ontact lenses are thin, ocular, prosthetic devices placed directly on the surface of the eyes. Designed to correct refractive errors and maintain ocular health, they float on the tear-film layer on the surface of the cornea.

Regular check-ups by your optometrist are an important part of wearing contact lenses – and we suggest that you follow your optometrist’s directions with conscientious attention.

During your eye examination, your optometrist will evaluate your eye health and also test for near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hyperopia), as well as astigmatism.

Should your optometrist recommend vision-corrective lenses and you choose contact lenses remember to take note of the instructions your optometrist will convey. To help keep your eyes healthy and comfortable, we’ll share the basics of contact lens wear and care with you – you will have to do the rest.

Caring for your contact lenses depends on the type of contact lenses and solution recommended by your optometrist. For a successful, comfortable contact lens experience, be sure to follow your optometrist’s directions as well as the package insert instructions.

Here are a few important tips for you to remember:

• only wear contact lenses prescribed by your optometrist and replace them as directed – never wear contact lenses beyond your optometrist’s recommended time frame
• always clean, rinse, and disinfect your contact lenses with fresh solution each time you remove them – never use saliva, tap water, or anything other than fresh contact-lens solutions for lubricating and/or cleaning your lenses; and never allow the tip of the solution bottle to touch any other surfaces
• clean one lens first (always the same lens to avoid mix-ups) – put that lens into the correct chamber of the lens storage case and repeat the procedure for the second lens
• red, irritated eyes and/or vision changes are messages for you to remove your lenses immediately, and to consult your optometrist
• refill your lens case with fresh solution – never add more solution to what’s already in your case
• never share your – or wear other people’s – contact lenses
• wash, rinse, and dry your hands with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses – never try to save on your lens solution
• it’s important to empty your lens case, and rinse it with fresh solution, then allow the lens case to air dry – exposing your contact lenses to water can lead to infection
• insert your contact lenses before applying makeup and remove them before removing makeup.
• use the same brand of contact lens solution unless recommended to change by your optometrist – solutions are not all the same quality
• never sleep while wearing your contact lenses unless you wear extended-wear lenses, designed to be worn overnight, and up to seven days without removal
• use your fingertips to handle contact lens – not your fingernails or sharp objects such as tweezers
• ensure your contact lenses are moist, clean, and damage free before inserting them – never put a damaged contact lens in your eye.

As a rule, contact lens prescriptions expire within one year – and your prescription may change from one year to the next. This is the reason we recommend an annual eye examination.  During this consultation, your optometrist will renew your prescription, if necessary, as well as check for infection, and ensure your eyes are in good condition.

Contact lenses are designed to be worn on specific time schedules, depending on what’s best for your eyes. Your optometrist may recommend lenses designed for daily replacement, or lenses designed for frequent/planned replacement. They should be replaced according to the schedule provided by your optometrist.

Our consulting rooms are in The Atrium Berea, 430 Peter Mokaba Ridge, in Overport.

We offer a safe, welcoming environment, follow all the Covid-19 health protocols – and implore you to follow good eye-care practices.