top-right What is SPEKY?

Specky Products

Today's deal sale 50% off SHOP NOW!

Main Menu
Categories
Shopping Cart

  • Your Cart is Empty!

FAQs

Contact Lenses vs. Glasses – Which One Fits Your Lifestyle Better?
/ Contact Lens / By Specky
Many people find themselves debating between contact lenses and glasses as their preferred vision correction option. Each choice comes with its own set of advantages and considerations that can significantly affect your daily activities, style, and comfort. In this blog post, you will explore the key factors that determine whether contact lenses or glasses will be the best fit for your lifestyle, helping you make an informed decision based on your unique needs and preferences.

Benefits of Glasses
Your choice to wear glasses comes with several advantages that can enhance your vision experience. Glasses are easy to put on and take off without the need for special cleaning solutions or handling delicate lenses. They can also be a style statement, allowing you to express your personality while correcting your vision. Their durability means they can withstand more wear and tear compared to contact lenses, making them a practical option for daily use.

Comfort and Ease of Use
Among the numerous benefits of glasses, comfort and ease of use stand out. You can wear them for long periods without worrying about dryness or irritation that often accompany contact lenses. Additionally, slipping or discomfort is less of an issue, as glasses simply sit on your nose and ears, allowing for a convenient and hassle-free experience.

Eye Protection
The design of glasses provides an added layer of protection for your eyes. They act as a barrier against dust, wind, and harmful UV rays, helping to reduce the risk of irritation or injury. This makes them an excellent choice for outdoor activities where your eyes may be exposed to various elements.

In addition, glasses can help shield your eyes from blue light emitted by screens. Extended exposure to this light can lead to digital eye strain, so having a pair of protective lenses can keep your eyes feeling more comfortable during long hours of screen time. With lens options like anti-reflective coatings and blue light filters, glasses not only enhance your vision but also support eye health. Investing in a good pair of glasses can ultimately help you maintain clear vision and comfort in everyday activities.

Advantages of Contact Lenses
Some of the significant benefits of contact lenses include their versatility and comfort. They provide a seamless visual experience without the obstruction of frames, allowing you to enjoy unimpeded sight and movement. With various options available, such as daily disposables and extended wear lenses, you can choose what best fits your needs. Additionally, contacts can enhance your appearance by eliminating the need for glasses, enabling you to express your style freely.

Enhanced Vision Field
Lenses provide a wider field of vision compared to glasses. Since they sit directly on the eye’s surface, they move with you, ensuring that your peripheral vision remains unobstructed. This natural alignment allows for a more immersive experience, especially in dynamic situations or activities where depth perception is vital, enhancing your overall visual clarity.

Active Lifestyle Compatibility
Lifestyle plays a significant role when choosing between contact lenses and glasses. If you engage in sports or any physical activities, contacts offer the advantage of staying in place, reducing the risk of damage during movement. They won’t fog up or fall off, allowing you to focus entirely on your performance without distractions.

But if you’re someone who enjoys outdoor activities, contact lenses are particularly advantageous. They allow you to wear sunglasses comfortably without compromising your vision. You won’t need to worry about frames slipping off during a run or a bike ride. Plus, they can be less affected by weather conditions, like rain or humidity, providing consistent vision throughout your active pursuits.

Style and Fashion Considerations
The choice between glasses and contact lenses can significantly impact your overall style and self-expression. Your daily activities, personal preferences, and sense of aesthetics should guide your decision. Consider how each option complements your wardrobe and enhances your facial features, as well as the image you wish to project in various settings.

Glasses as a Fashion Statement
Among the myriad of accessories available, glasses can serve as a powerful fashion statement. You can express your personality through different styles, colours, and frames, ensuring that your eyewear not only serves a practical purpose but also reflects your individuality. With the right pair, you can elevate your outfit and make a lasting impression.

Contacts for a Natural Look
Considerations about your appearance often lead you to contact lenses for a more natural look. Contacts allow your eyes’ natural beauty to shine through, free from the limitations or weight of glasses. With lenses, you can experiment with makeup looks without worrying about frames interfering, giving you the flexibility to achieve a seamless, polished appearance.

Fashion plays a pivotal role in how you perceive yourself and how others see you. Choosing contact lenses can help you achieve that effortlessly chic vibe, allowing your features to take centre stage. Whether you want to amplify your confidence during a professional meeting or enhance your allure on a night out, contacts provide the versatility to elevate your style without distraction.

Health and Hygiene Factors
After considering your visual preferences, it’s important to reflect on health and hygiene factors when choosing between glasses and contact lenses. Your decision can significantly impact your eye health and overall wellbeing. Pay close attention to the following:

Frequency of cleaning and maintenance
Risk of eye infections
Comfort during prolonged use
The right choice can contribute positively to your daily routine and long-term eye health.

Care and Maintenance of Glasses
By choosing glasses, your maintenance routine involves simple cleaning with a microfiber cloth, occasional adjustments, and safe storage. Ensuring they are free from scratches and maintaining the frames can extend their lifespan, allowing you to enjoy clear vision without much hassle.

