How to take care of my contact lenses

Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses. It allows you to do lots of things that glasses often hinder you from doing, especially when if you lead (or want to lead) an active lifestyle. You can run, cycle, rock climb, do yoga, martial arts and do so much more with contact lenses. You don’t have to worry about glasses slipping off your face and breaking. Just don’t swim with contacts on, and you’ll be absolutely fine.

If you’re thinking of trying contact lenses but feel intimidated or afraid, don’t worry. Taking care of your contact lenses is actually a breeze, and if you do it correctly, your contacts will last you for a good and long time, and you can lead an active lifestyle without any complications.

There are typically two types of contact lenses: daily disposable ones that you discard after the end of each day, and long wear ones that you can wear more than once, according to your optician’s recommended wearing period.

Daily disposables need little care as you can easily throw them away after each use, but if you are using long wear ones, you should follow these lens care tips for long lasting use, and reduce the risk of eye infections.

1. Clean hands

As you are making direct contact with your eye, always make sure you take off and put on your contact lenses with clean hands. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry your hands before handling contact lenses. This will reduce the chances of eye infections.

2. NEVER use tap water

Tap water may be easily accessible anywhere, and may look clean enough to wash your lenses with, but please DO NOT use tap water. Tap water may contain impurities or even bacteria that can contaminate your lenses and lead to eye infections. Always use the recommended solutions.

3. Do not mix lens solutions

You may one or two favourite lens solutions but do not mix them together. Different solutions work for different types of lenses, so always follow the recommended instructions on the solution labelling, or as suggested by your optician.

4. Read the labels

Always read the labels on your contact lens solutions. Some solutions are not compatible with certain types of lenses, and can ruin your contact lenses. The labelling also contains instructions on how to use, and the expiry date of the product.

5. Use a clean contact lens case

Always use a clean contact lens case, and replace it regularly. Do not rinse your contact lens case with water - always use a fresh disinfection solution, then leave the empty case open to air dry.

Wiping it with tissue or cloth may leave small particles of dirt or debris in the contact case that can damage or contaminate your lenses and cause eye infection.

Nanyang Optical carries a variety of contact lenses for both daily use and long wear use. Drop by any of our stores to consult our friendly eye care professionals about your contact lens needs!