Have Your Eyes Examined Prior To Any Contact Lens Wear

Contact Lens are more than consumer products, improper contact lens wear might affect the health of your eyes.

Different Lens Material

Contact lenses come in different materials. Protein and lipid deposits accumulation on lens varies in different oxygen transmitted materials and lens wettability. Improper use would affect the health of your eyes.

Contact Lens Comes In Different Base Curves

Wearing lenses with an unsuitable base curve might result in foreign body sensation, discomfort, corneal injury and corneal hypoxia or in some cases, inflammation.

Spectacle Prescription≠Contact Lens Prescription

Contact lens prescription is not always equal to spectacle prescription. Wearing a wrong contact lens prescription might cause headaches, blurred vision and double vision.

Seek Professional Advice From Your Clinical Optometrist

Have your eyes examined prior to any contact lens wear. Your clinical optometrist will give advice to you. Stop contact lens wear if you experienced any discomfort in your eyes, contact your optometrist and have your eyes checked.

Follow The Appropriate Contact Lens Insertion And Removal Instructions If You Want To “Look Good, See Good And Feel Good”

Lens Insertion

1. Open the contact lens case and the bottle of saline solution. Check the expiry date of your disposable contact lenses.
2. Clean your hands thoroughly and dry them with lint free paper towels.
3. Rinse lenses thoroughly with saline solution before contact lenses insertion. Make sure your fingers are clean.
4. Get into the habit of “Insert the right lens, remove the right lens and clean the right lens first”; to avoid mixing up of lenses and lens contamination.
5. Make sure the lens is in the right orientation before insertion. Hold the lens on the leading tip of your dominant hand’s index finger. Direct your attention from the side, if the edges tend to fold outwards away from each other, the lens is inside out. Conversely, if the edges readily come together, the lens is correctly oriented.
6. Use the leading tip of your dominant hand’s index finger to hold the lens with the right orientation.
7. Pull the centre of the lower lid margin down with the middle finger of the hand holding the lens, making sure the eyelashes are included under the finger pad.
8. Look down and lift the centre of the upper lid with the index/ middle finger of the other hand.
9. Look into your own eye in the mirror.
10. Raise the lens-carrying index finger until it, and the plane of the lens edge, are almost vertical. The lens should now be almost directly in front of the eye.
11. Look straight through the lens as it is slowly and smoothly moved towards the cornea until contact is made.
12. Slowly withdrawn your finger once contact lens is adhered to the cornea.
13. Look towards your right, then left and then straight ahead. Slowly release your lower lid, followed by the upper lid.
14. Repeat the above steps with the fellow eye.
15. Discard all the solutions remained in the storage case. Clean the storage case and accessories thoroughly.

Lens Removal

1. Open the contact lens case and bottles of solutions.
2. Clean your hands thoroughly and dry them with lint free paper towels.
3. Ensure that the lens is centred on the cornea before attempting to remove it.
4. Remove the right lens first:

• Method A: Place the tip of the index finger on the centre of the lens.  Use middle finger to pull your bottom lid down. Gently slide the contact lens down to the inferior bulbar conjunctiva by index finger while looking up. Pinch the contact lens out with thumb and index finger straight away.
• Method B: Place the tip of the index finger on the centre of the lens. Use middle finger to pull your bottom lid down and away. Gently slide the lens temporally while simultaneously directing the gaze nasally. Pinch the contact lens out with first and index finger straight away.

1. Clean the right lens first.
2. Repeat either Method A or B with the other contact lenses. Clean the left lens.

Cleaning and Disinfecting

1. Shake the bottle of daily cleaner well before using it.
2. Place the contact lens on your palm. Put a few drops of lens cleaner / multipurpose solution on the lens surface. Rub each side of the lens thoroughly with forefinger for 20 seconds and rinse lens with enough saline solution to remove all debris.
3. Open the lens case. Carefully place the lenses in the appropriate side: right lens in the right side (R) and left lens in the left side (L).
4. Fill the lens case with fresh multipurpose solution so that the lens is fully covered.
5. Repeat the above steps with the other lens.
6. The lenses should be soaked for a minimum of 6 hours for complete disinfection. The lens should be stored at a cool dry place.
7. If needed, protein removal has to be performed once a week. (Depends on the instructions given by your optometrist)

Trim your fingernails regularly, make sure they are clean and short.

Cleaning Contact Lens Accessories

Daily Cleaning

1. With soapy water or contact lens cleaner, and a small brush (e.g. toothbrush); clean the contact lens storage case, forceps, and the suction holder.Make sure the case is cleaned thoroughly, including the edges and inner part.
2. Rinse everything with tap water; air-dry them or dry them with lint free paper towels.

