British Contact Lens Association

Aftercare for contact lens wearers

Regular check-ups provide the chance to ensure that you get the best out of your contact lenses, that you always use the most suitable products available to you, and that the lenses you are wearing are still appropriate for your eyes. Advances in contact lenses and solutions are constantly being made, bringing new benefits to contact lens wearers.

Your contact lens practitioner will advise you how often you should have check-ups. It is unlikely to be over a year between appointments and if the lenses are new or need careful observation, check-ups will be at much shorter intervals. Once your contact lens fitting has been completed, your practitioner will give you a specification for your contact lenses which will indicate the expiry date and may include the date of your next scheduled check-up. You may also be sent a reminder when your next visit is due.

If you’re interested in trying new lenses, have a problem with your contact lenses or your eyes, or just need some advice, there’s no need to wait for your next scheduled visit. Contact your eye care practice and arrange an appointment.

Don’t forget to wear your contact lenses when you attend for your aftercare visits. You may also be asked to bring along your lens case and solutions. Your contact lens practitioner will carry out a range of tests including a check of your vision, the fit of your lenses and the health of your eyes.

Contact lenses rarely cause serious eye complications. However, just as you may be unaware you have an eye or health problem that can be detected by an eye examination (such as diabetes, high blood pressure, glaucoma), changes to the eye can occur in contact lens wear without you noticing any symptoms. In such cases, without regular check-ups, serious damage could occur to the eyes.

Remember to check your eyes each time you wear your lenses. If your eyes feel uncomfortable or look red, or if your vision becomes blurred with either eye, remove your contact lenses straight away, leave them off and seek the advice of your contact lens practitioner immediately, even if you are not due for a check-up.

Follow your BCLA contact lens practitioner’s advice carefully to make sure you get the best from your contact lenses.