It is important to follow your optician's care instructions for your contacts and the products recommended for use with them. If your lenses aren't cleaned properly, they can cause irritation.

Not all solutions and eye drops are designed for use with every lens, and some can cause the lens to degrade, impairing your vision and comfort. You may, over time, even develop sensitivity to your usual products. This is especially common in solutions which use preservatives.

Speak to your optician if you have any problems with your contacts or care products, as they may be able to suggest an alternative.

Eye Drops: These are a temporary way of replenishing the fluid in your eye; however, not all eye drops can be used with contact lenses, so speak to your optician first. In some instances eye drops can also discolour lenses.

Some eye drops may also be advertised as eliminating redness of the eye, but these do not treat the underlying issue of eye dryness.

Supplements: For your lenses to fit comfortably, your tears need to be of good quality, otherwise they can dry out quicker. Some studies have concluded that omega-3 fatty acids, found in oily fish and flaxseed oil, can improve tear quality and reduce evaporation, it's easy to buy these supplements or as they are sometimes called in the chemist or online from retailers like VisionDirect.

Punctal Occlusion: This procedure blocks the tear ducts that drain tears away, preventing dehydration of the eye. A 'punctual plug' (usually a small piece of silicone) is inserted to ensure the tears stay on your eye instead of draining away. It is also possible to test this treatment with temporary 'plugs' that dissolve by themselves.

Orthokeratology: If you experience discomfort throughout the day with your lenses, you could try Orthokeratology. This process involves wearing special lenses each night to reshape your cornea, helping you see clearly throughout the day without lenses or glasses.

Orthokeratology has been cited as a viable alternative for those who lead active lifestyles or who spend time in conditions which irritate their lenses.

FREE CONTACT LENSES

FREE CONTACT LENSES

FREE CONTACT LENSES

FREE CONTACT LENSES

Common contact lens complaints & how to treat them