Set up for an easy go
- Wash your hands with soap and dry them on a clean, lint-free towel.
- Keep nails short and smooth, so they can't scratch the eye or tear the lens.
- Sit at a table with a mirror. Lenses go in before make-up or sunscreen.
- Do the right eye first, every time, so the lenses never get mixed up.
- Check the lens is the right way out. Not sure? Pinch it gently: if the edges curl in like a taco, it's right. If they flop outwards, flip it.
Three short videos
One filmed in our clinic, and two from Alcon's lens guide, used with permission. Each one is under 20 seconds.
Out, in four steps
- 1Wash and dry your hands. Same as before, every time.
- 2Look up and pull the lower lid down. Use the middle finger, while looking up into the mirror.
- 3Slide the lens down. Touch the lens with the pad of your index finger and slide it down onto the white of the eye.
- 4Pinch it off. Gently squeeze it between the pads of your thumb and index finger. Pads, never nails.
Daily lens? Into the bin. Fortnightly or monthly? Clean and store it, as below.
Cleaning and storage
Daily lenses skip all of this, which is why we suggest them for most children.
Daily lenses
Wear once, then throw away. No cleaning and no case.
Fortnightly and monthly lenses
Each night, rub each side with a few drops of multipurpose solution, rinse, and store in fresh solution.
Fresh solution, every night
Tip out the old solution. Never top it up, and never use water or saliva.
Look after the case
Rinse it with solution, leave it open and face down to air-dry, and replace it at least every three months.
Count from opening day
Fortnightly lenses go 14 days after opening and monthly lenses after 30, however often they were worn.
Keep glasses handy
Always have an up-to-date pair for days when eyes need a rest.
When it doesn't go to plan
The lens keeps folding or popping out.
Your fingertip is probably too wet, or the lens is inside out. Dry your finger, check the bowl shape and try again.
It feels scratchy once it's in.
It may be inside out, or there may be a speck underneath. Take it out, rinse it (or open a new daily lens) and put it back in.
I can't find the lens. Has it gone behind my eye?
It can't. A thin membrane stops anything getting behind the eye. It has usually slid up under the top lid: look down, add a drop of saline, blink, and gently rub the closed lid. Still can't find it? Call us.
My child is nervous about touching their eye.
Let them watch you first, then practise with short, calm sessions. Stop before anyone gets upset, and try again tomorrow.
How long can they wear them each day?
No more than 10 to 12 hours a day, and always out before sleep. Build up to that as we advised at the fitting.
Where do I get more lenses?
From us, or online at Contact Lens Depot, our sister store.