What should I know before trying contact lenses?
Contact lenses can work well for sports, travel and days when glasses feel in the way. But they sit on your eye, so they need a proper fitting by a qualified person, careful hygiene and a sensible routine. Here are the basics for first-timers.
Why is a fitting needed?
A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription. Lenses sit directly on the eye, so the size, curve and material have to suit you. A qualified person measures your eyes, checks how the lens sits and shows you how to put it in and take it out.
Please do not buy lenses based only on your glasses prescription or a friend’s advice.
What are the hygiene basics?
Most contact lens problems come from poor habits, not bad lenses.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, and dry them with a clean towel, before touching lenses
- Use fresh solution every time, and never top up old solution
- Do not use tap water to rinse or store lenses
- Replace the lens case regularly
- Keep nails short and clean
- Put lenses in before makeup, and take them out before removing it
Never wear a lens that is torn, dirty or dropped on the floor.
How long can I wear them each day?
Start gently. Many new wearers begin with a few hours and build up as comfort allows, following what your fitter advises. A common sense approach:
- Wear them for short periods in the first days
- Increase slowly, if the eyes feel comfortable
- Remove them if your eyes feel uncomfortable or dry
- Give your eyes a break with glasses in the evening
Follow the replacement schedule on the pack, whether daily, fortnightly or monthly. Using a lens beyond its schedule is not safe.
What solution should I use?
Use the solution recommended for your type of lens. Rinse, rub and store the lens in fresh solution every night if you use reusable lenses. Daily disposable lenses are simply thrown away after one use, so they need no solution at all.
When should I not wear contact lenses?
Take your lenses out and wear glasses instead when:
- Your eyes are red, sore or watery
- You are unwell, or your eyes feel irritated
- You are swimming or showering, unless you were advised otherwise
- You are in a very dusty or smoky place
- You have forgotten your schedule or case
If discomfort does not settle after you remove the lenses, see an eye doctor.
Why keep backup glasses?
Even regular wearers have days when lenses do not feel right. A current pair of glasses is your fallback for those days, for early mornings, late evenings and when your eyes need a rest. Make sure your glasses prescription is up to date too.
Which brands are available?
Optimax Vision offers contact lenses from Bausch + Lomb, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson and CooperVision. Which one suits you depends on your prescription, your eyes and how often you plan to wear them.
If you notice sudden changes in vision, eye pain, redness or flashes of light, see an eye doctor without waiting.
Visit Optimax Vision in Super Mall 1, Infocity (open 11 am to 9 pm every day) or WhatsApp +91 70165 09225.
Quick questions
Do I need a prescription for contact lenses?
Yes. A contact lens prescription is not the same as a glasses prescription, so you need a proper fitting and check by a qualified person first.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
Only if your lenses are specifically designed for it and your fitter has said it is right for you. Most people should take lenses out at night.
Which contact lens brands are available?
Optimax Vision offers contact lenses from Bausch + Lomb, Alcon, Johnson & Johnson and CooperVision.