Proper Use and Hygiene of Contacts
Behind the convenience of contact lenses lies the responsibility of proper use and hygiene to maintain eye health. You must wash your hands before handling lenses and store them in clean cases with the appropriate solution, avoiding any water or saliva contact.

In fact, neglecting proper hygiene with contact lenses can lead to serious eye infections. Always ensure you replace lenses as recommended, avoid sleeping in them unless designed for extended wear, and never share your lenses with others. Regular check-ups with your eye care professional can also help in monitoring your eye health and ensuring you are using your contacts correctly.

Cost Comparison
For many individuals, the financial aspect of eyewear is a major consideration. Below is a comparison of the costs associated with glasses and contact lenses, highlighting both the initial investment and long-term expenses.

Cost Breakdown

Glasses Contact Lenses
Initial cost: INR 8800 – INR 43800 Initial cost: INR 13100 – INR 35000
Replacement every 2-3 Years Monthly replacement required
No recurring cost Monthly cost: INR 1750 – INR 4350
Initial Investment in Glasses
At the outset, investing in glasses typically ranges from INR 8800 – INR 43800, depending on the brand, style, and lens options you choose. Unlike contact lenses, which often require additional purchases of cleaning solutions, glasses may offer a more economical upfront cost without the need for recurring expenses tied to maintenance.

Long-Term Costs of Contact Lenses
On the other hand, while contact lenses provide convenience, their long-term costs can add up quickly. You will likely be spending between INR 1750 – INR 4350 each month on lenses, along with the potential costs for cleaning solutions and other necessary accessories.

And while the initial investment in contact lenses may seem lower, consider their recurring nature. Over time, the cumulative expense of monthly replacements can surpass that of glasses, particularly if you opt for daily disposables. Weighing these financial commitments against your lifestyle and preferences is important when making your choice.

Personal Preferences and Lifestyle Needs
Now, your individual preferences and lifestyle play a significant role in deciding between contact lenses and glasses. Are you active and on the go, or do you prefer a more laid-back approach? Knowing how each option fits into your daily routines, activities, and even special events will help guide your choice. By understanding your unique needs, you can select the eyewear that enhances your vision while complementing your lifestyle.

Choosing Based on Daily Activities
Choosing the right eyewear based on your daily activities is necessary for maximizing comfort and convenience. If you frequently participate in sports or outdoor activities, contact lenses may provide the freedom of unobstructed vision and less risk of damage. Conversely, if your day involves more stationary tasks like working at a computer, glasses might offer ease of use and a stylish accessory to complement your look.

Considerations for Special Occasions
Any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding or a night out, may influence your choice of eyewear. You want to feel confident and comfortable while still enjoying the event to its fullest. Some people prefer the elegance and sophistication of glasses for formal settings, while others opt for the sleek appearance and freedom provided by contact lenses.

Activities such as family gatherings, celebrations, or even professional events often call for attire and accessories that enhance your overall look. Glasses can serve as a fashion statement, while contacts can help you achieve a polished appearance without obstructing your makeup or affecting your hairstyle. Consider the environment and the impression you wish to leave when deciding what to wear on these special occasions.


How to Measure Glasses Size?

When buying glasses online, you want to make sure you find frames that will fit you just right. Luckily, it’s really easy to find your perfect frame measurements.

Find your frame dimensions

Grab a pair of glasses that fits you just right to find your perfect measurements.

Your glasses might have numbers on the inside of the temple arm. These refer to the lens width, bridge width, and temple arm length.

The most important measurement, frame width, will not be printed on the temple arm. You can measure it yourself using the guide below.

Frame width

Measure horizontally across the frame from hinge to hinge.

Lens height

Measure the lens vertically at its tallest point. If you have bifocals or progressives, this should be at least 30 mm.

Bridge

Measure the distance from lens to lens at the closest point. For the bridge, stick to a range of 2 mm less or more than the measurement.

Temple arm

Measure from the hinge to the bend, and then from the bend to the end of the arm. Add the two measurements together for the total temple arm length.

Lens width

Measure the lens horizontally at its widest point.

Perfect fit

Your frames will fit great if you stay within a range of 2-3 mm less or more from the total measurement.

Your pupillary distance (PD)

Try it on

Once you have your measurements, see how the frames fit on your face with our Virtual Try-On.



Lens index

High Index Lenses

Lens index is a number that describes how thick or thin your lenses are. The higher a lens' index is, the thinner it becomes. Higher prescriptions require higher index lenses, while lower prescriptions require lower index lenses.

What are High Index Lenses and what's the difference?

Recommended Lens Index

1.67 vs 1.74 High Index Lenses explained

So, what’s the difference between all the different lens index options shown in the table above? Let’s take a look and give you a better idea. Starting with 1.61 vs 1.67 high index lenses — the 1.67 lens is extremely thin whereas despite still being stylish, the 1.61 lens is extra-thin. The 1.67 lens is a great choice for extra-strong prescriptions. What about 1.67 vs 1.74 high index lenses? Well, you can probably guess that the 1.74 is thinner (the thinnest possible!). Go for 1.7.4 high index lenses if you have a high prescription and like your lenses extremely thin, lightweight, and stylish.

