Have you ever found yourself struggling with inserting or removing your contact lenses? Or perhaps you’ve noticed your eyes feeling irritated after wearing them? We can often trace these common issues back to improper handling and cleaning of your lenses. Proper care not only ensures comfort but also protects your eye health.
At Columbia Opticians, we understand that managing contact lenses can sometimes be challenging. We’ve compiled essential tips to help you master the basics of inserting, removing, and cleaning your soft contact lenses. With the right techniques, you can enjoy clear vision and healthy eyes without hassle.
5 Tips for Inserting Soft Contact Lenses
- Wash Your Hands: Always start by washing your hands with soap and water. Dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel to prevent transferring any dirt or oils to your lenses.
- Inspect the Lens: Place the lens on the tip of your finger and check that it is clean and free from tears. Ensure it is in the correct orientation; the lens should look like a bowl with the edges facing upwards.
- Use a Mirror: Sit in front of a well-lit mirror to guide the insertion process. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open and your dominant hand to hold the lower eyelid open.
- Place the Lens: Gently place the lens on your eye, looking upwards to avoid blinking. Once the lens is on, close your eye slowly and blink a few times to center the lens.
- Ensure Comfort: Check that the lens feels comfortable. If it causes irritation, remove it, rinse with solution, and try inserting it again.
Tips for Removing Soft Contact Lenses
Just as you follow a routine to insert your lenses, the same applies to removing them. Clean hands are crucial, so start by washing them thoroughly and drying them with a lint-free towel. Sit in front of a mirror to help guide the removal process. Look upwards and hold your upper eyelid open with your non-dominant hand.
With your dominant hand, gently slide the lens down to the lower part of your eye using your index finger. Pinch the lens lightly between your thumb and index finger to remove it. Store the lens in a clean case with fresh solution.
5 Tips for Cleaning Your Soft Contact Lenses
- Use the Right Contact Lens Solution: Always use the contact lens solution recommended by your eye care professional. Avoid using water or saliva to clean your lenses.
- Clean Your Lens Case: Rinse your contact lens case with fresh solution daily and let it air dry. Replace your lens case every three months to avoid contamination.
- Rinse and Rub: Place the lens in your palm, add a few drops of solution, and gently rub the lens with your fingertip to remove debris. Rinse thoroughly with solution before storing it.
- Follow the Schedule: Adhere to the cleaning schedule provided by your eye care professional. Regular cleaning prevents infections and keeps your lenses comfortable.
- Replace Solution Daily: Always use fresh solution in your lens case. Never top off old contact lens solution with new solution.
Consult Columbia Opticians for Personalized Advice
We offer a variety of contact lenses to suit your needs. These options include daily disposables, monthly lenses, and specialty lenses for specific vision requirements.
- Daily disposables are convenient and reduce the risk of infection since you use a fresh pair every day
- Monthly lenses are cost-effective and require proper cleaning and storage
- Specialty lenses, such as toric lenses for astigmatism or multifocal lenses for presbyopia, cater to specific vision correction needs
Maintaining proper care and handling of your soft contact lenses is crucial for your eye health. Our team at Columbia Opticians will help you find the best lenses and care routines to ensure comfort and clarity.
Schedule an appointment with us in Manhattan to receive personalized advice and explore our wide range of contact lens options. Let us help you keep your eyes healthy and your vision clear.