mime-version: 1.0 content-location: file:///C:/4C672350/SCLBrochure-wp.htm content-transfer-encoding: quoted-printable content-type: text/html; charset="us-ascii" WINAMAC EYE ASSOCIATES

SOFT  CONTACT  LENSES

Congratulations and welcome to contact lens wear!  When cared for properly, contact = lenses provide healthy, comfortable, and convenient vision correction.  Keep in mind,= contact lenses are prescription medical devices which can change the healt= h and structure of the eye in a harmful way if not used and cared for in the pro= per way.  The following informati= on is intended to help you avoid problems and enjoy the benefits of contact lens= es!

 

follow-up visits and examinations

After receiving your contact lenses, it is impo= rtant to keep follow-up visits as prescribed by your doctor so that any changes = in the health of the eye can be found as soon as possible and proper remedial steps taken.  Not all changes= in the health of the eye are noticeable to you, so do not rely on how the contacts feel as an indication of how they are affecting the eyes.  For a new contact lens fit, the follow-up visits within the next three months after the contacts are fit a= re included in the fitting fee.  Please schedule your follow-up visits so you can wear your contacts at least 4 ho= urs before each visit.

Once it has been determined that the contact le= nses fit well and that the eye is adapting satisfactorily, it is important to h= ave the health of the eyes examined at regular intervals.  Usually, this will be every 12-18 months, as recommended by your doctor.

For daily wear contacts, schedule your follow-up visits so you can wear the contacts at least 4 hours before the visit.  For extended wear contacts, sched= ule the visits early in the morning so your doctor can see how the eye reacts afte= r a full night's wear.

&n= bsp;

For DISPOSABLE CONTACTS:  It is very important that you rep= lace your contacts as recommended.  Old contacts can cause discomfort, decreased vision and may adversely affect y= our eye health.  Your contacts are designed to be replaced according to the following schedule:

 

     Right lens: ___Monthly   ___Every 2 months   ___Every 3 months     Other:___________    

Left   lens: ___Monthly   ___Every 2 months   ___Every 3 months     Other:___________

&n= bsp;

WEARING SCHEDULE

 

DAY      HOURS ON     &nbs= p;            =          DAY      HOURS ON                =            DAY= S    HOURS ON

    

1        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     5        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     9        =     _______

 

2        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     6        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     10        =   _______

 

3        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     7        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     11        =   _______

 

4        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     8        =     _______        =             &n= bsp;           &nbs= p;     12        =   _______

 

 

 

INSERTING SOFT CONTAC= TS

1)      Before handling your contacts:

a)  Always wash and rinse your hands thoroughly each time you handle your contacts.  A mild soap without creams, deodo= rants, or perfumes should be used (Pure & Natural by Dial is a good one).  Dry your hands on a lint free tow= el.  Good hygiene helps to eliminate g= erms which can cause eye infection.  This is especially important for smokers.

b)  Trim your fingernails, if necessa= ry, especially on the fingers handling the contacts.

c)      Use a mirror if it he= lps, but learn to do without it!

d)      RELAX!

 <= /span>  e)   NOTE:  Wait at least 15 minutes each mor= ning after awakening before inserting your   contacts to allow your tear= s time to flush out the normal "sleep" from your eyes.

2)    Take t= he RIGHT lens from the case, place it in the palm of your hand, and rinse wit= h the recommended solution.

3)    Inspec= t the contacts for foreign particles, tears, chips, and other damage. Do not put= a torn or chipped lens in the eye; it must be replaced.  If the lens is dirty, clean it be= fore putting it in the eye.

4)    Check = to be sure the lens is not inside out before putting it in the eye:

a) Pla= ce the lens gently on the index finger of the inserting hand.

b) Loo= k at the lens profile from the side.

 

COR= RECT POSITION:        =             &n= bsp;     INCORRECT POSITION:

Edges = turn, or “bowl”, in.  &nbs= p;            =       Edges flare or turn out.