What Lens thickness should I get?

The lens thickness you should get depends on your prescription and lifestyle. Thicker lenses are more affordable, but can only accommodate lower vision correction needs. High index lenses are thinner, lightweight (and more stylish!), and can accommodate ALL kinds of vision needs, including higher prescriptions! A good compromise lies in 1.59 index polycarbonate indexes, which accommodate most prescriptions and are extra durable.

How do I measure my PD?

Measuring your pupillary distance (PD) is super simple. While you can probably have your local optometrist help you measure it, you can also do it yourself! Just follow these easy steps on our special "How to Measure Pupillary Distance guide". The only thing you need is our free-to-print PD ruler.

How do I measure my PD?

You’re all set!

Now you’re all clear on the best lens index for your prescription; you’re ready to explore our massive range of men and women’s frames.


How to read prescription

How to Read a Glasses Prescription?

Knowing how to read an eyeglass prescription is essential! While you likely know whether you’re near sighted, farsighted or have astigmatism, determining that from your prescription slip is another thing entirely. That’s why we’ve put together a short guide to help you learn how to read a glasses prescription so you can get to ordering your new set of eyeglasses as quickly as possible.

If you complete an eye exam and find your eyes’ needs have changed, you need to order a new prescription as soon as possible. That’s where your new prescription from your optometrist or ophthalmologist comes in.

Most online retailers ask you to read and input your prescription into their order form, but if you don’t know how to read your prescription, that process can get complicated.

OS and OD meaning

OD is short for the Latin term oculus Dexter which means right eye.

OS is an abbreviation of the Latin oculus sinister which means left eye. You’ll often see this terms on eyeglass prescriptions.

The OU medical abbreviation is for oculus uterque in Latin which means both eyes.

Sphere, Cylinder, and Axis on Eye Prescriptions

Sphere: The sphere (SPH) on your prescription indicates the lens power you need to see clearly. A minus (-) symbol next to this number means you’re nearsighted, and a plus (+) symbol means the prescription is meant to correct farsightedness.

Cylinder: The cylinder (CYL) number indicates the lens power needed to correct astigmatism. If this column is blank, it means you don’t have an astigmatism.

Axis: An axis number will also be included if you have an astigmatism. This number shows the angle of the lens that shouldn’t feature a cylinder power to correct your astigmatism.

·         Single Vision Prescriptions (Far or Near)

A single vision prescription will feature with numbers in all or few fields with a Plus (+) or minus (-) symbol in the ‘sphere’ and ‘cylinder’ box. If there is a number in the ‘cylinder’ column than it will followed by a number in the ‘axis’ column This means your lenses will be shaped to improve your distance or near vision.


Pupillary Distance (PD) is not required for making Single Vision Glasses


Pupillary distance (PD):62

Additional information:

Hover on the prescription form to find out what all those number and abbreviations mean

 

·         Bifocal & Progressive Prescriptions (Multifocal)

A Bifocal or Progressive prescription will include an ADD value, sometimes marked as NV. This indicates the required strength for the near prescription in your lens.

 

Reading Prescriptions (Near Vision) Readers

A prescription for someone who is farsighted (Near Vision) will feature a number with a plus (+) symbol in the ‘sphere’ box. This indicates that your lens should be shaped to correct near vision.

How often should you get an eye exam?

If you don’t have any medical issues that affect your vision, you should have a comprehensive eye exam every one to two years.

Children should have their first eye exam when they are around six months old, and then another just before they start school. This ensures that they can see clearly in class; poor vision can seriously impact a child’s learning

Now that you understand those mysterious letters and numbers, you know how to read a glasses prescription! Knowing what they mean will also help you more easily discuss your prescription with your eye care professional.

Shop eyeglassesShop prescription sunglasses

Congratulations on joining millions of others around the world who enjoy wearing Bausch + Lomb contact lenses. The information in this instruction for use (IFU) is intended for users of Bausch + Lomb soft contact lenses; it includes important product use and safety information. It is essential that users follow these instructions and the directions from your eye care practitioner (ECP) for protection of your vision and eye health. If you have questions on the information contained within this IFU, consult your ECP. These instructions for use apply to the following products:

HOW THE LENS WORKS (ACTIONS)
The contact lenses in Table 1 transmit between 86% to 98% visible light. When placed on the cornea in their hydrated state, all the contact lenses listed in Table 1 act as a refracting medium to focus light rays on the retina. When the Purevision®, iconnect OxyRich and Purevision®2 contact lens products, intended for therapeutic use, are placed on the cornea they also act as a bandage to protect the cornea and relieve pain during treatment of ocular pathologies.


