Contact Lens Tips

Handy tips for contact lovers

Love wearing contacts but unsure about how to work them into your everyday life? The tips below will give you a guide to handling common contact lens issues as well as handy tips for travelling with your lenses.

Troubleshooting eye irritation*

Our optometrists can help you find your ideal contact lens so that great vision doesn’t come at the compromise of comfort. However, wearing contact lenses requires you to know how to look after your eyes as well as the contacts so that you can avoid irritation issues.

With the latest contact lenses and expert fitting by our optometrists, you should not experience irritation, red eyes, dry eyes or blurred vision. Let our optometrists know if you experience any of these signs or symptoms as they might indicate an underlying problem. Our optometrists will be able to provide the expert attention needed to identify and manage any issues.

Causes and prevention

Caring for your contact lenses

No one wants to end up with discomfort or infection caused by improper care. All types of contacts are different and your optometrist will always advise you on the best way to care for the type prescribed to you. Here are some helpful tips that apply to most lenses.

• Clean them according to manufacturer instructions
• Avoid letting your lenses dry out
• Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses
• Avoid make-up, perfumes and hair products coming into contact with your lenses
• Never let anyone else wear your lenses.

Stick to your schedule

Different contact lens types are designed to be worn for different lengths of time, ranging from a daily replacement schedule to lenses that can be worn overnight. Our expert optometrists will advise you on the ideal schedule when they prescribe your contact lenses.

Overwear of contact lenses can lead to irritation or infection, whereas brand new contacts give your eyes a feeling of refreshment – just like putting on clean clothes. Replace your contact lenses as recommended by your optometrist to reduce the risk of discomfort. If you’re concerned about how your eyes are feeling, get in touch with your local OPSM optometrist.

Don't take chances with infection

Contact lenses, if improperly cared for, can cause bacterial infection. Such infections can be quite serious. If left untreated, an eye infection could be sight-threatening, so it’s important to see your optometrist as soon as possible if you think you might have an eye infection.

Fortunately, there are plenty of things that can be done so that you continue to enjoy your contacts. Because contact lens technology changes so rapidly, our expert optometrists will check at every visit to ensure that you have the best lens for you. They will also check your wearing schedule, which will vary depending on the lens material. Replacing your lenses as recommended will help you avoid any problems. Book an eye test today to make sure that you’re using the right contacts with the correct prescription.

Trains, planes and contact lenses

There’s no need to leave your contact lenses behind on your next trip. Flying whilst wearing your contact lenses doesn’t have to be uncomfortable. Because the recycled air in plane cabins dehydrates you and your contact lenses, it’s worth checking our handy tips for travelling comfortably with lenses.

Tips for travelling

Pack travel-sized eye solution

You’re allowed to carry liquid on the plane as long as it’s less than 100 ml, so packing a ‘one-step’ multipurpose solution that’s appropriate for your lenses will save space and money. (Our optometrists can advise on what’s best for you and your lenses.) Don’t forget your rewetting (lubricating) eye drops - very handy if you do wear your contact lenses on the plane.

Consider daily wear

Daily wear contact lenses are ideal for holidays. You can put in a fresh pair every day and throw them out every night. No solutions, no containers, no hassle. If you wish to consider daily contact lenses for your holiday, schedule an appointment with your optometrist at your local OPSM to make travelling on your next holiday easier for yourself. If you already wear daily lenses but need more for your trip, you can easily order some online and have them shipped right to your door

Pack a spare pair

No one wants to be caught out with a lost or torn contact lens halfway through a trip. Pack extra pairs as a back up. After all, you want to make sure you see everything clearly if you’re going on holiday!

Carry on

Always carry your eyeglasses, solution and contact lens container on the plane with you. It’s better to have it with you in case you need to pop out your contacts, or, if you end up parting ways with your luggage, you’ll be glad you had them with you.

Bag it

The pressure on airplanes can cause solution bottles to leak, so keep your eye solution or eye drops in a plastic sandwich bag.

Swim and splash safely

Daily contact lenses are best for water sports or swimming. If you happen to swim in your reusable lenses, it’s recommend that you dispose of them straight after as water exposure may lead to bacteria and infection.

Don't forget your glasses

The environment at your destination may be drastically different from where you live and you may need a break from lens wear. Always pack your eyeglasses with you and do not wear your contact lenses if your eyes are already irritated or red.

Keep us on speed dial

Call our optometrists immediately if you experience any persistent discomfort while you’re away. We’re always happy to take your call.

Make sure to follow these tips when planning your next trip, and you can enjoy the freedom and lifestyle benefits that only contact lenses can offer.