Looking after your lenses
Contact lenses offer a really convenient alternative if you are a regular glasses wearer.
From daily disposables to two weekly, monthly and yearly lenses, there are so many options to choose from, depending on your prescription and how often you plan to wear them.
Whatever type you opt for though, Sam Culham, our Contact Lens Optician, explained hygiene is key if you want to keep your eyes healthy.
Read on for Sam’s basic rules for contact lens success.
Keep it clean
Wash your hands both before you put your lenses in and before you remove them. Use regular handwash rather than alcohol wash as this could sting.
You snooze, you lose
Sleeping in your contact lenses is a no-no as this can cause damage to the eye and lead to a greater risk of ulcers. Get into the routine of removing and cleaning your lenses before you go to bed.
Tap water is not the solution
No matter what kind of lenses you wear, never run them under the tap to clean them. If the water has been stored in a tank in the loft for example, it could contain the Acanthamoeba organism. If this comes into contact with your eye it can lead to a condition which can ultimately result in blindness.
Daily TLC
If you wear daily disposable lenses you don’t need to worry about cleaning. Simply take the lens out of the vial it comes in and apply it to your eye. When you remove it – whether you have worn it for just a few hours or a whole day – throw it away. Put a fresh sterile pair in every time.
For people who wear two weekly, monthly and yearly lenses there are special cleaning solutions you should use.
Frequent replacement lenses – either two weekly or monthly – will need an all-in-one solution. Once you have finished wearing them for the day, remove the lenses and put some of the solution into the case. Taking one lens at a time, put it in the palm of your hand and apply a drop or two of the solution. Using a light touch, gently rub with your middle finger for 10 to 20 seconds. If it’s a soft lens you can turn it inside out and repeat on the other side.
Before you put the lens in the case for the night, give it a rinse with a few more drops of the solution. Repeat with the other lens.
If you use yearly lenses, you will have two different types of cleaning solution, one to rub on the lenses and the other to soak them in overnight. On top of this, every two to four weeks you should give your lenses an extra clean with protein removal tablets. Cleaning in this way will help your lenses to last longer.
Keep it in check
It’s important you book regular eye checks if you are a contact lens wearer. For those using them two to three times a week, we recommend you come in for a check-up once a year but if you wear them most days it’s best to have an appointment every six months.
Tack action
If your eyes are red or painful when you wear your lenses, remove them and book an appointment to see us. Don’t keep using them as this could aggravate your eyes further.
Not in the pool
Never swim while wearing your lenses. Any lenses that come into contact with a swimming pool should be discarded.
Hay fever season
If you are suffering from hay fever and your eyes are feeling itchy or sore avoid wearing your lenses. That said, some patients say that their hay fever symptoms actually improve when they are wearing their lenses!
Considering contact lenses? Give us a call to book an appointment. We can talk you through all of the options and find a solution that’s right for you.
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Brand Spotlight | Vogue Eyewear
Bang on trend, Vogue eyewear’s bold designs will certainly leave you wanting to strike a pose!
The brand perfectly treads the line between cutting edge style and timeless class that is synonymous with the Vogue name.
Whether you like chunky acetate frames or you prefer a metal rim, Vogue eyewear has something to offer.
And as well as spectacle frames, the brand also includes an exciting array of sunglasses offering the ultimate in chic.
Read on to discover some of our favourite Vogue frames currently in stock at Patrick & Menzies.
These frames certainly have the Audrey Hepburn vibe. Think 1950s fashionista, behind the wheel of a convertible car, hair tied back in a headscarf, looking windswept but oh-so-stylish. Larger framed sunglasses like these are not only a great look, they are also a practical choice offering greater UV-protection for your eyes and the skin around them. Find out more about picking the right frames for you in our recent blog.
Vogue 5030 in black
These sleek black acetate frames show that you can create perfection in simplicity. Smooth shaping and ribbed sides add interest to this uncomplicated pair of specs.
Vogue 5163 in black
It’s not all about bold statements when it comes to Vogue eyewear. For many frames included in the range the beauty comes from the attention to detail, as these glasses demonstrate. The solid black frame is taken to another level by the inclusion of an intricate design detail in gold on the hinge, along with the brand’s logo which screams style.
Vogue 5326 in tortoiseshell
If you are a reluctant glasses-wearer these frames were made for you! Crafted from clear acetate they really are barely there. Perfect for people who are keen to avoid frames which will distract from delicate features, they have the added bonus of accentuating your eyes.
Vogue 5332 in black
In cool grey with rounded lenses, these frames look particularly striking on people with fair tones, though they equally look great with grey hair, too. We particularly like how these transparent frames offer a glimpse of metal running through the sides.
As with all the brands we stock, you can view the current selection of Vogue eyewear currently available at Patrick & Menzies from the comfort of your home.
If you are in need of a regular check-up or are worried about your vision, get in touch today to book an appointment at one of our four North Essex branches – Braintree, Brightlingsea, Manningtree and Mersea.
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