Wearing contact lenses in Gilbert AZ has never been easier. Nearly everyone can wear them; anytime or anywhere. We’ve broken the steps down so they’re easy to follow:
Getting Started
Hygiene is really important. Always wash, rinse, and dry your hands before handling your lenses. Ideally, use a non-oily, non-antiseptic soap.
Lens Insertion
So now let’s choose a place to always put your lenses in. Ideally, you’ll want a light, bright, and clean environment, a flat surface and a mirror. Remove the first lens from its packaging or case. It’s good to get into the habit of doing the same eye first each time. Check to make sure the lens is not inside out. Gently bend the lens. If the edges touch, you’re fine. If they don’t, gently turn the lens inside out and try again.
Place the lens on your index (pointer) finger. There are two ways to insert your lenses.
Lens insertion Method 1:
Look up slightly. Pull your lower lid down with your middle finger. Gently place the lens underneath the iris (colored part of your eye). Slowly blink. The lens will settle into the correct position.
Lens insertion Method 2:
Place your hand over your head and with your fingers, pull the upper lid up, while holding the eye lashes. Place the middle finger of the other hand on your lower lid. Look toward your nose, and place the lens on the white part of your eye. Again, close your eye, and the lens will settle into position.
Troubleshooting
To check that the lens is correctly placed, cover your other eye and your vision in the uncovered eye should have improved. If the lens irritates, take it out and clean it (see steps below) and try again. Discomfort is normally caused by dust or a small eye lash underneath the lens. If, after cleaning, your eye is still irritated, remove the lens and consult your eye care practitioner. S/he will advise you about a suitable wearing schedule. Different lens types may be worn for different lengths of time.
Lens Removal
Here are two methods. Again, your eye care practitioner can advise the best method for you.
Lens Removal Method 1:
Make sure your hands are washed, rinsed, and thoroughly dried. Look slightly up with your eye wide open. Pull the lower lid down with your middle finger. Place your index finger on the lower part of the lens and slowly lower it down to the white of the eye. Slowly bring your thumb and index finger together and gently fold the lens together without pinching it hard. Try not to touch the lens or your eye with your fingernails.
Lens Removal Method 2:
Place one hand over your head, and with your fingers, pull the upper lid up, while holding the eyelashes. Place the middle finger of your other hand onto the lower lid, so that the eyelid is pulled down. Slowly turn your head while looking in the mirror, and slide the lens with your first finger on to the white of your eye. With your finger and thumb, gently pinch the lens and remove it.
What’s Next?
Well, that’s removing the lenses. If you’re wearing daily disposables, throw them away. Otherwise, next up are some techniques for cleaning.
As a contact lens wearer, it’s vital you remember the importance of cleaning and caring for your lenses each time you wear them. Regular care will keep your contact lenses clean and comfortable, and ensure your eyes stay healthy. Your eye care practitioner will recommend a solution that is best for your needs.
Cleaning Your Lenses
There are two types of lens care: multipurpose solutions and hydrogen peroxide solutions.
Multipurpose solution:
Aquify MPS is an example of a multipurpose solution. Let’s look at the steps you need to go through to clean your lenses.
Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. It’s best to always start with the same eye to avoid confusion. Place your lens in the palm of your hand. Apply at least three drops of solution to each lens surface. Gently rub the lens with the index finger of your other hand, using a backward and forward motion, for at least 10 seconds on each side. This removes daily build up of oils and dirt. Rinse the lens thoroughly with solution, while rubbing the lens gently between thumb and index finger. Place the lens in the lens case and fill that side of the case to the index line with solution. Do the same with the other lens. The solution will now disinfect your lenses. Allow your contact lenses to soak for at least five minutes, or longer, if instructed to do so by your eye care practitioner. Your lenses are then ready to wear. Discard the solution from the lens case and rinse it with solution every time you take your lenses out to wear them. Don’t forget to replace the cap on the bottle and screw it closed (and remember to never touch the tip of the bottle to your eye!).
Hydrogen peroxide solution:
Here is an example called AO Sept Plus. Wash and dry your hands. Then open the lens basket and place your contact lens on the dome. Close the basket, taking care to avoid trapping your lens. Then repeat the procedure with the other lens. The platinum disk looks like a cog. Fill the cup with AO Sept Plus to the fill line, place the lens holder in the cup and screw it closed. The solution begins to bubble. This means that the platinum disk is breaking down the active ingredients into oxygen and water, cleaning your lenses and leaving a gently, preservative-free, saline solution. Allow your lenses to soak for a minimum of six hours, or overnight. Remove your lenses and they are now ready to wear. Discard the used solution.