Yamout Optical Center
Since 1978 • Lebanon
Contact Lens Safety & Care
The comprehensive master guide for safe, comfortable lens wear: daily safety checks, step-by-step use, replacement schedules, solution rules, RGP care, travel checklist, troubleshooting, and urgent warning signs.
Master Guide
No Water
No Sleep
Replacement Schedule
Patient Education
1) Quick Safety: The “Daily 3” Check
Every morning after putting in your lenses, ask yourself:
1) Do my eyes look good? (No redness)
2) Do my eyes feel good? (No unusual awareness or pain)
3) Do I see well? (No unusual blur)
2) Do my eyes feel good? (No unusual awareness or pain)
3) Do I see well? (No unusual blur)
If any answer is “No”: remove the lenses immediately and wear glasses.
2) Product, Packaging & Types
Know what you are wearing and what to check before use.
Lens Types
- Soft lenses: Spherical, Toric, Multifocal — hydrogel or silicone hydrogel.
- Hard lenses (RGP): Better vision for high astigmatism/keratoconus, with adaptation.
Blister Check
Ensure the foil seal is intact. Lenses are stored in 0.9% sterile saline.
Never use a lens if the package was open, leaking, or dry.
3) Replacement Schedule (Most Important Rule)
Your schedule starts from the day you open the lenses — not from the number of wears.
| Lens Type | Replace When | Key Rule |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Disposable | After one day | Wear once, discard same day |
| 2-Weekly / Bi-Weekly | Every 14 days | Count from opening day |
| Monthly | Every 30 days | Count from opening day |
| RGP (Hard) | Often 1 year+ | Check scratches & deposits |
Tip: Save your “Open Date” in your phone calendar.
4) How to Use (Step-by-Step)
Safe steps for insertion and removal.
Insertion
- Wash/Dry: lint-free towel.
- Taco test: edges flare out = inside out.
- Hold: upper lid up; lower lid down.
- Look: place lens center, blink slowly.
Removal
- Slide: look up, pull lower lid down.
- Pinch: slide to white part, pinch gently.
5) Hygiene: The “No Water” Rule
Water is a major cause of rare but sight-threatening infections.
Zero Contact: Never use tap, bottled water, or saliva on lenses/cases.
The Shower Rule
Ideally remove lenses before showering. If you must, keep eyes shut and disinfect afterward.
Makeup Order
Lenses IN before makeup; lenses OUT before removing makeup.
6) Wearing Schedule & “No Sleep” Habit
Habits that protect your cornea and reduce infection risk.
Adaptation Plan
Day 1 (4 hrs), then add 2 hours/day. Max: 12–14 hours.
Preventing Sleep Accidents
- Home rule: remove lenses when you enter home.
- Phone alarm: set “Lens Out” for 8:00 PM.
If you fell asleep in lenses
Do not pull out immediately. Use rewetting drops, blink 15 minutes, then remove once mobile.
7) Cleaning & Storage (Soft vs. Hard)
Different lenses require different systems.
Soft Lenses
Multi-purpose: Rub 10 seconds, rinse, store in fresh solution.
Hard Lenses (RGP)
Often needs two-step + soak. Lift vertically with wet finger—don’t slide on surfaces.
The Case (Biofilm Prevention)
Empty daily, air-dry, replace case every 3 months.
8) Solution Safety
Incorrect solutions can cause severe irritation or chemical injury.
Important: Do not switch solutions without advice.
Hydrogen Peroxide Systems
Must be neutralized in special case. Never put peroxide directly in the eye.
Warning: Direct peroxide contact can cause intense pain and injury.
9) Troubleshooting
Common problems and safe first actions.
Lens is “lost” in the eye
It cannot go behind the eye. It may fold under the upper lid—look down and gently massage.
Vision is foggy
Often protein buildup or GPC. Clean lens. If persistent, wear glasses and call us.
Dryness / screen use
Use preservative-free drops. Avoid “redness relief”.
Pro tip: Use 20-20-20 and blink fully.
