WEARING CONTACT LENSES

Is it difficult to insert and remove contact lenses? 
It takes a little practice but after a few days it will become second nature to you. Each patient who comes to Barnard Levit has a session of one-to-one contact lens tuition, where one of our team teaches you how to insert and remove your lenses, and how to care for your lenses.

Can I shower wearing my contact lenses?
Absolutely not! NEVER shower or bath in contact lenses, as any contact with tap water or any other non-sterile water can lead to serious infections from waterborne organisms such as Acanthamoeba, which may lead to total loss of vision. Leave your lenses in fresh solution while showering, bathing or swimming and clean them before reinserting them afterwards. 

Can I wear my contact lenses for swimming? 
The BCLA (British contact lens association) instructs contact lenses SHOULD NOT be worn for swimming – or in hot tubs or whilst showering – unless wearing tight-fitting goggles over the top. After swimming, contact lenses should be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in fresh solution before inserting them back into the eyes.

Can I sleep in my lenses? 
Absolutely not, never sleep in contact lenses (unless fitted with orthokeratology lenses designed for overnight wear). Sleeping in lenses will lead to serious microbial infection and irreversible loss of sight. 

Can a contact lens go round the back of my eye? 
No. If a lens gets dislodged from position at the front of the eye it may settle under the upper or lower lid, but cannot go behind the eye.

Can I wear my monthly lenses for longer than a month? 
No. Frequent replacement and meticulous care of contact lenses protect against complications of contact lens wear. The safety of your eyes as well as the comfort and performance of your lenses will be detrimentally affected if you wear your lenses beyond the recommended replacement interval. Wearing dirty or damaged lenses can put your eye health at risk. Always follow the wearing schedule and replacement frequency instructions of your optometrist.

Can I re-use my daily disposable lenses if they are still comfortable? 
No. Daily disposable contact lenses are designed only for single-use and must be discarded after each wear. These lenses must be used strictly on a daily wear basis and are not approved for re-use or for overnight wear.

Can I wear any type of eye make-up with my contact lenses? 
Please note cosmetic products are not sterile and may harbour organisms which are harmful to the eye, contact between make up and contact lenses must therefore not occur. It is best to avoid applying kohl or eyeliner on the inner rim of the eyelids since this can make the lens dirty. Insert your lenses before putting on make-up, and remove lenses before removing make-up. You should also avoid any contact between the lenses and lotions or creams.