A contact lens is a medical device and needs to be fitted by a licensed practitioner. Proper hygiene and care of the lenses is critical to avoid causing eye infections.

A contact lens adjusts the rays of light as they enter the eyes so that they focus properly on the retina. It also corrects the refractive error in myopia (nearsightedness) and hypermetropia (far-sightedness).

Comfort

Your eye doctor will select the type of contact lens that is best suited to your visual and medical needs. The most comfortable contacts are made of materials that allow high oxygen permeability, so your cornea gets ample nutrients and moisture while you wear them.

Rigid lenses are placed directly on the cornea, while soft contacts are positioned on the sclera of the eye with a finger from the same hand (or a finger from the other hand). When you put your first contact in, gently blink to help it settle. Don’t rub it, as this could cause it to fold and irritate the cornea.

Make sure your hands are clean and dry before handling your lenses. Also, be careful not to transfer bacteria from your fingers to the lens, as this can lead to an eye infection. A contact case filled with multipurpose solution is the safest place to store your lenses when not in use.

Vision

Contact lenses adhere to the tear film and move with the eye to correct vision in a way that feels natural. They provide excellent peripheral (side) vision, which can be important for people who work in physically demanding jobs or play sports.

They are comfortable because they allow oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea. They also stay in place by adhering gently to the tear film. New materials, such as silicone hydrogels, allow a greater flow of oxygen to the cornea. This means that contact lens wearers can comfortably wear their lenses overnight – or "extended wear" (EW) or "continuous wear" (CW).

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, which cover a larger area of the cornea than soft lenses, can offer sharper, clearer vision. Hybrid lenses, which have a rigid zone in the center surrounded by a soft skirt of material, combine the best features of RGP and soft lenses. They also tend to be less prone to collecting irritating deposits than soft lenses.

Cleaning

Cleaning and disinfecting contact lenses keeps them fresh and free from harmful debris and germs. This supports clear and comfortable vision and helps you avoid eye infections like pink eye.

The best cleaning method depends on your type of contacts and your preferred solution. Multipurpose solutions can clean, rinse, and disinfect in one step. Some also contain enzyme tablets for protein removal, making them even more effective. Hydrogen peroxide-based cleaners require special care, as they must be neutralized after each use to ensure they don't sting your eyes. Ask your eye care professional which option is right for you.

After washing your hands, apply a few drops of multipurpose solution to each lens and rub them gently in the palm of your hand for 15 seconds. Rinse and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel before handling your contact lenses. Then place your contacts in the case and fill it with fresh solution to soak overnight before wearing them again.

Storage

Using water or non-sterile solutions to store contact lenses is dangerous and can lead to serious eye infections or even permanent vision loss in severe cases. Contact lens storage solutions are specially formulated to clean, disinfect, rinse, and store your contact lenses safely.

Regardless of which solution you use, it is important to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses, then dry them on a lint free towel. Also make sure you use the correct compartments when storing your contacts. Place your right lens in the ‘R’ case and left lens in the ’L’ case.

Make sure you always have enough solution in your case. Avoid “topping off” the solution as it can increase the risk of bacteria growth and an infection. A fresh bottle of disinfecting solution should be purchased every 3-6 months. It is also important to properly empty and rinse your storage case, then wipe it and let it air dry upside down on a towel