Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are an alternative to wearing glasses or spectacles for people with poor eyesight, although some are worn purely for cosmetic reasons (such as to change the colour of the eyes).
The length of time a lens lasts for, and whether it requires cleaning or not, depends on the type of lens it is. There are three main types of contact lenses; disposable and extended-wear lenses which are soft, and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, which are hard. Disposable and extended-wear lenses are more common and usually better tolerated.
People with astigmatism (an eye disorder caused by uneven curvature of the eyeball that causes distorted vision) may have RGP lenses; however, daily disposable astigmatism-correcting lenses are now also available.
Disposable and extended-wear lenses
Disposable and extended-wear lenses are made from soft, flexible material and are quick to get used to wearing, so can be used occasionally. They have a high water content, are more stable on the eye during sporting activities, and are easy to remove. They are less likely to trap dust and eyelashes than RGP lenses, although they can be easily damaged if not cared for properly.
Vision-correcting disposable or frequent replacement lenses
These are worn for a set period of time then thrown away (e.g., daily, two-weekly, monthly). Daily disposable lenses remove the need for cleaning products, although weekly or monthly disposable lenses require nightly cleaning. Protein build-up on the surface of the lenses is not usually a problem because they aren’t kept for more than a month.
Vision-correcting leave-in (extended-wear) lenses
Extended-wear lenses are designed for up to 30 days' continuous use and are then thrown away. They are made from silicone hydrogel, which allows more oxygen to reach the cornea than standard soft lenses. This means the eye can breathe, even while you sleep.
‘Cosmetic’ soft lenses
Soft lenses can also be obtained in varieties for ‘cosmetic’, ‘special effect’ or ‘novelty’ lenses. These lenses may be opaque or tinted, in order to change eye colour or add designs. The middle of the lens is left clear to allow you to see. Your vision can be affected if the lens slips from its correct position.
Always check with an optometrist before using any type of cosmetic lens, as some people have eye conditions that make them unsuitable. Also follow instructions about length of wearing time and any cleaning of lenses or hygiene measures that may be required. You should never share cosmetic lenses, since eye infections can also be shared.
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses
RGP lenses are usually used for the correction of moderate levels of astigmatism. The lenses have tiny holes in them to allow plenty of oxygen to reach the cornea (surface of the eye). This is important for the long-term health of your eyes.
These lenses are more expensive than soft lenses but can last for years. They are also easier to handle and care for. However, you need to slowly build up the time you spend wearing RGP lenses, so they are not suitable for occasional use. Because these lenses are designed for long-term use, they require scrupulous cleaning and disinfecting to keep the wearer safe from eye infections.
See Your Pharmacist or Medical Professional
Before wearing lenses each day, check your eyes are comfortable, you can see clearly and your eyes are not red. Otherwise, seek professional healthcare advice (and do not wear the lenses until your eyes are back to normal)
If you develop a painful red eye while wearing lenses, take the lenses out and seek advice from your optometrist or doctor
If contact lenses make your eyes drier than normal, ask your optometrist or pharmacist for advice on lubricant products that can be used with contact lenses (also see Treatment options further below)
Treatment Tips
Tips for safe use of contact lenses
Never share lenses as eye infections may be spread
Do not wear lenses if your eyes are red, uncomfortable or painful or if your vision is abnormal – see your optometrist or doctor
Do not exceed the recommended wearing time of your lenses
Have regular check-ups with an optometrist (every 6 to 12 months)
Always wash, rinse and dry your hands before handling lenses
Follow the cleaning, rinsing and disinfecting instructions
Replace your lens case every month, and clean and rinse it daily
Never use tap water on your lenses or storage case
Never lick or use saliva on lenses
Never touch lens solution bottle tips to any surface as they may become contaminated
Do not keep lens care and eye products past their expiry dates
Insert lenses before applying make-up and remove them before removing make-up
Cream or gel eye shadows are preferable to powders, which may fall into your eye
Mascara with lash-building fibres may also fall into your eye
For lost or dropped lenses:
– Hard lens – use a vacuum cleaner with pantyhose over the inlet to catch the lens
– Soft lens – turn out light and shine a torch around the room (the light will reflect off the lens)
Protect your eyes from wind and sun by wearing sunglasses.
Treatment Options
Medications and contact lenses
Remove contact lenses before using eye medications, except when directed by the optometrist to keep the lenses in
Some medications taken by mouth can discolour tears and stain lenses, such as rifampicin and sulphasalazine
Some medications can make your eyes dry and make wearing lenses less comfortable.
Caring for contact lenses
Your optometrist will recommend a suitable regimen for cleaning, storing and disinfecting your lenses. Some people develop an allergy to the preservatives in lens solutions and will need to swap to a preservative-free product.
The following products can be used on soft (S) and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, unless otherwise indicated.
Saline solutions
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., (S only) Alcon saline solution
e.g., (All types): Lens Plus Ocupure Saline
Useful for rinsing lenses or dissolving protein tablets
Rinse lens for recommended time to remove cleaner and loosened debris.
Disinfecting/cleaning products
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., (S only): Complete Multipurpose Solution, Oxysept, Opti-Free Replenish, RevitaLens Ocutec
e.g., (S, RGP): Polycleans II Solution
e.g., (RGP only): AMO Total Care 1 Solution
Disinfecting products include multi-purpose solution, hydrogen peroxide solution and cleaning/disinfecting devices
Disinfect lens after cleaning for as long as recommended (from a few hours to overnight).
Protein removal tablets
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., (S only): Complete Protein Remover tablets, AMO Ultrazyme Protein Remover tablets
e.g., (RGP only): AMO Total Care Protein Remover tablets
Remove excess protein deposits from semi-permanent and permanent lenses
Usually used once a month.
Lubricants, artificial tears, wetting agents – for use with lenses
[GENERAL SALE]
e.g., (All types): Bion Tears, Blink Intensive Tears, Refresh Contacts, Refresh Tears Plus
e.g., (RGP only) Boston Rewetting Drops
Lubricants, artificial tears and wetting agents lubricate and cushion the contact lens in the eye. They also make inserting the lens more comfortable.
More Information
Availability of medicines
GENERAL SALE available through pharmacies and possibly other retail outlets.
PHARMACY ONLY available for sale through pharmacies only.
PHARMACIST ONLY may only be sold by a pharmacist.
Consumer Medicine Information on some medicines is available at the government website www.medsafe.govt.nz