INDICATIONS AND INTENDED USES
Spherical: The Bausch + Lomb soft contact lens is indicated for the correction of refractive ametropia (myopia and hyperopia) in aphakic and/or non-aphakic persons with non-diseased eyes, exhibiting astigmatism of 2.00 diopters or less, that does not interfere with visual acuity.

Astigmatism: The Bausch + Lomb soft contact lens is indicated for the correction of refractive ametropia (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) in aphakic and/or non-aphakic persons with non-diseased eyes, exhibiting astigmatism of 5.00 diopters or less, that does not interfere with visual acuity.

Presbyopia: The Bausch + Lomb soft contact lens is indicated for the correction of refractive ametropia (myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism) and presbyopia in aphakic and/or non-aphakic persons with non-diseased eyes, exhibiting astigmatism of 2.00 diopters or less, that does not interfere with visual acuity.

Presbyopia and Astigmatism: The Bausch + Lomb soft contact lens is indicated for the correction of refractive ametropia (myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism) and presbyopia in aphakic and/or non-aphakic persons with non-diseased eyes, exhibiting astigmatism of up to 5.00 diopters and require an add power ranging from +0.75D to +5.00D.

Therapeutic use: The Bausch + Lomb PureVision® and PureVision®2 (balafilcon A) contact lenses can also be used for therapeutic use in the management of corneal epithelial disorders. When reusing the contact lenses, they must be cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected between removal and reinsertion. Always follow your ECP’s recommended wear schedule and replacement periods. Refer to Table 1 for information on the wearing schedule and replacement period for the contact lens products.

Note: Aphakic means‘lacking a focusing lens inside the eye’.


CONTRAINDICATIONS (REASONS NOT TO USE)
DO NOT USE Bausch + Lomb contact lenses when any of the following conditions exist:

Allergy, inflammation, infection, irritation, or redness in or around the eye
Dry eyes (inadequate tear fluid)
Any eye disease, injury (e.g., corneal abrasion), or abnormality that affects the cornea, conjunctiva, or eyelids
Reduced corneal sensitivity
Any systemic disease or poor health (e.g., colds or flu), that may affect the eye or be exaggerated by wearing contact lenses
Allergic reaction of ocular surfaces or surrounding tissue that may be induced or exaggerated by wearing contact lenses
Allergy to any ingredient in a solution used to care for Bausch + Lomb contact lenses
Any active corneal infection (bacterial, fungal, or viral)
Patients unwilling or unable to understand or comply with any warnings, precautions, restrictions, or directions
Use of medications that are contraindicated for contact lens wear
Any previous medical intervention which may adversely affect the use of the device

WARNINGS
Problems with contact lenses could result in serious injury to your eye or in serious eye infections, including infectious keratitis. It is essential that you follow your ECP’s directions and all labeling instructions for proper use of the lenses. You should be aware of and fully discuss with your ECP the following warnings:

Strict compliance with your wearing restrictions, wearing schedule, replacement period, cleaning regimen, and follow-up visit schedule should be followed. Eye problems, including corneal ulcers, can develop rapidly and lead to loss of vision (including blindness).
Daily wear lenses are not indicated for overnight wear and should not be worn while sleeping. Clinical studies have shown that the risk of serious adverse reactions is increased when daily wear lenses are worn overnight.
Studies have shown that contact lens wearers who are smokers have a higher incidence of adverse reactions than nonsmokers.
Re-use of single-use daily disposable lenses could lead to lens changes that may cause discomfort and poor visual acuity.
If you experience eye discomfort, excessive tearing, vision changes, or redness of the eye, you should immediately remove lenses and promptly contact your ECP.
DO NOT use if the package is damaged or unintentionally opened.
DO NOT expose contact lenses to non-sterile water (e.g., tap water) while wearing them.Water can harbor microorganisms that can lead to severe infection and loss of vision (including blindness). If your lenses have been submersed in water when swimming in pools, lakes, or oceans, discard them and replace them with a new pair.

EXTENDED WEAR
The risk of infection (infectious keratitis) has been shown to be greater among users of extended wear contact lenses than among users of daily wear contact lenses.
Some researchers believe that complications are caused by one or more of the following: a weakening of the cornea’s resistance to infections, particularly during a closed-eye condition, as a result of hypoxia; an eye environment which is somewhat more conducive to the growth of bacteria and other microorganisms, particularly when a regular periodic lens removal and disinfecting or disposal schedule has not been adhered to by the patient; improper lens disinfection or cleaning by the patient; contamination of lens care products; poor personal hygiene by the patient; patient unsuitability to the particular lens or wearing schedule; accumulation of lens deposits; damage to the lens; improper fitting; length of wearing time; and the presence of ocular debris or environmental contaminants.
While the great majority of patients successfully wear contact lenses, extended wear of lenses is also reported to be associated with a higher incidence and degree of epithelial microcysts and infiltrates, and endothelial polymegathism, which require consideration of discontinuation or restriction of extended wear. The epithelial conditions are reversible upon discontinuation of extended wear.
The reversibility of endothelial effects of contact lens wear has not been conclusively established. As a result, ECPs’views of extended wearing times vary from not prescribing extended wear at all to prescribing flexible wearing times from occasional overnight wear to prescribing specified wearing periods, with follow-up visits and a proper care regimen.

