Consumer Advice: Contact Lenses and Eye Care

Types of Contact Lenses

There are two types of contact lenses, i.e., rigid gas permeable (RGP) and soft:

RGP Lenses

RGP lenses are made of special firmer plastics suited for the passage of oxygen and other gases. These lenses are durable and typically last longer than soft lenses. They offer excellent vision and are often preferred by people with high degrees of astigmatism. However, they may need a longer time to get used to. Regular users find them easy to put on and to care for.

Soft

Soft contact lenses are made from flexible water-absorbent plastics. Some soft contact lenses are designed to be thrown away daily, weekly, biweekly or monthly (known as disposable or planned replacement lenses). Others can be used for up to a year (known as conventional soft lenses). Soft lenses require a very short adaptation period and are more comfortable to wear. They are usually easy to insert and fit comfortably and securely.

Your contact lens practitioner will advise you on the most suitable lenses which cater to your needs and suits your particular lifestyle.

Eye Care and Eye Health Dos and Don'ts

Dos

• Make sure that your contact lens practitioner is registered with the Contact Lens Practitioners Board, Singapore. 
• Listen and watch closely as instructions are given and demonstrated. Practise the care routine in your contact lens practitioner's office. Incorrect use of contact lenses can lead to serious eye complications. 
• Follow lens care and wearing instructions/schedules as prescribed. If you are wearing disposable or planned replacement lenses, you will have to follow the schedule for throwing away used lenses carefully. For example, it is essential that daily disposables be disposed of after use and not be re-used. For other disposable contact lenses, do not use beyond the period prescribed and adhere to the recommended daily care regime. 
• Always attend aftercare check-ups whenever advised by your contact lens practitioner. This is important even for wearers who are not experiencing difficulties as subtle changes that you may not be aware of can take place, and it is important to make sure both your eyes and the lenses you are wearing are kept at their best. 
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses. 
• Store your lenses in the case made for them and keep the lens case clean by rinsing and air drying it. 
• Brush your lens case once every week with an old toothbrush. Replace lens case at regular intervals*.

Don'ts

• Do not buy contact lenses from unlicensed vendors over the Internet, or other dubious sources, as they are often counterfeit or substandard.
• Do not wear your contact lenses when sleeping unless recommended by your contact lens practitioner. 
• Before you handle contact lenses, avoid perfumed and medicated soap to wash your hands. Avoid cream soaps, too as they leave a film on your hands that can transfer to the lenses. 
• Never lick your lenses as harmful organisms can be transferred from your mouth and may cause infection. 
• Never bring any contact lenses in contact with tap water. Do not substitute any solutions with tap water. 
• Don't neglect lens care. Clean your lenses daily with a recommended cleaner. Store them in the lens case with a fresh disinfecting solution when they are not being worn. 
• Don't neglect lens case care. Clean your lens case daily and air dry. Replace lens case at regular intervals*.
• Don't use homemade saline solutions. Improper use of homemade saline solutions has been linked with a potentially blinding condition among soft lens wearers.

*Note: The American Optometric Association recommends you replace your contact lens storage case at least every three months. Your contact lens solution manufacturer may recommend replacement at anywhere between one and three months of use.

Potential Problems That Arise From Wearing Contact Lens

If you experience any of the signs below, contact your contact lens practitioner as soon as possible:

• Blurred or fuzzy vision, especially sudden onset;
• Red, irritated eyes;
• Uncomfortable lenses; or
• Pain in and around the eyes.

If you experience any other problems with your contact lenses, contact your contact lens practitioner as soon as possible. Stop wearing contact lenses immediately until you have seen your contact lens practitioner.

Proper Hygiene and Care Are Vital for Successful Lens Wear.

It is essential to follow your contact lens practitioner's advice on the lens care regime required. It is important to use the products prescribed by your contact lens practitioner, as some products are made for use with different types of contact lenses. What cleans one type may well damage another.

Personal wear and care regimens may depend upon the type of contact lenses prescribed, the nature of the vision problem being corrected, and the individual's unique eye chemistry.

The basic steps include cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting/storing to keep soft contact lenses clean, comfortable and free from bacteria. Weekly enzyme cleaning helps to maintain soft lenses free from deposits of protein naturally produced in your eyes and carried by your tears. 

RGP lenses utilise a conditioning and cleaning regiment for effective cleaning, storing and comfortable wear. Daily disposable contact lenses require minimal care and are designed to be worn for a single day then thrown away and replaced by a new pair. For other disposable contact lenses, it is important to adhere to the recommended daily care regime and to dispose of the lenses at the appropriate intervals.

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