Instructions on use & storage of soft contact lenses

The information provided below is essential for the safe and effective use of soft contact lenses. Read it carefully and use it as a guide alongside the instructions provided to you by your eye care specialist. The following instructions apply to all soft contact lenses.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

These lenses are quarterly lenses for personal use. Use sterile contact lenses for no longer than the maximum recommended time per day. At the end of the quarterly period of use, you must replace the lenses with a new pair. Using the lenses in excess of the recommended time and/or use by other patients can cause serious infection. For safe use of contact lenses, you must follow the instructions carefully for their correct application, removal, cleaning and maintenance. Lens packaging that is intact guarantees that the product is sterile; if the seal is broken DO NOT USE the lenses and return the packet as soon as possible to the specialist who gave it to you. Before applying the contact lenses: Wash and dry your hands prior to taking the lenses out of the container.

APPLICATION

Remove the lens from the container making sure it is not upside down and position it on the tip of your index finger. Before applying, it is advisable to rinse the lens with saline solution or multiuse solution. In front of the mirror, using the middle finger of the same hand, pull down your lower eyelid. With the middle finger of your free hand, raise your upper eyelid and delicately position the lens on the iris. Slowly release the eyelid. Repeat the operation for the other eye.
Vision: Your vision should be good as soon as you have inserted the lens; if not, check that the lens is not upside down and check that you have not inverted the lenses.

COMFORT

Should you feel any discomfort, remove the lens, rinse it and reapply it. If you have applied the lens upside down, you will also need to remove it, turn it around and clean it before reapplying it. IF THE FEELING OF DISCOMFORT CONTINUES, REMOVE THE LENS AND DO NOT REAPPLY IT UNTIL YOU HAVE CONTACTED YOUR SPECIALIST.

REMOVAL

Whilst lowering your lower eyelid, look upwards and using the tip of your finger slide the lens to the “lower” part of the eye. The lens can be removed by holding it between your thumb and index finger.

CAUTION

Do not damage the surface of the lenses with your fingernails. Clean and store the lenses following your specialist’s instructions. Remember to clean and replace the contact lens case regularly (according to the duration of the contacts) to avoid contamination.

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Contact lenses may only be applied and used when the anatomical/functional conditions of the patient’s eye permit such. There are indeed some risk factors that can be ascertained by your specialist, which might cause complications or intolerance reactions. The specialist and the optician who inserts the lens are aware of these issues and will not recommend the use of contact lenses until you have passed a rigorous eye examination. In order to avoid damaging your eyes, it is important to check with your optician that there are no contraindications and ensure you attend regular check-ups.

WARNINGS

• - Remove the lenses and consult a doctor in the case of redness, burning, foreign body sensation or excessive lacrymation, blurred vision or other vision problems.
• - Diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, tranquilisers, antidepressants and birth control drugs can cause dryness in the eyes; in this case, you should consult your optician.
• - If any chemical, harmful or irritant substance should come into contact with your eyes, immediately rinse your eyes and seek urgent medical advice. Ensure your contact lens solution is within its expiry date every time you place your contact lenses back into the container and never use running water to rinse them.
• - Consult your optician if using contact lenses during sporting activities.
• - Avoid using contact lenses when you bathe in the sea or a swimming pool or use public showers.
• - Avoid using soaps containing creams, lotions or cosmetic oils before wearing the lenses.
• - Do not wet the lenses in your mouth.
• - Failure to comply with the rules for correct use of the lenses may cause serious damage to the eyes.
• - The risk of contracting ulcerous keratitis increases when failing to comply with the rules of hygiene and use and in cases of using lenses for longer than the recommended time.
• - The risk of ulcerous keratitis increases significantly in smokers.

RECOMMENDATIONS

If you have never used contact lenses before, it is advisable to:

• - use the lenses for a maximum of 2 hours when first applying them;
• - gradually increase their use up to a maximum of 8 hours per day;
• - remove lenses before going to sleep.