PRECAUTIONS
You should be aware of and fully discuss with your ECP the following safety precautions:

Before leaving your ECP’s office, be certain that you can remove your lenses promptly or have someone else available to remove them for you.
Never wear your lenses beyond the period recommended by your ECP.
Always wash and rinse hands before handling lenses. DO NOT get cosmetics, lotions, soaps, creams, deodorants, or sprays in the eyes or on the lenses. It is best to put on lenses before putting on makeup. Water-based cosmetics are less likely to damage lenses than oil-based products.
Be certain that fingers and hands are free of foreign materials before touching your lenses, as microscopic scratches on the lenses may occur, causing distorted vision and/or injury to the eye.
Always handle your lenses carefully and avoid dropping them.
DO NOT touch the lenses with your fingernails.
Carefully follow the instructions in this leaflet and those recommended by your ECP for handling, insertion, removal, cleaning, storing, and wearing of contact lenses.
Never use tweezers or other tools to remove your lenses from the lens container unless specifically indicated for that use. Pour the lens into the hand.
If the lens sticks (stops moving) on the eye, follow the recommended directions in CARE FOR A STICKING (NON-MOVING) LENS. If non-movement of the lens continues, you should immediately consult your ECP.
Avoid, if possible, all harmful or irritating vapors and fumes when wearing lenses.
If your contact lenses come into contact with noxious vapor (e.g., chemical or hazardous substances), or a hazardous environment with ocular impact, they should be removed immediately.
DO NOT freeze.
DO NOT share your lenses with others. In addition, for therapeutic use:
Close ECP supervision is necessary for the therapeutic use of the PureVision® and PureVision®2 (balafilcon A) contact lenses.
Medications necessary for treatment should be used with caution and under close supervision by the ECP.
In some circumstances only, the ECP will insert and remove lenses. If so, patients should be instructed NOT to handle the lenses themselves.

LENS CARE PRECAUTIONS
Always use fresh, unexpired lens care solutions recommended by your ECP.
Always follow directions in the package inserts for the use of contact lens solutions.
Always keep the lenses completely immersed in the recommended storage solution when lenses are not being worn (stored). Follow the lens care directions for CARE FOR A DRIED OUT (DEHYDRATED) LENS if lens surface does become dried out.
DO NOT use saliva or anything other than the recommended solution for lubricating or wetting lenses.
Never use conventional hard contact lens solutions that are not also recommended for use with prescribed lenses.
DO NOT mix or alternate lens care systems or solutions unless indicated in the lens care system labeling or without consulting your ECP.
DO NOT use the Ultracare Disinfecting System or any of its components (Ultracare Disinfecting Solution, Ultracare Neutralizing Tablets, Lens Plus Daily Cleaner, and Ultrazyme Enzymatic Cleaner) to clean and disinfect the PureVision® or PureVision®2 (balafilcon A) lenses because the lens dimensions will be altered.

ADVERSE REACTIONS (PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO)
You should be aware that the following problems may occur:

Eyes stinging, burning, itching (irritation), or other eye pain
Comfort is less than when lens was first placed on eye
Abnormal feeling of something in the eye (e.g., foreign body, scratched area)
Excessive watering (tearing) of the eyes or unusual eye secretions
Redness of the eyes
Reduced sharpness of vision (poor visual acuity)
Blurred vision, rainbows, or halos around objects
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Dry eyes

If you notice any of the above, you should IMMEDIATELY REMOVE YOUR LENSES.
If the discomfort or problem stops, then look closely at the lens. If the lens is in any way damaged, DO NOT put the lens back on your eye. You should discard the lens and insert a new lens. If the problem continues, you should immediately remove the lens and consult your ECP.
When any of the above problems occur, a serious condition such as infection, corneal ulcer, neovascularization, or iritis may be present. You should keep the lens off your eye and seek immediate professional identification of the problem and prompt treatment to avoid serious eye damage.
During therapeutic use, an adverse reaction may be due to the original disease or injury or may be because of wearing a contact lens. There is a possibility that the existing disease or condition might become worse when a soft contact lens for therapeutic use is used to treat an already diseased or damaged eye. If there is any increase in symptoms while wearing the lens, immediately contact your ECP.

