Caring For Your Contact Lenses

An optometrist answers some frequently asked questions about contact lenses and how to care for them.

- Hannah May-Lee Wong

The eyes are the windows to your soul; which is why it is of utmost importance that you take extra good care of them. Things get a little more complicated when you decide to wear contact lenses instead of spectacles — it requires more caution and hygiene. HealthToday talks to optometrist Woon Pak Seong to get some tips on contact lens upkeep and more.

ARE CONTACT LENSES SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

Most people can wear contact lenses to correct their vision, but there are certain groups of people who should stay away from them. Those who have a history of eye disease, suffer from allergies, have dry eyes, often get conjunctivitis or those who live in dry, dusty environments might not be suited for wearing contact lenses.

WHAT ARE THE EYE TESTS WE SHOULD GO THROUGH BEFORE SELECTING A PAIR OF CONTACT LENS?

Optometrists would first go through the eye history of their customers. They would check if the person has had any eye diseases in the past, has a family history of eye disease, had previous eye injuries and ask how frequently he or she is planning on wearing the contact lenses.

Then, the optometrist will carry out tests to determine eye prescriptions — to correct short sightedness and astigmatism. They should also check whether the two eyes work together and whether the eyes react to light to determine overall eye health.

Some eye health centres have instruments to measure eye pressure. This is to see if you have glaucoma. Other tests include those that check for cataracts and whether the retina is healthy. Finally, the optometrist would measure the curve of the eye using a keratometer or a topographer. This is to ensure the contact lens will fit well and sit well on your eye.