CONTACT LENSES - The correct way to wear them

Hard contact lenses are smaller than the cornea. Sorft contact lenses cover the cornea or extend onto the sclera. Hard lenses are firm while soft lenses are like a tiny sponge. Their management is different.

If a lens is lost under the upper lid, reassure the person that it can cause no harm. Gently press over the upper lid to move it down. If it is stuck, irrigate with saline.

Never use forceps on a contact lens.
Never instill fluorescein eye drop in an eye wearing a soft lens.
Never wash a contact lens over a basin without a plug.

HOW TO INSERT A HARD LENS:

1. Wash the hands.
2. Check which is the right and which is the left lens.
3. Place the lens in the palm of one had and apply contact lenses wetting solution.
4. Place the lens concave, or bowl side upwards on the pulp of the index finger of the master hand.
5. Have the patient look down, retract the upper lid with fingers of the other hand.
6. Place the lens above or to the side of the cornea and move it centrally. Blinking should then center the lens.

Instead of insertion with a finger, a small suction cup holder may be used. Moisten the tip with saline to obtain a good grip.

HOW TO REMOVE A HARD LENS - 3 methods:

Method 1

Squeeze the lens off the eye by placing one thumb on the upper lid and one on the lower lid. Apply some pressure and bring the lids together. The lens should be displaced onto the lower eyelid or onto the hand.

Method 2

1. Wash the hands.
2. Place an index finger at the outer canthus and cup the other hand just below the eye.
3. Have the patient open the eyes widely.
4. Don't blink hard and at the same time, you pull the eyelids back in the direction of the top of the ear.
5. The lens should pop out into the cupped hand.

Method 3

The lens may be removed with a moistened suction cup holder.

How to insert Soft Lens?.....to be cont'd.