Contact lens 101: A guide to safe wear and healthy eyes

Contact lenses offer clear vision and aesthetic freedom, but their convenience comes with a critical responsibility: proper care and use.

As these thin plastic lenses become more than just an alternative to traditional eyeglasses, optometrists and opthalmologists stress the importance of understanding the associated health risks, preventive measures, and expert advice needed for healthy eyes.

Ophthalmologist Dr. Reiley Mark Udasco explained contact lenses work similarly to glasses by directing light to the back of the eye, while also offering cosmetic and lifestyle benefits.

“Mga ideal candidates who are good candidates for contact lenses [are] those who require high-grade spectacles, so mga above 800 pataas kasi [‘yung] feeling na sobrang kapal na ng lens nila, or even those who have high astigmatism kasi contact lenses are able to provide astigmatic correcting contact lenses,” he said.

And while most people can wear contact lenses, those with severe dry eyes or irregular corneas like keratoconus may need special types of lenses.

Still, risks exist when lenses are not worn properly.

According to optometrist Dr. Mika Abela, common complications for contact lenses include eye infections, dry eyes, corneal hypoxia or lack of oxygen to the cornea, allergic reactions to lens materials, and even corneal abrasions from improper handling.

Both doctors emphasize that prevention starts with good habits:

• Wash and dry hands before handling lenses.
• Constantly lubricate the eyes with eye drops.
• Use only fresh contact lens solution and never top off old solution.
• Follow replacement schedules strictly.
• Never sleep with lenses on unless medically prescribed.
• Give your eyes regular breaks by alternating with glasses.

According to Abela, maximum wear of contact lenses is "six to eight hours with proper care." He stressed that the eyes also need to breathe. 

Dr. Udasco agrees, recommending at least one to two days a week of “contact lens holidays” to reduce strain.

As for red flags, both experts warn users to remove their lenses immediately if they experience redness, burning, foreign body sensation, blurred vision, or severe dryness.

If symptoms persist, it’s time to consult an eye doctor.

“If you try using lubricants, and then it improves naman, then you can hold off muna. Unless sobrang bothersome na talaga and affected na ‘yung vision, ‘yun punta ka na,” Dr. Udasco said.

Dr. Udasco also stated that it is not recommended to wear contact lenses while swimming. But if you must, he suggests immediately changing and disposing of them after to avoid waterborne infections.

“Throw it away na. Open a new set,” he said.

He also recommends always having a spare set of contact lenses, especially when travelling, to ensure you have a replacement if anything happens to your current pair.

Glasses vs. contact lens prescription

One common misconception among those who want to shift to wearing contact lens is that they can simply use the same prescription from their eyeglasses, but Dr. Udasco said this isn't always the case.

For higher prescriptions, particularly -4.00 and above, doctors make an adjustment called vertex distance conversion.

“Kasi we have to take note of the distance between the lens and the eye kasi. Pero ‘yung mga mababang grade, no need na,” he said.

To ensure accuracy, ophthalmologists usually note down the glasses prescription, then work with optometrists to calculate the correct lens grade suited for the patient’s eyes.

The right grade ensures not just clearer vision but also safer and more comfortable lens wear.

Contact lens applicator and removal tools

While applicator and removal tools for contact lenses are becoming more popular online, the doctors remain cautious about their use.

Dr. Abela explained that while these gadgets may look convenient, they can sometimes do more harm than good, so it is “much better kung hands na lang.”

Dr. Udasco echoed this concern, pointing out that such tools are still made of plastic.

“It has sharp edges also. When we personally put or remove contact lenses of patients, we use na lang sterile, clean hands lang talaga, and cotton buds kasi that’s smooth,” he said.

For those still considering applicators, experts stress the importance of hygiene. Tools should be thoroughly cleaned and dried after every use and never shared with others.

But ultimately, both doctors agree that nothing beats the simplicity and safety of using your fingertips, and nails should be trimmed short too to prevent corneal scratches.

Check-ups for safe lens wear

It is widely recommended by eye care professionals that individuals consult an eye doctor before initiating contact lens use.

Both Dr. Abela and Dr. Udasco recommend regular eye check-ups for all individuals, even those who are not contact lens wearers.

“Every six months ang check-up or once a year or as needed. [This is] for you to monitor kung ano ba nangyari na doon sa mata mo. Ano na na bang lagay? Tumaas ba ‘yung grado mo? Bumaba ba ‘yung grado mo? Nagkaroon ka ba ng dry eyes when using contact lens?” Dr. Abela said.

Dr. Udasco recommends the same schedule for eye check-ups, especially for adults and nearsighted patients.

For first-time contact lens users, in particular, he emphasized that regular eye check-ups are just as important as choosing the right pair of lenses. These check-ups ensure that what users are wearing is truly safe for their eyes and that their long-term eye health is protected.

Aesthetic and lifestyle choices

Beyond function, today’s generation is also turning to lenses for self-expression.

Bridget Cortez, owner of contact lens store Eyeconic, notes that customers, especially Gen Z, seek both safety and style.

“Safety and comfort will always come first; these are our eyes, after all. But at the same time, aesthetics play a huge role, especially for Gen Z who grew up in the age of Instagram and TikTok,” she said.

Natural shades, particularly browns and hazels, are currently the most popular among Filipino buyers, giving that effortless “your eyes but better” effect. Internationally, bolder colors like blues and grays are in demand, but Filipinos tend to prefer lenses that blend seamlessly with their features.

“What’s exciting is that Gen Z Filipinos are now blending both worlds. Many still want natural everyday shades, but they’re also becoming more experimental, using lenses as a form of self-expression for content creation, events, or travel,” she said.

When it comes to buying contact lenses from online stores like Eyeconic, Dr. Abela noted the importance of FDA approval and compliance.

She highlighted a major risk associated with colored or non-prescription aesthetic lenses sold online, adding that their often cheaper price can be a sign that the ingredients, chemicals, or materials used in their production are not FDA approved.

This lack of approval suggests potential safety concerns due to substandard materials.

From the side of a business owner, Cortez shared the same sentiment, so she makes sure that her products are FDA compliant in the Philippines and are sourced from manufacturers that adhere to international health and safety standards.

“But for us, safety isn’t just about the product. It's also about awareness. We constantly educate our community on proper lens care, like cleaning, storage, and wearing schedules. We want our customers to feel empowered and informed, because safe habits are just as important as safe products,” she said.

For further questions about eye care, you may visit Dr. Abela at Eyespot Optical Clinic located in Cogeo Gate 2, Antipolo City and Dr. Udasco at Udasco Clinic located in Cavite. — LA, GMA Integrated News