Assessment & Aftercare
If you are new contact lens patient or are curious about how they work then this is the page for you. When trying lenses for the first time we generally recommend daily disposable contact lenses for beginners as they are easiest to apply and remove.
Trying lenses for the first time?
Your contact lens assessment
Your Eye and Contact Lens assessment establishes which contact lenses are best suited to your individual needs. Throughout the examination the Optometrist assesses the health of lids and tear ducts, examines the surface of the cornea and also determines the fit and power of the contact lens. The optometrist will then apply a lens to the eye and ask the patient to walk around for about a half an hour to let the lens settle and also to allow the patient to experience spectacle-free vision for the first time.
If the optometrist is happy with the fit of the contact lens and the patient’s vision while wearing the lens, the patient will be instructed on proper contact lens care and handling, and lens application and removal. The patient will be monitored while applying and removing the lens without the assistance of the optometrist. If the optometrist is satisfied that the patient is competent in contact lens handling then the patient is given a free two week trial of their recommended contact lenses. Following the two week trial, the patient returns for a contact lens after care check to ensure that the patient is comfortable with the lenses. If the patient continues to use contact lenses, he or she will be called for an annual eye and contact lens exam in order to comply with regulations.
Handling and instruction do's and don’ts:
Do:
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Have regular checkups. At Urban Optics we recommend that our contact lens users come see us once a year.
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Wash and dry your hands prior to handling your lenses.
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Rub, rinse and store your lenses in the recommended solution before and after each use.
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Clean the lens case with solution, wipe with a clean tissue then air-dry after each use.
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Replace your lens case at least monthly.
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If wearing daily disposable lenses apply a fresh lens directly from pack and discard after use.
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Check the lens is not inside out before applying and handle carefully to avoid damaging it.
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Apply your lenses before putting make-up on and remove lenses before taking make-up off.
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Discard lenses and solution that are past their expiry date.
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Stick strictly to the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency for your lens type and be sure to wear only the lenses specified for you.
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Make sure you have an adequate supply of replacement lenses or a spare pair. If you are running low call us at Urban Optics to place your next order.
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Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses.
Don't:
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Use any type of water on your lenses or lens case. Never wet your lenses with saliva!
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Apply a lens if it falls on the floor or other surface, without cleaning and storing again.
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Apply a lens if it is dirty, dusty or damaged.
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Continue to wear your lenses if your eyes don’t feel good, look good, or see well,
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Re-use or top-up solution – Always discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored.
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Decant solution into smaller containers.
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Wear lenses after leaving them in their case for more than 7 consecutive days, without cleaning and storing them in fresh solution.
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Sleep in your lenses unless specially advised. Never wear lenses overnight if you are unwell.
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Use your lenses for swimming or other water sports unless wearing goggles.
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Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly shut.
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Switch the solution you use or apply eye-drops without being advised to do so.
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Share contact lenses or wear any lenses not specified for you.