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The 23-30 of March 2019 witnesses ‘Love Your Lenses’ week in conjunction with the GOC and industry partners, manufacturers and opticians around the UK.
This year’s campaign focuses on our responsibility as registrants to LAND THE MESSAGE.
The OCCS is proud to support the campaign that celebrates contact lenses and offers advice to wearers on all things lenses. Only 48% of lens wearers recall being given lens care advice at aftercare this year’s campaign
Did you know that it is estimated that there are 70 million contact lens wearers across the world; of which around three million reside within the UK itself?
Contact lenses are enjoyed safely and loved by millions of people and most wearers won’t ever experience problems. However, if contact lenses are not treated with the love and respect they need, there is a small risk of developing potentially serious problems. Indeed, 48% of lens wearers recall being given lens care advice aftercare and with this in mind if you love your eyes, love your lenses.
Stick to the tips below to keep your eyes healthy:
Do :
- Have regular check-ups as advised by your practitioner;
- Always wash and dry your hands prior to handling your lenses;
- Always rub, rinse and store your lenses in the recommended solution before and after each use (except single-use lenses, which should be discarded after each wear);
- Always clean the lens case with solution, wipe with a clean tissue then air-dry after each use by placing the case and lids face down on a tissue;
- Always apply the same lens first to avoid mixing them up;
- Check the lens is not inside out before applying;
- Check the lens is not damaged before applying;
- Handle carefully to avoid damaging the lens;
- Apply your lenses before putting on make-up;
- Remove lenses then remove make-up;
- Keep your eyes closed when using hairspray or other aerosols;
- Replace your lens case at least monthly;
- Discard lenses and solutions that are past their expiry date;
- Wear only the lenses specified by your contact lens practitioner;
- Stick strictly to the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency;
- Make sure you have an adequate supply of replacement lenses or a spare pair;
- Have an up-to-date pair of spectacles for when you need to remove your lenses.
Don’t
- Use tap water, or any other water, on your lenses or lens case;
- Sleep in your lenses unless specifically advised to by your practitioner;
- Use your lenses for swimming, hot tubs or water sports, unless wearing goggles;
- Share contact lenses or wear any lenses not specified by your practitioner;
- Wet your lenses with saliva;
- Put a lens on the eye if it falls on the floor or other surface, without cleaning and storing again;
- Re-use or top up solution – discard and replace with fresh solution each time lenses are stored;
- Decant solution into smaller containers;
- Wear lenses left in the case for more than seven days without cleaning and storing them in fresh solution;
- Wear any lens overnight if you are unwell;
- Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly closed;
- Switch the solution you use, except on the advice of your practitioner;
- Use any eye drops without advice from your contact lens practitioner;
- Apply a lens if it is dirty, dusty or damaged;
- Continue to wear your lenses if your eyes don’t feel good, look good, or see well.
For more information on Love your Lenses week visit www.loveyourlenses.com and try taking the ‘Are You a Lens Lover or Laggard’ quiz.