Weekly Disinfection

1. Soak all contact lens accessories into a container filled with hot water. Cover and soak for 10 minutes.
2. Air-dry everything or dry them with lint free paper towels.

Change Every 3 Months

All contact lens accessories (including contact lens storage case, forceps and suction holder) should be changed at least once every 3 months. Rinse all the new accessories with saline or multi-purpose solution before use.

Hygiene And Cleaning

1. Insert contact lenses before applying makeup or face cream, remove lenses before removing makeup.
2. Before lens insertion, make sure there’s no lens tear or breakage. Never insert a damaged lens.
3. Before using any contact lens related products (including disposable lenses and solutions), check the expiry date. Never use any expired products.
4. Follow the instructions given by your clinical optometrists. Do not change the contact lens brand or solution without asking them.
5. Discard any unused solution 1 month after opening.
6. Saline is only for rinsing, not for disinfecting or storing.
7. All contact lenses, solutions and accessories should be kept in a cool dry place. Do not store them in fridge or in a humid environment (e.g. Washroom; bathroom).
8. Avoid contaminating the bottle tip with anything. Recap the bottle right after use. If the bottle tip is contaminated, discard the solution.

Rest Your Eyes

1. No contact lens wear if you experienced any discomfort in your eyes. Remove your contact lens as soon as you feel any discomfort or increase redness.Contact your clinical optometrist and have your eyes checked if symptoms persist.
2. If you experienced any inflammatory responses like increase redness, soreness, increase tearing, discharge or blurred vision, please see your optometrist or seek medical advice.
3. The majority of contact lenses are not recommended for sleeping or napping as it increases the risk of corneal hypoxia thus leading to corneal injury.
4. Occasional contact lens wearer (e.g. wearing contact lens for sports only) should follow the recommended wearing schedule and instructions given by your clinical optometrist to maintain eye health.

Contact Lens Q&A

• Can I wear contact lens if I have astigmatism? Toric contact lenses have been launched in the market for quite a long time. Toric contact lenses are available in conventional custom made lenses; weekly disposables and daily disposables.
• Will contact lens melt during Barbecuing? Increased temperature in the surrounding environment during Barbecuing might cause lens dehydration, resulting in grittiness and dryness. But your contact lenses would not melt.
• Can I wear contact lens for more than 10 years? The period of contact lens wear depends on the health condition of your eyes. Half yearly checkup is recommended for those who wear contact lenses on a regular basis. Checking should be performed by your clinical optometrist. Choosing suitable contact lens solutions, lens caring and hygiene will directly affect the health condition of your eyes. In most cases, contact lens can be worn more than 10 years.
• Can I wear contact lenses when I go swimming or when playing watersport? Contact lens is allowed during watersports or swimming provided that goggles are worn. Daily disposables contact lenses are recommended. Contact lenses have to be removed or changed right after swimming or any watersport as lenses might be contaminated by pool water or sea water.
• If I am using “no rub” multipurpose solution, do I just soak my contact lenses in the solution without rubbing them? Even if you are using “no rub” multipurpose solution, rubbing the edges of contact lenses on both sides and rinse them with saline solution or multipurpose solution are recommended as there might be lipid or mucous deposited on lenses. Please read all the information sheets which come with your solution pack carefully. If you are using conventional lenses, apart from rubbing lenses on both sides and rinse them with saline or multipurpose solution every time after use; weekly protein removal has to be done.

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Proper Viewing Distance 

Sufficient Lighting

At least 40cm working distance for reading, 60cm for computer work and 6 feet for TV

Light should be adequate and equally distributed. Avoid shadows, reflections or glares when reading

Rest Break for Every 30 Minutes

Distance Viewing

For every 30 minutes of reading, writing, computer work or video games, look at something at a distance for 5 to 10 minutes

Avoid all visually demanding tasks during rest breaks

Balanced Diet 

Regular Outdoor Activities

Increase intake food rich in vitamin A, C, E, carotene and antioxidants like spinach, broccoli, corn, red carrot

Outdoor activities like kite-flying, bird-watching, ball games are good for relaxing the eye muscles

Adequate Sleep

Keep Hygiene

No Eyes Rubbing

At least 8-10 hours of sleep every day

Always keep your hands cleaned, avoid rubbing of the eyes

Rinse eyes with artificial tears and apply cool compress whenever feeling itchy

UV Protection with Sunglasses or Hat

Use an umbrella, a hat or wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from direct sunlight

Good Posture

Sit upright with your shoulders relaxed and feet lying flat on the floor

Avoid writing, reading or playing computer games while bending over the desk or on a moving vehicle

