Contact Lens Handling Instructions
Once your Ortho-K practitioner is satisfied with the fit and vision of the Ortho-K lenses during the trial fitting session you will be provided with contact lens handling instructions. In this session you will be instructed and later asked to demonstrate the proper method of lens insertion, removal and the hygiene associated with cleaning the Ortho-K lenses.
In order to avoid lens wear complications such as eye irritations or serious infections it is important to follow these instructions carefully.
Preparing the Lens for Wearing
Cleanliness is the first and most important aspect of proper lens care. Hands should be clean and free of any foreign substances when lenses are handled.
Always wash, rinse and dry hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
When handling a lens avoid soaps, lotions and hand creams on the hands. This can rub off on the lens and can cause irritation to the eye and deposits on the lens.
Regularly inspect the contact lens container to make sure it is hygienically clean and undamaged. A good philosophy is to replace the container regularly.
Placing the Lens on the Eye
After thoroughly washing and rinsing hands, follow these steps to insert the lens on the eye: Man inserting a contact lens
Carefully remove the Ortho-K lens from the lens case.
Inspect the lens to ensure it is clean and has no unwanted debris on it. Also make sure the lens has no chips or cracks.
Rinse the lens with preservative free [[saline solution]].
For improved comfort a drop of preservative free [[artificial tear]] lubricant can be placed inside the Ortho-k lens.
Place the lens on the top of your index finger from your dominant hand while simultaneously pulling down the lower lid with the middle finger.
Now lift up and hold the upper lid with the index and/or middle finger of the opposite hand.
Gently place the lens on the centre of your cornea. It is not necessary to press the lens on the eye.
With the lens on the cornea slowly release both lids and blink normally. The lens should centre automatically.
Use the same technique to insert the other lens.
Removing the Lenses
In the morning, on awakening, it is important to check if the lens is moving on the eye. It is not uncommon for [[Orthokeratology]] lenses to sit snugly and not move after overnight wear.
If the lens is not moving freely apply one drop of preservative free artificial tear lubrication to your eyes. Wait until the lens starts to move freely when you blink before attempting to remove it.
If the lens is still not moving freely after applying the lubricating drops it should be loosened manually. While looking upwards a finger is placed at the lower eyelid at the lens edge to gently but firmly apply pressure. Looking downward the process is repeated using the fingertip placed on the upper eyelid at the lens edge. You should then look straight ahead and blink several times.
Once the lens begins to move freely it can be removed manually by using the “blink” or “scissors” method which is customary used with standard Gas Permeable lenses. Another method to remove the large diameter Ortho-k lens is to use a soft silicon suction device which your practitioner will provide you with.
Cleaning and Storing the Lenses
There are two main categories of lens care systems for cleaning and storing Ortho-k lenses. Your Ortho-k practitioner will recommend the method most suited to you.
Two Step lens care system
This cleaning system consists of one small bottle of concentrated cleaning solutions and one larger bottle of disinfecting and conditioning solution.
Instructions on use:
Gently rub the lens on each side with the recommended concentrated cleaner.
Thoroughly rinse the lens with the saline solution to remove all the concentrated cleaner.
Care must be taken not to press or squeeze the lenses excessively during handling as this may lead to lens distortion and breakage.
The clean lenses is then placed in the provided contact lens container and covered completely with the disinfecting and conditioning solution.
The lenses should be allowed to soak for a minimum of four hours (all day is preferred).
An optional monthly enzymatic cleaner can be added to the cleaning regimen at the discretion of the Ortho-k practitioner.
In all cases please familiarise yourself with the accompanying instructions provided with your contact lens care systems.
Peroxide Cleaning System
This cleaning system consists of one bottle of [[Hydrogen Peroxide]] (H2O2) and one contact lens container with a platinum disk [[catalyst]] fixed at the base.
Instructions on use:
Place the contact lenses in the provided basket of the contact lens container.
Fill the container with hydrogen peroxide to the marked level.
Insert the basket into the container and screw the lid closed.
During the following 6 hours the platinum disk catalyst will neutralise the hydrogen peroxide into saline solution (H2O) and [[Oxygen gas]] (O2).
The O2 gas will escape thru a pressure valve in the top of the container leaving the lens soaking in preservative free saline solution.
After the 6 hours neutralisation period the Ortho-K lenses are safe to be re-inserted into the eye
It is important to ensure that the hydrogen peroxide has been completely neutralised before inserting the Ortho-K lenses back into the eye. Failure to do so will result in severe chemical burn on the cornea.