TOPICS TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR EYE CARE PRACTITIONER
As with any contact lens, follow-up visits are necessary to assure the continuing health of the eyes. You should be instructed as to a recommended follow-up schedule. Patients are advised to consult with their ECP prior to:

Wearing lenses during sporting and water-related activities. Exposure to water while wearing contact lenses in activities such as swimming, water skiing, and hot tubs may increase the risk of ocular infection including, but not limited to, Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Changing the lens type or lens parameter.
Using any medicine in the eyes. Medications, such as antihistamines, decongestants, diuretics, muscle relaxants, tranquilizers, and those for motion sickness may cause dryness of the eye, increased lens awareness, or blurred vision. Should such conditions exist, proper remedial measures should be prescribed. Depending on the severity, this could include the use of rewetting drops that are indicated for use with soft contact lenses or temporary discontinuance of contact lens wear while such medication is being used.
Oral contraceptive users could develop visual changes or changes in lens tolerance when using contact lenses. Patients should be cautioned by the ECP accordingly.
Wearing contact lenses when in excessively dry or dusty environments.
Contact your ECP if you have not worn contact lenses for a prolonged length of time.
Contact your ECP regarding any additional wearing restrictions that apply to you.

WHO SHOULD KNOW THAT YOU ARE WEARING CONTACT LENSES
Inform your doctor (health care practitioner) about being a contact lens wearer.
Always inform your employer of being a contact lens wearer. Some jobs may require the use of eye protection equipment or may require that you DO NOT wear contact lenses.

PERSONAL CLEANLINESS AND LENS HANDLING
PREPARING THE LENS FOR WEARING
Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap, rinse completely, and dry with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.
Avoid the use of soaps containing cold cream, lotion, or oily cosmetics before handling your lenses, since these substances may come into contact with the lenses and interfere with successful wearing.
Handle your lenses with your fingertips and be careful to avoid contact with fingernails. It is helpful to keep your fingernails short and smooth.
HANDLING THE LENSES
Always insert and remove the same lens first to avoid mix-ups.
Position the lens on your index finger and examine the lens to be sure that it is moist, clean, clear, and free of any nicks or tears. Make sure the lens is the right way out.
Should you accidentally place an inside-out lens on your eye, one of the following signs should signal you to remove and replace it correctly:
Less than usual comfort
The lens may fold on the eye
Excessive lens movement on blink o Blurred vision
If the lens folds and sticks together, place the lens in the palm of your hand and wet thoroughly with the rewetting solution recommended by your ECP. Then GENTLY rub the lens between your index finger and palm in a back and forth motion.
If the lens flattens or drapes across your finger, the lens or your finger may be too wet. To correct this, dry your finger by transferring the lens several times from one index finger to the other, drying the opposite finger each time.
Never place a lens on the eye unless it has been fully hydrated (wet) with the rinsing or storing solution recommended by your ECP.

PLACING THE LENS ON THE EYE:
The One Hand Placement Technique
Instruction for Soft Contact Lenses UseInstruction for Soft Contact Lenses Use
Place the lens on your index finger. With your head up, looking straight ahead, pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your placement hand. Look up steadily at a point above you. Then place the lens on the lower white part of your eye. Remove your index finger and slowly release the lower eyelid. Look down to position the lens properly. Close your eyes for a moment and the lens should center itself on your eye.

The Two Hand Placement Technique
Instruction for Soft Contact Lenses UseInstruction for Soft Contact Lenses Use
With the lens on your index finger, use the middle finger of the other hand to pull the upper eyelid against the brow. Use the middle finger of your placement hand to pull down the lower eyelid and then place the lens centrally on your eye. While holding this position, look downward to position the lens properly. Slowly release your eyelids.

If the lens feels uncomfortable, then:
Look in a mirror and gently place a finger on the edge of the contact lens and slowly slide the lens away from your nose while looking in the opposite direction. Then by blinking, the lens will recenter itself. If the lens still feels uncomfortable, follow the steps described in ADVERSE REACTIONS (PROBLEMS AND WHAT TO DO).


CENTERING THE LENS
If after placement of the lens your vision is blurred, check for the following:

The lens is not centered on the eye. To center a lens, follow one of the procedures below:
Hold the upper and lower eyelids open with your fingers. Then, while looking in a mirror, gently place a finger on the contact lens and slide the lens towards the center of the eye.
OR

Hold the upper and lower eyelids open with your fingers. Then, while looking in a mirror, move your eye towards the lens to place it on the center of the eye.
If the lens is centered, remove the lens and check for the following:
Cosmetics or oils on the lens. Clean, rinse, disinfect, and place on the eye again. o The lens is on the wrong eye.
The lens is inside-out (it would not be as comfortable as normal).
If you find that your vision is still blurred after checking the above, remove both lenses and consult your ECP.


REMOVING THE LENS
Always remove the same lens first.
Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.
Always be sure that the lens is in the correct position on your eye before you try to remove it (a simple check of your vision, closing one eye at a time, will tell you if the lens is in the correct position). Look up and slowly pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your removal hand and place your index finger on the lower edge of the lens. Squeeze the lens lightly between the thumb and index finger and remove it. Avoid sticking the edges of the lens together.
Remove the other lens by following the same procedure.
Use rewetting drops recommended by your ECP if lens is difficult to remove.
Follow the required lens care procedures described in CARING FOR YOUR LENSES.
Note: If this method of removing your lens is difficult for you, your ECP will provide you with an alternative method.


