Secrets to comfortable Contact Lenses

For many Australians, the switch from glasses to contact lenses is a moment of pure freedom. Suddenly, you can see your peripheral vision clearly, you can play sport without frames slipping down your nose, and you can wear your favourite non-prescription sunglasses. However, for some, the excitement fades when discomfort sets in. Dryness, irritation, or that feeling like there is a grain of sand in your eye can turn a convenient solution into a daily annoyance.

Contact Lenses

The truth is, wearing lenses should feel like wearing nothing at all. If you are constantly aware of them sitting on your eyes, something needs to change. Achieving that "invisible" feeling is not about luck; it is about understanding your eyes, choosing the right product, and maintaining a solid routine. Whether you are a daily wearer in the Sydney CBD or someone who only pops them in for weekend surf trips, comfort is attainable.

This guide explores the practical secrets to keeping your eyes happy and hydrated while wearing contact lenses, tailored specifically for the Australian lifestyle and environment.

The Australian Environment and Your Eyes

Living in Australia presents a unique set of challenges for our eyes. We live in a country that is often dry, windy, and exposed to high levels of UV radiation. On top of the natural climate, many of us spend our working weeks in offices with powerful air conditioning systems.

Air conditioning is a major culprit for drying out contact lenses. It strips moisture from the air, which in turn causes the moisture in your lens to evaporate faster. When a lens dries out, it shrinks slightly and tightens on the cornea, leading to end-of-day fatigue and redness.

Furthermore, the outdoor lifestyle we enjoy means exposure to dust, pollen, and salt spray. If you suffer from hay fever (allergic rhinitis), you might find that allergens stick to the surface of your lenses, causing itching and irritation. Understanding that your environment plays a huge role is the first step. You cannot change the weather, but you can change how you manage your eye health to suit it.

Choosing the Right Material: Breathability is Key

Technology in optometry has moved fast. In the past, older style soft lenses were made of basic hydrogel materials. While soft, they relied heavily on water content to transmit oxygen to the eye. If they dried out, no oxygen got through.

Today, the gold standard for comfort is Silicone Hydrogel. This material allows significantly more oxygen to pass through the lens to the cornea, regardless of how wet the lens is. Your eyes need to "breathe" to stay healthy and white. If you are wearing older technology and finding your eyes are red by 5 PM, asking your optometrist at Lifestyle Optical about Silicone Hydrogel could be the solution.

Daily Disposables vs. Reusables

Comfort also depends on replacement schedules.

• Daily Disposables: These are the ultimate in convenience and hygiene. You put in a fresh, sterile pair every morning and throw them away at night. There is no build-up of protein, calcium, or allergens. For Australians with busy, active lives or those with allergies, dailies are often the most comfortable option.

• Fortnightly or Monthly Reusables: These are often more budget-friendly and can cater to more complex prescriptions. However, they require strict cleaning. If you skip a cleaning session, protein deposits build up on the lens surface, creating friction between the lens and your eyelid. This friction is a primary cause of discomfort.

The "Rub and Rinse" Rule

Even if you buy a bottle of solution that says "No Rub" on the label, most optometrists will tell you that rubbing your lenses is a secret to long-term comfort.

Think of it like washing dishes. You wouldn't just dip a dirty plate in soapy water and expect it to be clean; you would give it a scrub. The same applies here. When you take out reusable contact lenses, place the lens in your palm, add a few drops of solution, and gently rub it with your pinky finger for ten seconds. This physical action dislodges the protein and debris that soaking alone might miss.

After rubbing, rinse thoroughly with more solution before placing them in the case. This simple step takes twenty seconds but can add hours of comfortable wear time to your day.

Hydration and Blinking

We often forget to blink. It sounds strange, as blinking is an involuntary action, but our habits have changed. When we stare at digital screens—whether it is a laptop at work or a phone on the train—our blink rate drops significantly. We might blink only a third as often as we normally would.

Blinking is the eye's natural way of cleaning and rewetting the lens surface. When you stop blinking, the lens dries out. To combat this:

• The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds. Blink completely and consciously during this break.

• Rewetting Drops: Keep a bottle of lubricating eye drops handy. Ensure they are approved for use with contact lenses. In Australia, look for "preservative-free" options if you use them frequently, as preservatives can sometimes cause sensitivity over time.

