Keeping them comfortable

1 A 72-hour virtual check-in

One follow-up strategy I’ve found particularly effective with toric contact lens wearers is a 72-hour virtual check-in, often via a quick telephone consultation. I explain to patients from the offset that toric lenses can sometimes feel slightly different to spherical lenses, particularly in the early stages, due to a difference in the lens design that is needed to provide stable and consistent vision. I find that setting this expectation early on helps to normalise some initial lens awareness, whilst also opening the door for early feedback.

The purpose of the telephone call is to check in on both comfort and vision in a more real-world context. The testing room can often be viewed as a perfect black and white environment; however, the real world is not. Therefore, patients are more likely to report subtle issues that they may not mention in practice once they have trialled lenses at home in their own environment. A telephone consultation allows me to ask specific questions around stability of vision, end-of-day comfort, and whether the patient feels the need to remove the lenses earlier than expected.

This approach works well because it reassures patients that their experience is being actively monitored, whilst also allowing any early issues to be identified and managed before they impact confidence or lead to drop-out.

Contact lenses are designed to work optimally when used as advised, and small changes to this routine can affect how they both feel and perform

2 Reinforcing habits to support long-term comfort

A key part of following up for toric contact lens wearers is reinforcing the habits that underpin long-term comfort, particularly around replacement schedules and wearing times. I often find that patients may feel as though they are doing everything correctly, but even small deviations such as wearing lenses slightly longer than advised can significantly impact both comfort and visual stability.

An analogy I sometimes use is that of following a recipe. If small steps or ingredients are changed along the way, the end result may still look similar, but it won’t taste quite the same. Similarly, contact lenses are designed to work optimally when used as advised, and small changes to this routine can affect how they both feel and perform.

During follow-ups, I revisit these areas in a supportive way, asking open questions about how patients are using their lenses day-to-day. This allows me to identify any gaps and gently guide patients back on track. I find that framing compliance as part of maintaining comfort, rather than following rules, helps patients take ownership of their lens wear and supports more consistent lens wear in the long run.

3 Ongoing follow-up appointments ensure lenses continue to meet the lifestyle needs

As patients settle into contact lens wear, follow-up appointments become less about initial adaptation and more about ensuring the lenses continue to meet the visual and lifestyle needs. I always explain to patients that my role as an eye care practitioner is to make sure that they are seeing as clearly and as comfortably as possible, and that this can change over time depending on their routine, environment, or visual demands.

An analogy that can help patients understand this better is that of updating an app on their mobile phone. Whilst it may still function without updates, over time, the performance can decline to a point where it is no longer satisfactory. Similarly, a contact lens that has once worked well may not remain the best option if a patient’s lifestyle or expectations evolve.

During these follow-up conversations, I ask about any changes in daily activities, screen use, and comfort towards the end of the day. If patients report even subtle issues, I reassure them that this doesn’t mean contact lenses are no longer suitable, but that we can explore alternative lens designs or newer technologies to better support their needs. I have found that this helps maintain confidence and supports long-term success with toric lenses.