All contact lens fitting and aftercare must be carried out by a qualified contact lens fitter, optometrist or ophthalmologist who should also give advice regarding appropriate cleaning and disinfection products.
Contact lenses require meticulous care. Poor compliance with directions for use and daily cleaning and disinfection can result in complications including ulcerative keratitis or conjunctivitis.
The provision of contact lens care products (cleaning and sterilising solutions, and case) is regarded as an integral part of the therapy in medical contact lens fitting.
Avoid using preparations containing preservatives with soft contact lenses.
Many drugs given systemically can have adverse effects on contact lens wear - see BNF for details.
Ointment preparations and oily eye drops should only be used following specialist advice in conjunction with contact lens wear.
Discontinuation of contact lens wear should be encouraged in the event of pain, redness or blurred vision with urgent assessment by a qualified optometrist or ophthalmologist.