 

 

 

An alternate test:   Pinch the lens togeth= er. If it folds together with the edges curled in, it is not inside out. If the l= ens flips out and sticks to your fingers, it is inside out. =

Now continue with one of the following two methods for inserting t= he lens.

 

Method = I

 

5) =   Hold the upper lashes securely against the brow by grasping them at the point m= idway between the corners of the eye with the middle finger of the opposite hand.  Be sure to hold the la= shes at their attachment to the lid.

 

6) =   Hold the lower lid down against the cheekbone using the middle finger of the ha= nd holding the lens. Separate the lids as far as possible so the lens can be placed onto the eye without touching the lids.

 

7) =   Bring the lens slowly toward the eye while looking 'through' the lens and finger= and gently place the lens directly onto the cornea.  Patiently allow the contact time = to suction itself onto the cornea.

 

8) =   Release the lids slowly, first the lower lid and then the upper lid. Blink a few times.  It may help to "= pat' the eye with the eyelids closed.

 

9) =   Repeat the procedure for the left lens.


Method = 2

 

5) =   Hold the lower lid down with the middle finger of the same hand holding the len= s.

 

6) =   Look up and place the lens on the lower white part of the eye.

 

7) =   Press gently on the lens to remove trapped air.

 

8) =   Look down to move the lens onto the cornea and slowly release the lower lid. Blink a few times to ensure that the lens is center= ed, free of trapped air, providing good vision, and comfortable.

 

9) =   Repeat the procedure for the left lens,

 

 

 

NOTE:&nb= sp;  If necessary, the upper lid can be held with the other hand. The middle finge= r is used to grasp the lid where the lashes join it and raise it against the br= ow.


 

10) If the lens sticks to t= he finger instead of the cornea (clear front part of the eye), lift the lens = from the finger and dry the finger tip thoroughly before repeating the steps ab= ove.

11) Discard the solution in the storage case= .

REMOVING SO= FT CONTACTS

1)   Wash and dry hands thoroughly. Be sure the contacts= are centered on the eyes. (Your vision should be clear.)

2)   Pull down the lower lid with the middle finger of t= he preferred hand.

3)   Touch lightly the bottom edge of the lens with the = tip of the index finger on the same hand. (Use a mirror if needed.)

4)   Look up and slide the lens down onto the white of t= he eye.

5)   Gently pinch the lens off the white of the eye using your thumb and index finger. =

6)   Immediately after removing the lens, 'roll' the lens between the thumb and index finger to avoid the lens edges sticking togeth= er.

7)   If the lens sticks together:

a)   Place it in the palm of your hand and soak it thoro= ughly with saline.

b)   Gently roll the lens with your index finger in the = palm of your hand in a back and forth motion.

c)   If gentle rubbing does not separate the lens edges,= soak it in saline until it resumes normal shape.

d)   If this happens repeatedly, place a drop of rewetti= ng solution in the eye before removing the lens.

 

RINSING & CLEANING DISPOSABLE CONTACTS

Contacts should be rinsed and lightly cleaned immediately after removal.  Thorough = rinsing and light cleaning loosens and removes accumulations of film, deposits and debris that can cause irritation, and prepares the contacts for disinfection and soaking.  Disinfection= kills germs that can cause eye infection.=   If rinsing and light cleaning is not done until the next morning or= is not done at all, the mucus and oils from the tears dry up on the lens surf= ace, becoming more difficult to remove.  If not completely removed, these substances can cause foggy vision = and inflammation of the eye.

 

CLEANING NON-DISPOABLE CONTACTS

The above rinsing and cleaning information applies = to non-disposable contacts, but is even more important since standard, or non-disposable, contacts are not frequently disposed. 

1)   Place a few drops of the dedicated contact lens cle= aner on the contact in the palm of your hand.

2)   Rub the contact thoroughly for approximately 10 sec= onds with the index finger, being careful not to contact the lens with your fingernail.

