Spring is the time of year which those of us who suffer from certain allergies are afraid of. Pollen causes not only irritation of the nose, but also the eyes, which is especially difficult for contact lens wearers. Many of them even decide to stop using contact lens during the most difficult periods, switching back to glasses. This, however, can be easily avoided, provided you follow some simple rules.

First of all, though obviously it is not always possible, it is best to stay in air-conditioned rooms, which makes it possible to avoid contact with pollen. This is unfortunately extremely difficult for children, who are keen (as they should be) on outdoor activities.

Another thing that usually helps is using daily contact lenses, such as Acuvue Moist Brand Contact Lenses. They offer more comfort, especially during the worst months of spring and summer. Of course, they can also be worn by anybody who appreciates the comfort resulting from technology ensuring appropriate eye moisture at all times.

The most common therapeutic use of contact lenses is the application of daily contact lenses as bandages for abrasions. However, there are numerous other situations in which contact lenses are used therapeutically. For instance:

• alleviation of pain, protection of the surface of the eye and facilitation of healing wounds (contact lenses reduce pain and separate the eye from the lid, which may cause problems during the re-growth of ocular epithelium);
• treatment of chemical burns and neurotrophic ulcers (significantly improved healing);
• management of persistent epithelial defect (here soft contact lenses work best in combination with serum eye drops);
• treatment of bullous keratopathy and ocular graft versus host disease (the former leads to the appearance of blister-like lesions on the eye and the latter results in a severe form of dry eye state and secondary keratitis; contact lenses protect the damaged surface from exposure and alleviate the symptoms of the diseases).

In any case, patients wearing therapeutic contact lenses require close supervision and frequent examination, as there are numerous possible complications associate with contact lens use. Nonetheless, these lenses offer them unique benefits and considerably enhance the healing process.

We have found that coloured lenses that don’t get used often sometime get a bit dry in their case. This is particularly true if part of the lens happens to be sticking out of the solution.

The best thing to do before you use your coloured contact lenses again is to turn the case upside down and leave it for couple of minutes. Then pick it up and give it a gentle shake. This will ensure that the lens is coated in solution again and softens before you try to take it out.

If the lens still looks stuck to the case, add some more contact lens solution and give it a little longer to soften then give it a gentle shake again. This should do the trick of getting it unstuck and rehydrated without damage.

Remember: Never pull the lens as it is bound to tear or crack, if it seems to be at all stuck, the best thing to do is let it soak and then give it a shake. Sometimes you may have to repeat this.

Next time you store your lenses make sure you have fresh cleaning solution filling the case properly and that the lens is nicely submerged.   

People ask me this quite often, I imagine it has something to do with the current economic climate and a patients wish to get the most mileage from their contact lenses.

The short answer is this, with contact lenses you should follow the prescribed wear guidelines for replacement and of course the care instructions that come from the manufafcturer. This will ensure your contact lenses last for at least the period they were designed to last e.g. 1 day, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month or possibly longer.

Trying to make your contact lenses last a bit longer puts your eyes at risk of infection which is obviously more serious than saving a few pounds.

Firstly - It's very important that you replace your contact lenses according your eye care professionals instructions and or the instructions from the manufacturer. Don't try to wear your daily contact lenses for more than a day or your monthly contact lenses for more than a month!

If you are wear monthly or weekly lenses and are unable to remember when you first started using a particular pair of contact lenses then the usual indications that a contact lens is near the end of its life are deposits on the lens, lens discolouration, hazy or unclear vision and or discomfort. If any of these indications occur your should change your contact lenses immediately as any of these can lead to other complications such as infection.

If after changing your contact lens your vision is still hazy or you notice any redness or discomfort you should remove your contact lenses and contact your eye care professional immediately. Always better to treat problems early especially when it comes to keeping your eyes safe and healthy.