Contact Lenses: A Complete Guide

If you’ve recently made the switch to contact lenses, or are considering doing so, it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the best practices, what you should and shouldn’t do, and the options available to you. In this guide, we’re covering everything you need to know about contact lens use, including important things to keep in mind.

 

Types of Contact Lenses

Everyone has different preferences when it comes to the type of contact lens that best suits them and their lifestyle. Here are the types available to you:

• Daily Disposables: Worn once and then thrown away. Convenient and hygienic.
• Monthly or Bi-Weekly Lenses: Reused for a set period with proper cleaning.
• Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP): Durable lenses that often give sharper vision but take time to adapt to.
• Toric Lenses: Designed especially for astigmatism.
• Multifocal/Varifocal Lenses: Helps with both near and distance vision (common for presbyopia).

 

💡 You can read our guide on Varifocal Contact Lenses here.

 

How To Insert Your Contact Lenses

When wearing contact lenses here are some basic techniques and tips:

Place the wet, clean “right” lens on the tip of the index or middle finger of your dominant hand (if you’re right-handed this would be your right hand) and pull down the lower lid with the middle or ring finger of the same hand. Use your other hand to hold the upper lid firmly open.

Look directly at the contact lens or look directly into a mirror and place the lens directly on the cornea (the large coloured circle in the centre of your eye).

Slowly release your hold on the lid. To centre, the lens, close the eyelid and gently massage the lens into place, or with the eye open, carefully move lens into place with lid (using the finger as a guide).

If there are any air bubbles beneath the lens, close your eye, and with the eye closed, roll the eye gently. Another way of getting rid of air bubbles is to massage the lids very lightly. Having said that, under no circumstance, however, should you rub your eyes when wearing contact lenses.

 

Removing Your Contact Lenses

Look up. With middle finger, hold down lower lid. Use forefinger to slide lens to lower part of eye. Pinch lens with thumb and forefinger and remove without excessively folding the lens.

Important

• Hands should be washed with soap and thoroughly rinsed before handling lenses.
• A soap which is free of oils, lotions or perfumes is recommended.
• Hands should be dried with a lint-free towel.
• Use fingertips to handle the lens (avoid fingernails and sharp objects).
• Check lens is clean, wet and damage-free.

 

Contact Lens Dos & Don’ts

Contact Lens Dos

• Attend regular eye tests as normal.
• Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with lint-free tissues before handling your lenses.
• Clean and rinse your contact lenses after each use (except daily disposables, which should be discarded after each wear).
• Replace your contact lens storage case each month, when you replace your monthly disposable lenses.
• Insert your contact lenses before applying make-up and remove them before removing it.
• Always keep spare lenses to hand.
• Have an up-to-date pair of glasses available for when you need to remove your contact lenses.

 

Contact Lens Don’ts

• Don’t use tap water in any circumstances for cleaning or rinsing your contact lenses – use the contact lens solution provided.
• Don’t wet your lenses with saliva – use the contact lens solution provided.
• Don’t reuse your contact lens solution.
• Don’t sleep in your contact lenses unless they are specifically approved.
• Don’t switch or mix contact lens solutions.
• Don’t wear contact lenses while swimming or participating in water sports.
• Don’t use your lenses when showering or using a hot tub.

 

Contact Lens Risks & How to Avoid

Eye Infections (Keratitis)

Keratitis is a serious infection of the cornea that can cause redness, discharge, and even vision loss if untreated.

Why it Happens:

• Poor hygiene
• Sleeping in lenses
• Using water instead of contact lens solution
• Overwearing lenses

How to Prevent it:

• Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses
• Use only the recommended contact lens solution; never tap water
• Replace lenses as scheduled
• Never sleep in lenses
• Attend regular eye tests and checkups.

 

Dry Eyes (Dry Eye Syndrome)

A condition where the eyes don’t produce enough tears or the tears evaporate too quickly, causing discomfort.

Why it Happens:

• Long screen time
• Air conditioning/heating
• Wearing lenses too long

How to Prevent it:

• Use lubricating eye drops approved for contact lenses
• Take breaks from screens
• Stay hydrated
• Consider switching to daily lenses or more breathable materials

 

💡 For further advice on dry eye syndrome and how to manage it, read our guide on dry eye syndrome here.

 

Corneal Ulcers

An open sore on the cornea, often caused by untreated infection.

Why it Happens:

• Ignoring symptoms of infection
• Poor lens hygiene
• Overnight wear

How to Prevent it:

• Act quickly if you notice pain, redness, or blurred vision
• Follow cleaning routines strictly
• Never extend wearing time beyond recommendations

 

Allergic Reactions

Irritation caused by sensitivity to lens materials, solutions, or environmental allergens.

Why it Happens:

• Build-up of deposits on lenses
• Reaction to cleaning solutions
• Seasonal allergies

How to Prevent it:

• Switch to preservative-free solutions if needed
• Use daily disposable lenses
• Keep lenses clean and replace on schedule
• Speak to an optometrist if symptoms persist.

 

Corneal Abrasions

Small scratches on the cornea that can cause pain and sensitivity to light.

Why it Happens:

• Damaged or dirty lenses
• Incorrect insertion/removal
• Foreign particles trapped under the lens

How to Prevent it:

• Inspect lenses before use
• Replace torn or damage lenses immediately
• Follow proper handling techniques
• Avoid rubbing eyes while wearing lenses

 

Hypoxia (lack of oxygen to the eye)

The cornea gets less oxygen when covered by a lens, which can lead to discomfort or swelling.

Why it Happens:

• Wearing lenses for too long
• Wearing low-oxygen-permeable lenses
• Sleeping in lenses

How to Prevent it:

• Follow the recommended wearing times
• Choose breathable (silicon hydrogel) lenses
• Give your eyes regular breaks
• Avoid overnight wear unless approved

 

Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC)

An inflammatory condition causing itching, mucos, and lens intolerance.

Why it Happens:

• Protein deposits on lenses
• Long-term lens wear without proper replacement

How to Prevent it:

• Replace lenses as scheduled
• Maintain excellent cleaning habits
• Consider daily disposables if prone to irritation

 

Lens Intolerance

Gradual inability to comfortably wear lenses.

Why it Happens:

• Dryness
• Poor hygiene
• Long-term irritation

 

How to Prevent/Manage it:

• Follow wearing schedules
• Use appropriate lens types
• Keep up with aftercare visits

 

Thinking of trying contact lenses? Book a trial with us at Opticare Opticians. Our professional Optometrists will help you choose the best and most comfortable style of contact lenses. Try them in a comfortable, safe environment where you won’t be rushed or pressured into buying.

Click here to book a contact lens trial now.

 

Additional Contact Lens Advice

• Click here for our guide on How to Put in Contact Lenses Easily
• Click here for our guide on Contact Lenses vs Glasses