3)   Rinse the contact thoroughly with the recommended s= aline or multipurpose solution (NOT WAT= ER) and place it in the contact case making sure it is covered with fresh multipurpose solution. (Change the multipurpose solution daily.)

4)   Be sure to clean the second contact as thoroughly a= s the first.

 

STORING AND DISINFECT= ING CONTACTS

The contacts are stored in the case in a mulitpurpose s= olution.  This antibacterial solution is ef= fective only if fresh solution is used daily and if the contacts are properly rins= ed and cleaned before overnight storage.&nbs= p; The multipurpose solution disinfects the contacts as well as lubric= ates the contacts to prepare them for comfortable wear.  A variety of brands are available= , each with its own directions which must be carefully followed.  Keep in mind the following: =

1)   Always rinse and clean the contacts properly before storing; otherwise the multipurpose solution will not be effective. <= /o:p>

2)   Be sure to clean your storage case with soap and hot water at least weekly.  Rinse= well with saline or multipurpose solution and air dry before refilling.  Replace the case if it becomes discolored or begins to leak.

3)   Always use the solutions recommended by your doctor= for their intended functions only.

4)   If saline solutions are used, they can be used only= to rinse; they do not clean or disinfect.&nb= sp; Do not store your contacts overnight in a saline solution.  Check with our office if you have= any questions.

6)   If soft contacts are to be stored for several weeks, they should be kept tightly sealed in the case.  The contacts should be cleaned and placed in fresh disinfecting solution each week and should be disinfected = in fresh disinfecting solution within 24 hours prior to wear.

 

PROBLEM SOLVING - SOFT CONTACT LENSES

Contacts uncomfortabl= e, folded on eye, move more than usual, eye burns, or vision blurred, check t= he following:

a)   The lens is not clean or cleaning solution is not thoroughly rinsed.

b)   A piece of dirt or lint is trapped between the lens= and the cornea; remove the lens and clean it.

c)   The lens is inside out; try inverting the lens.

d)   The lens is dry; instill a few drops of your saline solution or rewetting drops into the eye and blink a few times.

e)   The lens is torn or nicked.  Check all parts of the lens, incl= uding the edge.  If what appears to= be a piece of lint does not move, it may be a tear.  If a tear is suspected, do not we= ar the lens; contact our office to have it checked.

Most tears occur due to rough hand= ling, fingernails, chipping by the storage case, or drying out of the lens.

If all seems in order, but the irritation or bl= ur continues, call our office for an appointment.

 

Lens stuck on eye - If a lens adheres to the eye and does not move,= do not try to remove it.  Either= wait until the tears wet it or use drops (wetting or rewetting drops, or saline) to loosen the lens.

 

Dried out lens - Soft contacts must always be kept wet.  If dropped and dried out, a lens = may not be ruined, however. It is very brittle when dry, so handle carefully; don't try to unfold it if it is fol= ded or curled up.  Place the lens= in a container of storage solution for at least one hour to allow it to return = to its normal softened state and then disinfect it.

 

Medications - Eye drops or medications (other than rewetting drops) must NOT be = used while soft contacts are in place.  They will be absorbed by the contacts and serious damage to the eyes/contacts could result.

 

Make-up - Eye make-up and hair sprays can cause eye irritation and damage the contacts.

 

SOLUTIONS -= SOFT CONTACT LENSES

Multipurpose solution: the all-purpose rinsing, soaking, and cleaning solution that disinfects the contacts as well as lubricates the contacts to prepare them for comfortable wear.  Used to rinse the contacts before insertion in the morning, used to rinse and clean the contacts immediately after removal from the eyes, and = used to soak the contacts overnight.

 

Cleaning solution:  a dedicated cleane= r used to clean the contacts more vigorously than the multipurpose solution<= /o:p>

 

Rewetting drops: specially formulated wetting solutions used to wet/rinse the lens d= uring wear.  They are designed to b= e used when the eyes feel dry or scratchy, and can be used with contacts on the e= yes.

