Many of our optometrists provide general contact lens services. Our highly trained doctors of optometry perform contact lens examinations and fittings to determine the best contact lens design and material to provide clear and comfortable vision.
Using state-of-the-art technology and techniques, our experienced optometrists will evaluate your eyes and visual needs to prescribe the best contact lens for each individual. This includes monthly replacement soft lenses, daily disposable soft lenses, and rigid gas permeable contact lenses. We offer the latest in contact lens technology to correct astigmatism and presbyopia (the need for reading glasses). Eye Associates of New Mexico offers an easy and convenient way to re-order your contact lenses once prescribed by your doctor. Our Contact Lens Central team is available to re-order and ship contact lenses directly to you. Please click on the below link to start the process. Or call 1-866-LENS-NOW to order contact lenses over the phone.
Soft Contact Lenses: Care and Wearing Instructions
Soft contact lenses are made from a flexible water-absorbing plastic polymer that allows oxygen to pass through to nourish your eyes as you wear the lenses. To maintain safety and comfort, you must wear, care for, and replace your lenses as recommended. Do not continue to wear your lenses if your eyes are excessively uncomfortable or red. Periodic progress visits are required to help ensure your safety, comfort, and visual function.
Handling Techniques for Soft Contact Lenses
Wash your hands thoroughly, rinse well, and dry with a lint-free towel. Fingernails should be short and smooth to avoid damaging the lenses or scratching your eye.
Always start with the right lens to avoid confusion.
Rinse the lens with multipurpose soft lens solution or sterile saline and place the lens on the tip of your index finger of your dominant hand.
Inspect the lens to make sure it is not inverted (wrong side out). If the lens is right side out it will make a nice bowl appearance. If the lens is inverted (wrong side out) the edges will flare out slightly.
Use your forefinger or middle finger of your other hand to hold the lashes of the upper lid against your brow.
Place the lens directly on the center of your eye gently but securely. Always look at the lens when it is approaching your eye. Do not blink until the lens has been inserted and your fingers have been removed from your eyelids.
Always verify the proper position of the lens by checking your vision immediately after insertion.
Use the same technique or reverse your hands when inserting the other lens.
Beware of inserting lenses over open sink drains.
Eye Drops
One or two drops of lens lubricant are recommended if your lenses feel dry or if blurry vision occurs while wearing. Eye drops may also be helpful prior to removal if your lenses feel dry.
Removal
Wash your hands before removal. Slide the edge of your lens down onto the white part of your eye (sclera). Then gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove.
Cleaning of Soft Contact Lenses
It is essential that you always practice good hygiene when handling your lenses. Always wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and rinse to remove all remaining soap residue then dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
Cleaning: Once the lens has been removed, follow the instructions provided with your specific lens care system. Most lens care systems now do not require rubbing of the lens but we recommend that you do rub the lens during daily cleaning and rinse it with a stream of solution for a few seconds.
Storage: Place the lens in your storage case containing a fresh supply of solution. Be sure the lenses are covered. Soak them for at least four hours (preferably overnight) before they are worn again. Never store soft contacts in tap water or anything other than an approved sterile soft contact lens solution.
Caution: Some cleaners may irritate your eyes unless it is thoroughly rinsed from your lenses or if you do not follow the specific instructions that pertain to your cleaning solution system.
Lens Case Cleaning and Maintenance: Contact lens cases can be a source of bacterial growth. Lens cases should be emptied, cleaned, rinsed, and allowed to air dry after each use. Lens cases should be replaced at regular intervals.
Wearing Schedule
New contact lens wearers should build-up wear time slowly. You should start with approximately four hours of wear time and add two hours each day until you are up to a full day of wear time (12 to 14 hours).
In the beginning, it is normal if:
Your eyes itch, feel dry or are slightly irritated.
You are more aware of one lens than the other.
Your vision is not as good as with your glasses.
You have a better vision with one eye than the other.
You have trouble handling your lenses.
Remove your lenses immediately if:
You develop unusual pain or redness.
You develop an unusual foggy or cloudy vision.
You experience a decrease in vision that does not clear up.
