Nakis Theocharides

Contact Lens Care

Cleaning your lenses

Follow the steps below for good contact lens hygiene:

1. Wash hands. Moisturising soaps and lint-containing towels should be avoided.
2. Remove one lens and clean it by gentle rubbing to remove eye-produced built-up, cosmetics and other debris. Most common
cleaning product is the multipurpose solution (examples: NT One and Renu). However, also available are daily cleaners, hydrogen peroxide solutions and cleaning devices. Rigid gas permeable lenses have specific cleaning solutions also available at our stores.
3. Rinse the lens to remove the cleaner and debris. Can be done with the multi-purpose solution if one used previously or saline.

4. Place the lens in the case and fill with the appropriate disinfecting solution so that any microorganisms can be killed. Disinfecting solutions include multi-purpose solutions, hydrogen peroxide solutions and cleaning devices. The time needed for disinfection varies so check the packaging of your solution for directions.
5. Repeat previous step for other eye.

Special care

1. Protein removal: these enzymatic cleaners are for soft lenses mostly and of greater need for lenses not replaced frequently. The optometrist will advise you on these.
2. Eye Dryness: Dryness is quite normal and many products are available to relieve the symptoms. These are called rewetting drops, refresh drops or artificial tears.
3. Eye sensitivity & allergies: Many causes exist but the most common is allergy to the solution used. Thus, it quickly goes away when switching to a preservative-free, hydrogen peroxide solution.

Useful tips

• Never use water to clean your lenses because of the danger of infection by acanthamoeba. Acanthamoeba is a microorganism in the water that can cause a severe, very painful infection with lasting eye damage.
• Never lick your lenses because of infection danger.
• Always wash, rinse and dry your hands before handling your lenses.
• Always clean and disinfect the lenses once a day for good hygiene and more comfort (except if extended wear or daily contact lenses).
• Clean your contact lens accessories, for example the lens case.
• Always throw out your contact lens case once a month or as directed.
• When you have problems with your lenses, always seek professional advice .
• Never go to bed with a painful red eye, seek advice immediately.
• If any discomfort, always remove your lenses and wear your glasses.
If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us.