 

Never use hard or rig= id gas permeable contact lens solutions on soft contact lenses!=

 

OTHER IMPOR= TANT INFORMATION

Sports:  <= span style=3D'font-size:12.0pt;mso-bidi-font-size:10.0pt'>Soft contacts are ide= al for sports because they are less likely than rigid gas permeable contacts to be displaced from the eye.

Swimming:  Soft contacts should = not be worn for swimming or other water sports unless watertight goggles or a mas= k is worn.  Contact lenses can bec= ome contaminated by microorganisms in either fresh or salt water.  Contacts can absorb chlorine from chlorinated water, leading to eye irritation.

 

Sleeping with contact lenses:  Do not sleep with your contacts in unless appro= ved by your doctor.  If  you fall asleep with conta= cts in, check to see if the contacts move freely upon awakening.  If they do, remove them for sever= al hours.  If they do not move, wait 5-10 minutes; th= e tears will normally wet the contacts in this time.  A few drops of wetting or rewetti= ng solutions will also speed the process.&nb= sp; Then remove the contacts for several hours.

  

   Solutions = 211; Don’t intermix solutions of different companies, such as B&= amp;L and Alcon.&nb= sp; They could be incompatible and cause problems.

  

   Blinking R= 11; Don’t “bat” your eyelids.  Blink completely and naturally (especially during reading and compu= ter work when the blink rate naturally slows down).

  

   Eye drops = 211; Don’t use ocul= ar decongestants, such as Visine, or any other eye drops without first checki= ng with your doctor.

  

   Beware of Hea= t! – Avoid leavin= g your contacts or case wherever there is extreme heat (i.e. in the direct sunlig= ht on car dash, on operating TV, etc. – contacts can warp!)

 

Irritated Eyes –= ; Don’t wear con= tacts when your eyes are red, irritated, or inflamed.  You’ll probably =

need to reduce your weari= ng time during illnesses, such as a bad cold, hay fever, etc.  This is why we recommend having an up-to-date pair of glasses for times when you are unable to wear your cont= acts, which can be a result of an eye infection or because a lens has been torn = or lost.  When a new complete pa= ir of glasses is purchased within 90 days of the beginning of a contact lens fit= , you are entitled to a 20% courtesy reduction in the cost of the glasses. =

 

   Red eyes, inf= ections or other EYE PROBLEMS: As a contact lens p= atient of our office, it is very important that you see your doctor for any red e= ye episodes, eye infections, allergies, or other eye-related problems you may develop at any time in the future.  The contact lens information in our records regarding your contact = lens specifications, fit, solutions, and adaptation responses is important and necessary for diagnosing and treating any eye problems you may experience.=   Your doctor is trained and experi= enced in treating and managing your eye-related problems with appropriate medica= tions and solutions, such as antibiotics, antihistamines and decongestants, clea= ning agents, etc.  If further care= by your family doctor or specialist is indicated, your doctor will refer you = to them.

 

OVERNIGHT, OR EXTENDED WEAR

Be sure to consult with your doctor before wearing = your contacts overnight.  Not all contacts are designed to be worn overnight.  Not all people are able to safely= wear contacts overnight.  Sleeping= with contacts on definitely increases the risk of eye infection, and requires c= loser attention from the wearer.  <= /p>

 

If you wear extended wear contacts, it is very important that you keep all scheduled visits.  Each morni= ng, ask yourself three questions:   1)  Do my eyes l= ook normal?   2)  Do my eyes feel normal? &nbs= p;

3)&nb= sp; Do I see well? &nb= sp; If the answer to any one is "No", after instilling a drop= of rewetting solution to wash out debris, schedule an appointment.  Painful, red = eyes, and blurry vision should not be longstanding with these contacts.  Be sure to follow the wearing schedule recommended by your doctor!