7
•
As with any contact lens, follow-up visits are necessary to assure the continuing health of your eyes. You
should be instructed as to a recommended follow-up schedule.
Who Should Know That The Patient Is Wearing Contact Lenses
•
Inform your doctor (health care practitioner) about being a contact lens wearer.
•
Always inform your employer of being a contact lens wearer. Some jobs may require the use of eye protection
equipment or may require that you not wear contact lenses.
ADVERSE EFFECTS (PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO)
You should be informed that the following problems may occur.
•
Eyes stinging, burning, itching (irritation), or other eye pain
•
Comfort is less than when lens was first placed on eye
•
Feeling of something in the eye such as a foreign body or scratched area
•
Excessive watering (tearing) of the eyes
•
Unusual eye secretions
•
Redness of the eyes
•
Reduced sharpness of vision (poor visual acuity)
•
Blurred vision, rainbows, or halos around objects
•
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
•
Dry eyes
If you notice any of these problems,
IMMEDIATELY REMOVE YOUR LENSES.
If the discomfort or problem stops, then look closely at the lens. If the lens is in any way damaged, DO NOT put the lens
back on your eye. Place the lens in the storage case and contact your eye care practitioner. If the lens has dirt, an
eyelash, or other foreign objects on it, or the problem stops and the lens appears undamaged, you should thoroughly
clean, rinse and disinfect the lens; then reinsert it. If the problem continues, you should IMMEDIATELY remove the
contact lenses and consult your eye care practitioner.
When any of the above problems occurs, a serious condition such as infection, corneal ulcer, neovascularization, iritis,
persistent stromal edema or GPC (giant papillary conjunctivitis) may be present. You should be instructed to keep the
lens off the eye and seek immediate professional identification of the problem and prompt treatment to avoid serious eye
damage, including corneal scarring, opacification, blindness or loss of eye.
PERSONAL CLEANLINESS AND LENS HANDLING
Preparing The Lens For Wearing
It is essential that you learn and use good hygienic methods in the care and handling of your new lenses.
Cleanliness is the first and most important aspect of proper contact lens care. In particular, your hands should be
clean and free of any foreign substance when you handle your lenses. The procedures are:
•
Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap, rinse completely, and dry with a lint-free towel before
touching your lenses.
•
Avoid the use of soaps containing cold cream, lotion, or oily cosmetics before handling your lenses, since these
substances may come into contact with the lenses and interfere with successful wearing.
