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THE HEALTH | SEPTEMBER , 2021
| Eye Care |
Contact lens guide for new wearers
There are many factors to consider before wearing contact lenses , such as a person ’ s lifestyle , working environment and even eye condition
BY KHIRTINI K KUMARAN
WEARING contact lenses is usually aimed at correcting a refractive error for therapeutic reasons or even for beauty . Users are spoilt for choice as there are many brands in the market , differing in quality and size .
Therefore , it is essential for those who opt to wear contact lenses to undergo a comprehensive eye examination to determine the lenses most suited to them .
Obtaining your contact lens
According to Anna Bong , Optometrist and Founder of Anna Eyecare Optometry , it ’ s best to get a specialist consultation and eye examination for those who choose to wear contact lenses .
“ Most people tend to visit optometry shops and buy lenses without a comprehensive check . That is not the way ,” said Anna .
“ Whether the person is a new wearer or has experience wearing them , the first thing I will explore is the history and symptoms . This is to understand why they want to wear contact lenses .”
She said it was important for optometrists to understand a patient ’ s lifestyle , working environment and determine if they have any allergies .
“ Next would be the eye health examination itself . We will check the front part of the eye and invert the eyelid to see if there ’ s any growth underneath to ensure it is safe for contact lens wear .
“ After that will be the prescription check to get the latest and updated prescription .
Anna Bong
Sometimes , when patients change their job or lifestyle , the contact lenses may no longer suit them . As an optometrist , I will have to give them what will be the next possible best option to suit
their lifestyle .” — Anna Bong
Only after proper investigation and eye examination will optometrists be able to decide what type of lens would be the best for the wearer .”
Bong said another critical aspect when purchasing contact lenses is to ensure the best size and curvature . This is because there is no standard size or free size for the eyes .
“ I usually will put the lens on the eye to assess whether it is too tight or too loose and whether it is suitable for that individual .
“ For contact lenses , it is crucial to find the best fit possible because it is considered a medical device . It has to be prescribed and fitted properly .”
She said if contact lenses were not correctly prescribed , issues such as the lack of oxygen on the eye and discomfort would come up . Bong shared that Acuvue lenses are the best in the market as they came in two different curvature sizes .
“ With Acuvue lenses , I ’ m able to pick which curvature is the best for the person ’ s eye to maintain their eye health for a very long time .”
As for new wearers , they will need to be taught how to insert and remove the lens . “ And of course , aftercare is essential . That means the new wearers have to come back within a specific time . For example , for a regular wearer , it would be at least once a year .
“ For new wearers , we ’ ll have to see them a week after they wear their daily contact lenses , then gradually move to a month , three months , six months and after that every year .”
She explained that regular visits are to replenish the contact lenses and ensure eye health and make sure the contact lenses are still suitable .
“ Sometimes , when patients change their job or lifestyle , the contact lenses may no longer suit them . As an optometrist , I will have to give them what will be the next possible best option to suit their lifestyle .”
Tips and guide for new wearers
It is important for to learn rules surrounding contact lenses , which involves how to wear and remove contact lenses , as well as how to care for the contact lens . It may seem complicated , but with practice , it will be second nature to the wearers .
Here are simple guidelines and tips for new wearers :
• Contact lens care tips :
1 . Clean and dry contact lens storage case at least once a week
2 . Replace your contact lens storage case at least every three months
3 . If the lens falls off the finger , blinked it out of the eyes or removed , use some solution to clean it again before the next attempt
4 . Use only sterile saline solution to rinse the lens
5 . Regular blinking helps keep your lenses clean and moist
Anna noted young wearers tend to be more responsible and compliant in following the proper contact lens care . “ To be honest , children are more compliant than adults . When we teach children the proper contact lens care , they will remember the steps and follow them accordingly .
“ Adults tend to think that since they have been wearing contacts for so many years , they could skip a step or two .”
When wearing contact lens for the first few times , you should expect to feel the edges of the lenses . However , the eyes will soon become accustomed to the feeling .
If you are experiencing unusual redness , constant pain or discomfort , remove the lens and do not put them back . Check for rips or tears , and ensure that they are right . Visit your eyecare professional to get the problem diagnosed .