i can not remove my contact lenses from my eye?

Firstly make sure that the lens is still in your eye. Your eye may still feel that a lens is present if it is irritated, but it may have already fallen out. If the lens is still at the centre of your eye, with clean hands, try sliding it down towards the bottom of your eye and gently but firmly pinch it from the edges inwards. If the lens seems stuck, then place a few drops of sterile saline solution, lubricating eye drops (specifically formulated for contact lenses) . Sometimes lenses can become stuck under your top eyelid. Looking straight ahead in the mirror, tilt your head back slightly and elevate your top lid as far as possible to determine if the lens is there try sliding it down then pinching it out. If you are still struggling see your optometrist as soon as possible.



Is it safe to sleep in my lenses?

No . Sleeping in your contact lenses reduces oxygen transmission to the eye. This can cause swelling of the cornea and abnormal blood vessels to grow into the cornea.



SPECIALTY CONTACT LENSES

Why do I need to use preservative – free solutions to fill my scleral lenses?

There is minimal tear exchange when the lens is on the eye . Long – term exposure to preservatives can cause a sensitivity or toxicity to the cornea resulting in redness and irritation.



How many hours per day is it safe for me to wear my lenses?

After the initial adaptation period , the lenses can be worn for a full day . Keep in mind that every person is different, and no lens should be worn if it becomes uncomfortable , painful, or if the eye becomes red and irritated . Ultimately , your wear time should be determined by you and your eye doctor.



How do I know if there is an air bubble under the lens?

If you apply the lens and notice that your vision is blurry or the lens feels uncomfortable , you may have an air bubble trapped underneath . Sometimes you can see the bubble if you look in the mirror, but other times you cannot . If you think there is a bubble, remove the lens and reapply it.



How long do my lenses last for?

If cared for properly , most scleral lenses are expected to last at least one year , and Hybrid lenses 6 months.



I can see a ring where the lens was on my eye after I removed the lens . Is this normal?

Yes, this is normal . We call it an impression ring . Similar to when you remove a watch or a pair of socks, there is often an impression in the tissue due to the placement of the device . This is not a problem and should disappear within about 5 minutes. If , however, you are experiencing a significant amount of redness in the area after removing the lenses, especially if it persists after a few minutes ,please contact your optometrist.



Location to Ashton Clinic