Tips for First-time Contact Lens Wearers

Published on May 9, 2023 ​​​​​​​

Many people start their vision correction journey with eyeglasses and shift to contact lenses later. The shift is generally due to the benefits of contact lenses that eyeglasses do not provide. 

One of the main ones is that your facial structure remains untarnished by bulky eyeglass frames. Another good reason you may switch to contact lenses is the freedom they afford. But the switch can often become a daunting experience as you try to figure out the complexities that go with them. 

Understand Your Type of Contact Lenses

Knowing the type of contact lenses to get is critical information that will help you get started. The most popular type of contact lenses is soft contacts because of their flexibility and comfort. These usually fall under several categories, like daily disposable lenses, extended wear, and specialized lenses. 

The other type of contact lenses you may get is the hard or RGP lenses, which usually last longer than soft lenses. They are also less comfortable and require more time to adjust to having them on. RGP lenses are almost always used for conditions like dry eyes, keratoconus, and astigmatism. 

Lens Care

Lens care is one of the things that you must learn with your first contact lenses. This is because the lenses will usually rest on your eye surface. Your contact lenses can easily collect debris and dirt, leading to eye infection. Lens care involves putting the lenses in their casing containing lens cleaning solution. 

Hygiene

Putting on or removing your contact lenses normally involves touching your eyes or the lenses, which then go to your eyes. You could have good contact lens care, but not maintaining good hygiene will usually lead to infection too. It would be best if you got into the habit of cleaning your hands whenever you are about to handle your lenses. It may seem excessive, but ensuring your eyes stay healthy is necessary. 

Length of Use

Your contact lenses will have a date when you are scheduled to dispose of them and get a new pair. Using the lenses may seem like a good idea until you feel like they are not working anymore, but it is not. You could save some money replacing the lenses, but you will likely spend more on treatment. 

Contact Lens Insertion and Removal 

Contact lens insertion and removal is probably the most terrifying aspect of switching from eyeglasses. Eyeglasses have no complications when putting them on or taking them off. Contact lenses, on the other hand, require a steady hand and no fear of touching the surface of your eye. Of these two, touching the eye's surface can be difficult for many people. It can feel squeamish and terrifying to touch your eye's surface, especially if you have never done it before. 

Keep a Pair of Glasses Close

On the first days you use your new contact lenses, you must have a pair of eyeglasses. Adjusting to the new feeling will be challenging, and you may need or want to take off your contacts during the day. Your glasses will come in handy at such times, and there will be quite a few.

For more tips for first-time contact lens wearers, visit Dau Family Eye Care at our office in St. John's, Florida. Call (904) 713-2020​​​​​ to book an appointment today.