Love Your Lenses: Vision Express Provides Its Top Tips on Contact Lens After Care

News provided by

Vision Express

27 Mar, 2018, 15:17 GMT

LONDON, March 27, 2018 /PRNewswire/ --

New research from Vision Express to mark Love Your Lenses Week (24-30 March) has revealed that nearly one in ten of Britain's four million contact lens wearers are failing to take their vision seriously by admitting they don't have a care routine, with 50% confessing they've let their lens care lapse after a night out.[1]

Jay Ghadiali, Director of Professional Services Vision Express said: "The risks of wearing contact lenses are very small and the benefits worthwhile, but the need to educate the British contact lens wearers on aftercare is critical as this is what can lead to infection or long-term issues for wearers. We're proud to support Love Your Lenses Week, as the eye health of our customers and their families is our absolute priority so we've picked the brains of our optical leads across the country to collate their top tips on caring for your contact lenses."

  1. Always go to the optician for a contact lens fitting - so you understand how you need to care and maintain your new contacts - comfort is king!  
  2. Clean and replace reusable lenses regularly and at intervals recommended by your optician - make sure you are using the correct solution and NEVER lick your lenses, use tapwater or top up your solution.
  3. Remove your contacts before you hit the hay - we're very concerned that a third (36%) of those surveyed admit they sleep with their lenses in. Failing to remove lenses (unless instructed) can increase the risk of infection and reduce the flow oxygen to your cornea so you'll probably wake up with red, sore eyes.
  4. Remove your contacts before you take a shower or swim as water contamination can be a real issue when it comes to spreading infection.
  5. Give your eyes a break - don't overwear your contact lenses, rest your eyes with a spare pair of 'backup' glasses, and always remove your lenses if you have had any irritation caused by use.
  6. Never share your lenses - Prescriptions vary and the risk of infection here is high
  7. Wash and dry your hands before you handle your contact lenses - we were worried to hear that a fifth (18%) didn't properly wash their hands before putting their lenses in - a key cause of infection
  8. Attend a check up with your optician at least once a year and visit your optician if you experience any issues with your lenses

[1]. The Association of Contact Lens Manufacturers as of April 2016 

About Vision Express 

Vision Express is one of the largest optical retailers in the UK and part of GrandVision,the global leader in optical retail operating in more than 40 countries, spanning over 6,500 stores and online.

With more than 390 stores nationwide, Vision Express first opened its doors in Newcastle in 1988. Built on a passion for the profession, it has gone from strength to strength, driven by a commitment to unparalleled customer service and providing the best individual optical care, the right product and great value. Customers can select from a vast range of genuine designer brands and the latest technology lenses, through to complete glasses from £39.

With around 4,500 employees, Vision Express makes a significant difference to the communities it operates within, and the organisations it chooses to support. As part of its commitment to Vision. Taken Seriously, and as a responsible and caring retailer, Vision Express is proud to partner with a range of healthcare charities, which have touched the lives of customers and teams. These companies provide vital support to people affected by vision-related conditions. They are part of the Vision Express Charity Project and include:

  • Childhood Eye Cancer Trust (CHECT)
  • International Glaucoma Association
  • Macular Society
  • Stroke Association
  • Temple Street University Hospital
  • Brake

About Love Your Lenses 

About Love Your Lenses Love Your Lenses activity is orchestrated by the General Optical Council with involvement and support from opticians, industry partners and manufacturers around the UK.

About GOC  

About the General Optical Council The GOC is the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Its purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance and conduct amongst opticians. The GOC currently registers around 29,000 optometrists, dispensing opticians, student opticians and optical businesses.