The Importance of a Professional Fit

You cannot buy contact lenses effectively without a proper fitting. In Australia, lenses are medical devices. Your prescription for glasses is not the same as a prescription for contacts.

A lens sits directly on the eyeball. Eyes come in different shapes and sizes; some are steep, some are flat. If a lens is too tight, it cuts off circulation and tear exchange. If it is too loose, it slides around and causes blurry vision.

At Lifestyle Optical, the optometrist measures the curvature of your cornea. They ensure the lens centres correctly and moves slightly with each blink to allow fresh tears to flush underneath. A poor fit is a guarantee of discomfort, no matter how good the lens material is. Regular check-ups are vital because the shape of your eye can change over time, and a lens that fit you five years ago might not be right for you today.

Handling Astigmatism and Presbyopia

Many people believe they cannot wear lenses because they have astigmatism or require reading glasses. This is a myth.

• Toric Lenses for Astigmatism: These are designed with specific weighting or thickness zones to stop the lens from rotating. Stable vision equals comfortable vision. Modern toric designs are incredibly stable and comfortable.

• Multifocal Lenses: If you find yourself holding menus further away to read them, you may have presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses allow you to see distance and near objects without needing reading glasses. Eliminating the need to switch back and forth between contacts and glasses reduces eye strain, which contributes to overall comfort.

Hygiene Hacks for Healthy Eyes

Infection is the enemy of comfort. A minor infection can make wearing lenses impossible for weeks. Following strict hygiene protocols is non-negotiable.

1. Wash and Dry: Always wash hands with plain soap before touching your eyes. Dry them with a lint-free towel. Water from the tap contains bacteria that should never get near your lenses.

2. Fresh Solution Only: Never "top up" the solution in your case. Old solution is a breeding ground for bacteria. Dump it out, rinse the case with fresh solution, and let it air dry upside down on a clean tissue every morning.

3. Replace the Case: Your lens case is not a permanent item. You should replace it every three months. Most bottles of solution sold in Australian pharmacies come with a new case included—use it.

Contact Lenses

Questions and Answers: Common Questions About contact lenses in Australia

Q: Can I swim at the beach or in a pool while wearing my contact lenses?

A: No, this is strongly advised against by Australian optometrists. Water—whether it is from the ocean, a pool, or even the shower—contains microorganisms. One particularly dangerous organism is Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe, sight-threatening infections. Lenses can trap these organisms against the eye. If you must see while swimming, investing in prescription swimming goggles is the safest and most comfortable option.

Q: Does Medicare cover the cost of contact lenses?

A: generally, Medicare covers the cost of the eye examination (the bulk-billed eye test) if you are eligible. However, Medicare usually does not cover the cost of the lenses themselves for standard vision correction like short-sightedness. There are exceptions for specific medical eye conditions requiring specialty lenses. Most Australians with private health insurance use their "Extras" cover to claim a rebate on their supply of lenses.

Q: Is it okay to sleep in my contact lenses?

A: Only if you have been specifically prescribed "extended wear" lenses by your optometrist. Sleeping in standard lenses cuts off oxygen to the cornea and significantly increases the risk of infection and neovascularization (blood vessels growing into the clear part of the eye). Unless your optometrist at Lifestyle Optical has given you the green light for a specific breathable brand, always take them out before bed.

Q: Can I wear contact lenses if I wear makeup?

A: Absolutely. To keep it comfortable, put your contact lenses in before applying makeup. This prevents oils and powders from your hands transferring to the lens. conversely, take your lenses out before removing your makeup at the end of the day to avoid getting cleanser or makeup remover in your eyes while the lens is still there.

Q: Why do my contact lenses feel dry in the afternoon?

A: This is known as "end-of-day dryness." It can be caused by the lens material losing moisture, your own tear production slowing down, or environmental factors like air conditioning. Try using rewetting drops around lunchtime to boost hydration. If the problem persists, speak to your optometrist about switching to a daily disposable lens made from a material designed to retain moisture for longer periods.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful contact lenses in Australia

Achieving all-day comfort is not a mystery; it is a combination of science, hygiene, and professional guidance. You do not have to put up with gritty, dry, or red eyes. By selecting the right material for your lifestyle, adhering to a strict cleaning routine, and remaining mindful of the Australian environment, you can enjoy the freedom of clear vision without the distraction of discomfort.