Contacts

Millions of people choose contact lenses to correct their vision. When used with care and proper supervision, contacts are a safe and effective alternative to eyeglasses and laser-correction. In addition, with today's new lens technologies, many people who wear eyeglasses can now successfully wear contact lenses.

Successful contact lens wear requires an extensive contact lens exam to determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses. This exam should be followed by thorough checkups throughout the year to monitor your contact lens success. If you want to wear contact lenses, it is necessary that you speak with your eye care professional to determine if this option is right for you.

When handling your contact lenses develop the habit of always working with the same lens first to avoid mix-ups. Remove the lens from its storage case or lens package and examine it to be sure that it is moist, clean, clear, and free of any nicks or tears. If the lens appears damaged, do not use it.

Every soft contact lens has a right and a wrong side. If you want to fit your contact lenses correctly you should make sure that you are holding them with the right side up before you wear them. Here is how you can tell: Hold the contact directly in front of your eyes so you're looking at the side of the lens. If the lens is forming a "U" shape with the top edges flared out, it is inside out; if it is forming just a "U", then it is correct. If you do place the contact lens onto your eye inside out: it will probably feel uncomfortable, but it cannot do any damage.

When handling your contact lenses develop the habit of always working with the same lens first to avoid mix-ups. Remove the lens from its storage case or lens package and examine it to be sure that it is moist, clean, clear, and free of any nicks or tears. If the lens appears damaged, do not use it.

Every soft contact lens has a right and a wrong side. If you want to fit your contact lenses correctly you should make sure that you are holding them with the right side up before you wear them. Here is how you can tell: Hold the lens between two fingers of one hand and try to bend it with your fingertips in order to make one edge of the lens touch the other. If the lens is on the right side then the two edges will touch each other. If the lens is on the wrong side then the two sides of the lens will stick to your fingertips. If you do place the contact lens onto your eye inside out: it will probably feel uncomfortable, but it cannot do any damage.

When preparing to apply your contact lenses, the first step is to wash your hands with soap and water. STEP 2 is to dry your hands with a lint free towel. STEP 3 is to rinse your lens with the solution recommended by your eye care professional to remove all traces of debris. STEP 4 is to make sure that the finger of your inserting hand is dry before placing the lens on the tip of your index finger. You are now ready to apply the contact lens.

When applying your contact lens, the first step is to use the middle finger of your non-inserting hand to pull and hold your upper lid at the lid margin. This keeps your eye from closing. The lid margin is the edge of your eyelid where your eyelashes are located. STEP 2 is to pull down your lower eyelid by its lid margin, using the middle finger of your inserting hand. STEP 3 is to look forward and place the lens gently on the front part of your eye. STEP 4 is to look down and then to the right and left to center the lens on your eye and then slowly release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment. Blink several times to center the lens on your eye. Repeat steps 1-4 to insert your other lens.

When removing your contact lenses, the first step is to wash your hands with soap and water. STEP number 2 is to make sure that you dry your hands with a lint free towel. STEP 3 is to make sure that the lens is centered correctly on your eye. STEP 4 is to look up and pull down your lower eyelid by the lid margin with the middle finger of your removing hand. STEP 5 is to bring your index finger close to your eye until you touch the lower edge of the lens, make sure not to use your fingernail to touch the lens. STEP 6 is to slide the lens down to the lower white part of your eye. STEP 7 is to gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and index finger and remove it from your eye. Repeat steps 1-7 to remove your other lens. Once you have removed both lenses, follow the lens care procedures recommended by your eye care practitioner.