Guide For The Correct Use of Contact Lenses, Warnings, Precautions and Risks Associated With Their Use
(As per the Ministerial Decree published on the Official Gazette of the Italian Republic G.U. n.64 of 18/03/2003, art.1(3))
Contact lenses may be applied and worn only by patients with suitable anatomical and physiological characteristics of the eye. There are, in fact, a number of risk factors that can be identified by an Eye Care Professional and which may result in complications or intolerance.
The eye doctor and contact lens specialist are familiar with such issues and will recommend, or advise against, the use of contact lenses only after careful examination of the patient.
For a safe use of contact lenses carefully follow the instructions on how to properly apply, remove, clean and maintain contact lenses.
To avoid any damage to the eyes consult an eye doctor beforehand and schedule regular check-ups to make sure there are no counter-indications.
Only use sterile contact lenses and not longer than recommended.
At the end of the recommended period specified on the package (daily, by-weekly, monthly, etc.) replace the contact lenses with a new pair.
In case of reddening, burning, feeling of the presence of a foreign body within the eyes, increased tearing, blurred vision, or any other symptoms remove the contact lenses immediately and consult a doctor.
Diuretics, antihistamines, decongestants, tranquillizers may cause dryness to the eye. If necessary, consult an eye doctor.
If your eye comes into direct contact with a chemical substance, immediately flush your eye with water and seek emergency medical assistance.
Avoid any exposure to harmful vapors and fumes or hair spray.
Always use non-expired contact lens cleaning solution every time you put your lenses back in the contact case. Never rinse contact lenses with water.
Never put contact lenses in your mouth to wet them.
Consult a doctor to know how to wear contact lenses during sports activities.
Avoid wearing contact lenses when swimming in the sea or swimming pool, or when taking a shower in shared facilities.
Avoid using detergents containing cold cream, lotion or oily cosmetics before handling your contact lenses.
Failure to follow the instructions for the correct use of contact lenses can cause damage to the eye.
In rare cases, improper use of contact lenses may cause corneal ulcers responsible for eyesight impairment.
Improper hygiene, incorrect use of contact lenses and overwear increase the risk of ulcerative keratitis.
Smoking significantly increases the risk of ulcerative keratitis.
UV-absorbing contact lenses are NOT substitutes for sunglasses because they do not completely cover the anterior segment of the eye. You should therefore continue to use sunglasses in case of exposure to UV rays.
Additional Tips and Precautions for Contact Lens Wearers
Always follow the Eye Care Professional’s recommendations.
The Eye Care Professional, after careful examination, recommends the most suitable contact lenses for the wearer and the best care products based on the type of contacts and individual needs of the wearer.
Be aware of symptoms
You should always be aware of the symptoms. If you experience any pain, excessive tearing, swelling of the eye, burning, itchy eye, irritation, sensitivity to light, or any other discomfort, you should remove your contact lenses immediately and be seen by an Eye Care Professional.
Always respect the discard dates for the contact lenses and care products.
DO NOT wear contact lenses longer than recommended by the Contact Lens Specialist. NEVER use expired contact lenses care products. The discard date refers to the time you can safely use the contact lens care product after the package has been opened.
Carefully match lenses and cleaning solutions.
For each type of contact lens there are care products that are compatible and others that are totally incompatible. Even among liquid solutions, some products cannot be used together. For this reason, you should always follow the recommendations of the Contact Lens Specialist who knows which products to use and how
DO NOT overwear
If you use daily contact lenses, NEVER wear your lenses while sleeping.
Always examine the contact lenses to make sure they are intact
With use, lenses can be damaged. If the lens appears damaged (with nicks or tears), replace it immediately.
NEVER use water or saliva to rewet your contact lenses
NEVER use tap water to rinse your contact lenses and case. ONLY use disinfecting solutions recommended by a Contact Lens Specialist. DO NOT, for any reason, have your contact lenses come into contact with saliva.
Hygiene:
Before touching your contact lenses, always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild detergent, then rinse carefully. Any trace of cosmetic cream or perfume can jeopardize the cleanliness of your contact lenses which, on the contrary, should be guaranteed at all times. To properly handle your contact lenses and avoid damaging them, it is helpful to keep your fingernails short
Eye makeup:
If you use makeup of any kind (eye pencil, mascara, eyeshadow), it is best to put on your contact lenses before putting on makeup. Remember to remove your contact lenses before removing eye makeup.
Spray products:
Be careful not to use spray products (perfume or hairspray) near your eyes, this might cause irritation.
Avoid harmful vapors and fumes
Never wear contact lenses in environments where there are harmful vapors and fumes.
Never share contact lenses
Contact lenses are a personal medical device (Class II a). Thus, they cannot be shared with anyone else.
Frequently replace your contact lens case
Replace the contact lens case at least every 3 months.
Eye drops:
Before applying any type of eye drop, always consult a Contact Lens Specialist to know whether you need to temporarily stop wearing contact lenses
Medication:
Certain medications (diuretics, antihistamines and others) may cause dryness to the eye. If this happens, see a doctor.
Always have your prescription glasses and contact lens removal kit available
When you wear contact lenses outside your home, always have the care products and lens case available so you can remove them safely, if necessary. Remember to always bring your prescription glasses with you.
Care products are available also in reduced formats (travel size) to fit perfectly in your bag or pocket.
Inform your employer
If is always best to inform your employer of being a contact lens wearer, especially if your job requires you to wear eye protective equipment
Inform your doctor:
It is always best to inform all of your doctors (Health Care Professionals) about being a contact lens wearer. In case of hospitalization or surgical procedures, physicians may request that your contact lenses be temporarily removed.
For women
Thoroughly wash your hands after using any kind of nail polish remover. Even minimum traces of product react with the materials of any contact lens to form a toxic compound
For men
Thoroughly wash your hands after using any paint thinners or solvents, or motor mineral oils. These substances react with the materials of any contact lens and can form irritating compounds.