CARE FOR A STICKING (NON-MOVING) LENS
If a lens sticks (stops moving), put a few drops of the rewetting solution recommended by your ECP into your eye. In this case, DO NOT use plain water or anything other than the recommended solutions. DO NOT attempt to remove a lens that is sticking, which could damage your eye. If the lens does not begin to move when you blink after several applications of the solution, immediately contact your ECP. DO NOT attempt to remove the lens except on the advice of your ECP.


LENS WEARING SCHEDULES
Your ECP may either recommend using contact lenses as a disposable lens or a frequent/planned replacement lens. Regardless of the schedule prescribed for you, once a lens is removed at the end of the prescribed wearing period, your eye should have a rest period with no lens wear of overnight or longer, as recommended by your ECP.

Daily Wear
There may be a tendency for the daily wear patient to over wear the lenses initially. The wearing schedule should be determined by the ECP and provided to the patient.

Extended Wear (Greater Than 24 Hours or While Asleep)
Bausch + Lomb recommends the contact lens wearer first be evaluated on a daily wear schedule. If successful, then gradual introduction of extended wear can be followed, as determined by the ECP. These lenses have been approved for extended wear for up to 7 days or up to 30 days depending on the product. The lens must be removed, cleaned, and disinfected, or disposed of and replaced with a new lens, as determined by the ECP. Once removed, a lens should remain out of the eye for a period of rest overnight or longer, as determined by the ECP.

Disposable Lens Wear
No lens care is needed. The lenses are discarded every time they are removed from the eye. The lenses should only be cleaned, rinsed, and disinfected on an emergency basis when replacement lenses are not available.

Frequent/Planned Replacement
When removed between replacement periods, lenses must be cleaned and disinfected before reinsertion, or be discarded and replaced with a new lens, as determined by the ECP.


CARING FOR YOUR LENSES
For continued safe and comfortable wearing of your lenses, it is important that you first clean and rinse, then disinfect [and neutralize (for hydrogen peroxide systems)] your lenses after each removal, using the lens care regimen recommended by your ECP.
Failure to follow the recommended lens care regimen may result in development of serious ocular complications.

SOAKING AND STORING LENSES
Instructions for Use:

Use only fresh contact lens disinfecting solution each time you soak (store) your lenses.

WARNING:

DO NOT re-use or“top-off”old solution left in lens case since solution re-use reduces effective lens disinfection and could lead to severe infection, vision loss (including blindness).“Topping-off”is the addition of fresh solution to solution that has been sitting in the case.

RUB AND RINSE TIME
Instructions for Use:

Follow the complete recommended lens rubbing and rinsing times in the labeling of the solution used for cleaning, disinfecting, and soaking lenses to adequately disinfect lenses and reduce the risk of contact lens infection.

WARNING:

Rub and rinse lenses for the recommended amount of time to help prevent serious eye infections.
Never use water, saline solution, or rewetting drops to disinfect lenses. These solutions will not disinfect lenses. Not using the recommended disinfectant can lead to serious infection, vision loss (including blindness).

LENS CASE CARE
Instructions for Use:

Clean contact lens cases with finger rubbing using fresh, sterile disinfecting solution/contact lens cleaner. Never use water. Cleaning should be followed by rinsing with fresh, sterile disinfecting solutions and wiping the lens cases with fresh, clean, lint-free tissue is recommended. Never air-dry or recap the lens case lids after use without any additional cleaning methods. If air-drying, be sure that no residual solution remains in the case before allowing it to air-dry.
Replace the lens case according to the directions given by your ECP or the labeling that came with your case.
WARNING:

Contact lens cases can be a source of microbial growth.
DO NOT store lenses or rinse your lens case with water or any non-sterile solution. Only use fresh solution so you DO NOT contaminate your lenses or lens case. Use of non-sterile solution can lead to severe infection or vision loss (including blindness).

DISCARD DATE ON THE SOLUTION BOTTLE
Instructions for Use:

Discard any remaining solution after the recommended time period indicated on the bottle of the solution used for disinfecting and soaking contact lenses.
WARNING:

Using solution beyond the discard date could result in contamination of the solution and can lead to severe infection or vision loss (including blindness).