10 Eyecare tips

• 8-10 hours of sleep
• Balanced diet
• Regular outdoor activities
• Rest break for every 30 minutes and distance viewing.
• Ceased all the visually demanding tasks during the rest break
• Proper viewing distance
• Good posture
• Keep hygiene. No eyes rubbing
• UV protection with sunglasses or hat
• Sit upright when reading. Do not read when vehicle moving

WHAT IS ORTHOKERATOLOGY

• is a non-surgical procedure, thus free from any risks or side effects related to surgery.
• Using high oxygen transmitted lenses to alter the shape of the cornea in order to decrease myopia; images can then be formed back on the retina. It can also be used to slow down the progression of myopia
• Lenses are to be worn overnight, during sleeping hours and be removed on awakening. Orthokeratology lens wearer can have dear vision and be free of any spectacle aids during most waking hours. It’s safer and more convenient for those playing sports.
• Changes in corneal curvature are only temporal. The cornea will always return to its original shape if lens wear is stopped.
• According to previous researches done by The Centre for Myopia Research of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, the progression of myopia is decreased by 50% on those children wearing orthokeratology lens, compared to those wearing normal glasses

 

Who is suitable for orthokeratology?

• Myopia under-4.50DS; astigmatism under -1.50DC or those who want to control the progression of myopia.

 

SPECIAL CAUTION

• Proper lens insertion, removal and cleaning regimen are essential to minimize the risk of infection.
• Kids wearing orthokeratology lenses should be monitored/ supervised by parents for hygienic purpose.
• Lenses should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected everyday. Protein removal has to be done on a regular basis.
• The outcome of orthokeratology varies from individuals. A low power prescription glasses might be needed during the day.

 

Interested in orthokeratology lenses?

• Those who are interested should undergo a comprehensive eye care examination and an orthokeratology assessment Regular aftercares will be performed by optometrists during lens wearing period; lenses will be changed according to corneal changes to ensure a healthy cornea.
• All optometrists in PolyVision, registered Part I optometrists, are able to use diagnostic drugs to perform a comprehensive eye examination before any orthokeratology begins. All centres are well equipped and available for all the assessment, trial lens fitting, lens ordering (2-4 weeks), lens wearing and follow up service.

 

FREQUENT ASKED QUESTIONS

Q1 Can myopia be decreased to zero by wearing orthokeratology lenses?

• Orthokeratology lenses can only slow down the progression of myopia; existing myopia prescription cannot be treated or cured

 

Q2 Is orthokeratology lenses safe to wear?

• There are potential risks for any contact lens wear. If patients can follow the given instructions in lens wearing schedule and lens cleaning, orthokeratology lenses will cause no harm. In case of any discomfort during lens wear or after lens removal, please stop lens wear and contact the optometrist. Those having eye diseases, dry eye syndrome, eyes allergy or non-regular sleeping hours are not suitable.

 

Q3 Can orthokeratology lenses improve our eyesight?

• Outcome varies from individuals. Whether one can have good vision after lens removal depends on individual, factors include:

– Degrees of myopia and astigmatism

– Corneal curvatures and corneal stiffness

– Lens centration (any eyes rubbing causing lens dislocation during sleep)

– Wearing time (sleeping hours)

– Tears adequacy

• Non-ideal corneal curvature change or residue myopia will end up with mildly blurry vision during the day or later in the afternoon, glasses might be needed to help accordingly.

 

Q4 Will eyes rubbing during sleeping hours affect the outcome or the health of the eyes?

• If orthokeratology lens is dislocated from eyes rubbing, vision might be affected in the morning and the cornea might be scratched. Minor corneal injury will be recovered few hours after lens removal. Serious corneal injury must cease lens wear and/or refer to the Ophthalmologist.

 

Q5 Is frequent lens change necessary during the lens wearing period?

• Lens change depends on the power of myopia and astigmatism, corneal reaction and outcome. Same lens might be used if there is no residue myopia and fitting is optimal. Optometrist might need to have minor adjustments with the orthokeratology lens if there is any residue myopia in waking hours. Since the high oxygen transmitted orthokeratology lenses can easily be scratched or have an accumulation of deposits, yearly lens replacement is suggested to maximize hygiene and corneal health.

 

Q6 Do I still need to do follow up or wear lenses after few years of orthokeratology?

• If orthokeratology lens is a replacement for spectacles or contact lenses, you have to keep wearing the lenses in order to stabilize the daytime vision. If orthokeratology lens is used to control the progression of myopia, procedure can be ceased after puberty. Patients can then choose to wear spectacles or contact lenses, or continue with orthokeratology lenses. Since hygiene, lens quality and wearing time are crucial in orthokeratology, patients should follow all the instructions given by the optometrist, regular checkups every 3-6 months, never skip any follow up appointments.

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