10) Travel Checklist
Never travel without these essentials.
11) Do’s & Don’ts
Fast reminders that prevent most problems.
| DO | DON’T |
|---|---|
| Keep a photo of your prescription on your phone. | Don’t top off solution. |
| Blink often on screens. | Don’t wear lenses if eyes are red or painful. |
| Replace lenses on schedule. | Don’t share lenses/cases. |
12) Kids & Teens
Young wearers need stricter rules and supervision.
Recommended: parental supervision + strict hygiene + no sleeping in lenses.
Sports: ask us about safe options and protection.
13) Follow-up Care
Complications can be painless early.
Why it matters: Fit + corneal health + dryness + deposits must be checked.
Plan: first follow-up + annual lens checks.
14) When to Call Yamout Optical Center
Remove lenses and seek urgent care if you notice:
• A white spot on the cornea
• Extreme light sensitivity
• Sudden vision loss or severe persistent pain
• Extreme light sensitivity
• Sudden vision loss or severe persistent pain
Yamout Optical Center
Tel: 01-377238 • WhatsApp: 03-215140
Tel: 01-377238 • WhatsApp: 03-215140
Professional note: This guide supports safe lens wear but does not replace a full eye exam.
Yamout Optical Center
Since 1978
Hints & Tips
1. The Comprehensive Eye Exam
More Than Just a Prescription: Clear vision doesn’t always mean healthy eyes. The eye is the only place where a doctor can see blood vessels and nerve tissue directly—making exams important for eye and systemic health.
Why Regular Exams Matter
- Early Detection: Glaucoma and macular degeneration can be silent early.
- Systemic Health: Retinal exam may reveal early signs of diabetes, hypertension, etc.
Recommended Examination Schedule
- Infants & Toddlers (6 Months – 2 Years)
- School-Aged Children (Every 2 Years)
- Myopic Children (Annually up to age 13)
- Adults (Every 2 Years)
- Seniors 70+ (Annually)
2. Contact Lens Care
Handling & Hygiene
- Dry Hand Rule: Wash + lint-free dry before touching lenses.
- Makeup Sequence: Lenses in before makeup; out before removal.
- No Sleeping: Unless prescribed, do not sleep in lenses.
Water Safety
- Zero water: No tap/distilled/bottled water on lenses/cases.
- No swimming/showering: Remove lenses or wear airtight goggles + daily disposables.
Storage & Solutions
- Fresh solution only: Never top off.
- Case hygiene: Air-dry; replace every 1–3 months.
Partnering for Your Vision: We work through qualified eye care professionals.
3. Shortsightedness (Myopia)
Treatment & Lifestyle
- Outdoor time: ~2 hours/day helps slow progression.
- 20-20-20 rule for screens.
- Posture: 30–40 cm device distance.
Nutrition
- Vitamin C: citrus/red peppers
- Vitamin A: carrots/sweet potato
- Lutein: leafy greens
4. Longsightedness (Hyperopia)
Comfort Tips
- Strong lighting for reading.
- Use proper reading correction when needed.
- Increase phone font size.
Nutrition
- Spinach/kale
- Bananas/almonds (magnesium)
- Salmon (omega-3)
5. Keratoconus
- NO rubbing (use allergy drops if itchy).
- Strict scleral/RGP hygiene.
- UV protection with sunglasses.
6. Astigmatism (Toric)
- Toric lenses that stabilize position.
- Anti-glare coatings for night driving.
- Screen ergonomics: monitor at eye level.
7. Presbyopia (Age-related)
- Progressives / multifocals for seamless vision.
- Office lenses for computer distance.
- More lighting helps comfort.
8. Covering Scarring / Conditions
- Prosthetic lenses can match the healthy eye.
- Moisturizing drops reduce surface friction.
- Polarized sunglasses for sensitivity.
9. Changing Eye Colour
- Approved lenses only (breathable materials).
- Strict hygiene; never use tap water.
- Limit time (4–8 hours); never sleep in colored lenses.
