Top tips if you wear contact lenses
Good lens wear and care is essential to prevent avoidable eye problems. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly before using any type of contact lens and follow all the recommended procedures
Never use tap water to clean lenses – this could lead to serious problems, including corneal ulcers and eye infections. Follow the manufacturer’s directions for cleaning, disinfecting and wearing the lenses
Don’t change how you clean your contact lenses without asking your optometrist or optician first
Replace your contact lens case regularly to reduce the risk of infection and always use fresh solution to store your lenses
You shouldn’t wear your lenses for longer than you have been told by your optometrist, and certainly not for more than 16 hours in a day. You should never sleep in them unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear
Don’t bathe or go swimming in your contact lenses unless advised you can by your eye care practitioner
Never share or swap contact lenses with anyone else
If you wear eye make-up, always apply it after putting your contact lenses in
Go to regular after-care appointments with your optometrist – at least once a year or more often if your optometrist recommends it, or if you have problems
If in doubt, take them out. If you experience any signs of redness, pain or loss of vision – consult your optometrist or optician immediately for advice.