CHEMICAL (NOT HEAT) DISINFECTION
Clean the contact lenses with the cleaning solution recommended by your ECP and thoroughly rinse them with the recommended rinsing solution.
Some patients had trouble adapting to monovision contact lens therapy. Symptoms, such as mild blurred vision, dizziness, headaches, and a feeling of slight imbalance, may last for a brief minute or for several weeks as adaptation takes place. The longer these symptoms persist, the poorer your prognosis for successful adaptation.
You should avoid visually demanding situations during the initial adaptation period. It is recommended that you first wear these contact lenses in familiar situations, that are not visually demanding. For example, it might be better to be a passenger rather than a driver of an automobile during the first few days of lens wear. It is recommended that you only drive with monovision or multifocal correction if you pass your driver’s license requirements with monovision or multifocal correction.
Some patients will never be fully comfortable functioning under low levels of illumination, such as driving at night. If this happens, you may want to discuss with your ECP having additional contact lenses prescribed so that both eyes are corrected for distance when sharp distance binocular vision is required.
If you require very sharp near vision during prolonged close work, you may want to have additional contact lenses prescribed so that both eyes are corrected for near when sharp near binocular vision is required.
Some patients require supplemental spectacles to wear over the monovision or multifocal correction to provide the clearest vision for critical tasks. You should discuss this option with your ECP.
It is important that you follow your ECP’s suggestions for adaptation to monovision or multifocal contact lens therapy. You should discuss any concerns that you may have during and after the adaptation period.
The decision to be fitted with a monovision or multifocal correction is most appropriately left to the ECP in conjunction with you, after carefully considering and discussing your needs.

EMERGENCIES
If chemicals or hazardous substances of any kind (e.g., household products, gardening solutions, laboratory chemicals, etc.) are splashed into your eyes, you should: FLUSH EYES IMMEDIATELY WITH TAP WATER AND THEN REMOVE LENSES PROMPTLY. CONTACT YOUR ECP OR VISIT A HOSPITAL EMERGENCY ROOM WITHOUT DELAY.


REPORTING OF SERIOUS INCIDENTS
Any side effects, adverse reactions, or product complaints from use of Bausch + Lomb contact lenses should be reported to the manufacturer. Country specific information can be found on www.bausch.com/contactus
Reporting of serious incidents from use of Bausch + Lomb contact lenses should be reported to the manufacturer and the relevant competent authority.


HOW BAUSCH + LOMB SOFT CONTACT LENSES ARE SUPPLIED
Each lens is provided in a foil sealed plastic container containing packaging solution. The contact lenses are supplied steam sterilised.


STORAGE CONDITIONS
Reference the temperature symbol below for the temperature storage conditions, if applicable.

The products below must be stored between 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F):

PureVision® (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses
PureVision® Toric (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses PureVision® Multi-Focal (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses PureVision®2 (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses
PureVision®2 For Astigmatism (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses PureVision®2 For Presbyopia (balafilcon A) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses
The products below must not be stored below 1°C (34°F):

Optima®38 (polymacon) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses
Bausch+Lomb Lacelle Circle sterile soft colored contact Lens
Bausch+Lomb Lacelle Premium sterile soft colored contact Lens
SofLens® Series (polymacon) Contact Lenses – B4,U4 and H04 SofLens® Multi-Focal (polymacon) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses SofLens® 38 (polymacon) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses
Optima® FW (polymacon) Visibility Tinted Contact Lenses

After cleaning and rinsing, to disinfect, carefully follow the instructions accompanying the disinfecting solution in the care regimen recommended by your ECP.
When using hydrogen peroxide lens care systems, lenses must be neutralized before wearing. Follow the recommendations on the hydrogen peroxide system labeling.
Thoroughly rinse lenses with fresh solution recommended for rinsing before inserting and wearing or follow the Bausch & Lomb Incorporated 1400 North Goodman Street Rochester, NY 14609 USA instructions on the disinfecting solution labeling.
DO NOT heat the disinfecting solution or lenses.
Leave the lenses in the closed storage case until ready to put on your eyes.
Caution: Lenses that are chemically disinfected may absorb ingredients from the disinfecting solution, which may be irritating to your eyes. A thorough rinse in fresh sterile saline solution prior to placement on your eye should reduce the potential for irritation.


LENS DEPOSITS AND USE OF ENZYMATIC CLEANING PROCEDURE
Enzyme cleaning may be recommended by your ECP. Enzyme cleaning removes protein deposits on the lens. These deposits cannot be removed with regular cleaners. Removing protein deposits is important for the well-being of your lenses and eyes. If these deposits are not removed, they can damage the lenses and cause irritation.
Enzyme cleaning does NOT replace routine cleaning and disinfecting. For enzyme cleaning, you should carefully follow the instructions in the enzymatic cleaning labeling.

CARE FOR A DRIED OUT (DEHYDRATED) LENS
If the lens is adhering to a surface, apply the rinsing solution recommended by your ECP before handling:

Handle the lens carefully.
Place the lens in its storage case and soak the lens in a recommended rinsing and storing solution for at least 1 hour until it returns to a soft state.
Clean the lens first, then disinfect the rehydrated lens using a recommended lens care system.
If after soaking the lens does not become soft or if the surface remains dry, DO NOT USE THE LENS UNTIL IT HAS BEEN EXAMINED BY YOUR ECP.

INFORMATION SPECIFIC TO MONOVISION OR MULTIFOCAL WEARER
You should be aware that as with any type of lens correction, there are advantages and disadvantages to monovision or multifocal contact lens therapy. The benefit of clear near vision in straight ahead and upward gaze that is available may be accompanied by a vision compromise that may reduce your visual acuity and depth perception for distance and near tasks.

SIGN UP TO Newsletter