Here’s What to Do When You Wear Contact Lenses for the First Time: A Beginner’s Guide

When you get used to wearing glasses, you may feel a bit weird and skeptical about having to try contact lenses for the first time. We get it, inserting something into your eyes can be that scary.

We all know that wearing glasses has its perks, but trying contact lenses also has its advantages.

And once  you finally decide to step up and wear contact lenses for the first time, its all natural to feel a bit anxious about it.

Fortunately, there are ways that can help you be at ease with your pair of contact lenses.

We are to help you; this article is going to give you full access to every first timer’s guide to wearing contact lens.

Here are things you need to remember when you wear contact lenses for the first time:

1. Does it fit your needs?

   

The perfect contact lens is custom made to your specific needs of your eyes. Eye exam is the first step in the process to access your vision-related needs. This is very important as it also determines the kind and shape of contacts that fit you.

When you buy contact lenses, it is vital to consult the best optometry services in your area.

In this way, you can find the best contact lens for your unique features like the structure of your eye, your tears and visual acuity to find the best type of lens material, replacement schedule and brand for your eye.

Make sure to set up a follow-up appointment after you get your eye assessment results from the optometrist.

In order to maintain the comfortable feel of your contacts, it is critical that they receive proper maintenance. 

2. How do you know if the lenses are inside out?

   

First, look out for the brand name or inscription on the lens itself. There should be a lettering, if there is none, look at the shape of the lens when held pointing downward.

Your lens is faced correctly when the bottom portion of the lens is rounded. If it comes to a point at the bottom, turn it and you’re good to go.

3. How do you insert the contact lenses?

   

It might be a bit scary, especially if it’s your first time. But the good news is that inserting the contact lens can be just as natural as touching your eye.

But before that, make sure that you were able to wash your hands. Here is a step-by-step process on how you insert the contact lenses:

• First, you have to rinse your lenses with specially made solution.
• After that, take the lens with your index finger.
• Then use the other hand to hold your upper eyelid upward.
• From your hand holding the contact lens, hold your lower eyelid downward, and while looking straight ahead, center the lens unto your eye.
• Close your eyes, roll them, and blink until you feel absolutely comfortable.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away or if the lens feels uncomfortable; it might take a few tries to get the hang of it.

Practice is the key to feeling confident when putting in and taking out your contacts.

4. How do you remove the contact lens?

   

After putting them on and get to feel the contact lenses for a day, you need to remove it.

When you do not take your contacts out, your eye can develop something called Corneal Neovascularization that occurs because of the lack of oxygen to the eye.

If you sleep in your contacts, you may experience the condition called “CLARE”- contact lens acute red eye. If you have this, it can cause eye pain, redness, and light sensitivity.

As usual, wash your hands thoroughly and do the following steps:

• While looking upward or to the side, pull your lower eyelid downward with one hand.
• Then with your other hand, gently pinch the lens, moving it off of the surface of your eye.

5. How do you clean the contacts?

   

Caring for your contact lenses properly will help maintain the health of your eyes and should be part of your daily routine.

Unlike glasses that could become dirty so many times through the day, contact lenses are very clear and clean.

You can keep your lenses clean using thorough rinsing and disinfecting using multipurpose solutions.

Just make sure that you use something that is compatible with the materials used to manufacture your lenses.

Depending on your lenses, you can use it only for a day (disposable contact lenses) or use it up to a year.

Improper handling and cleaning of contacts can cause eye infections and other problems. In cleaning your lenses, you should always consider the following:

• Always use a clean solution (never tap water or expired solution)
• Make sure the tray is spick-and-span — ready for use — contacts won’t stay clean in a dirty case
• Clean your contacts regularly — don’t forget to go through this process daily to ensure the best sight and the most comfortable experience
• Once your lens is in your palm, squeeze fresh cleaner onto its surface.
• Rub the lens with the pads of your fingers for 30 seconds.
• Repeat for the other side of the lens.
• Put the lens into your case, cover it with fresh solution, and then cap.

ADDITIONAL TIPS FOR FIRST TIMERS

• Don’t worry.

When you try on contact lenses for the first time, you may get worried about scratching your eyes while putting on the contacts.

Or worse, you are worried that the contact lens will get stuck somewhere in your eye. Relax, don’t worry such things.

Inserting and removing lenses might make you nervous at first, but as awkward as it may seem, there is no need to be afraid to touch your eye as long as your hands are clean.

Plus, the inside of your eyelids are connected to the back of your eye, so your lenses can’t possibly slip into an abyss.

Hydrate.

Regardless if you are wearing contact lenses or not, it is always important for the eyes that you are well hydrated throughout the day.

Moreover, depending on your lifestyle and environment, you may wish to supplement your fluid intake with re-wetting drops for your eyes.

If you are someone who spends a lot of time working on the computer, or in an environment where you are exposed to dry air, heating, or air conditioning, then you can use eye drops.

The most important thing that you need to consider is that if you wear contact lenses, you need to make sure that the drop you use is compatible with your lenses.

To know about it, talk to your doctor which eye drops are best suited for you.

Follow your doctor’s recommendations.

Do not use products that are not recommended by your doctor. Don’t risk buying substitute lens care products and other eye care related products without checking with your doctor.

You should always remember that the solution you are going to use should be approved by your doctor and is compatible with your contacts.

You may get interested with some other type of lens because of their labels, but don’t make assumptions.

Stick to your appointments and talk to your doctor every time you feel you need to decide on something that involves changing your contacts.

Adhere to the prescribed wearing and replacement schedule.

This is equally important as sticking to your appointments. You can only wear your contact lenses for a specific amount of time depending on the type of lenses you have.

Wear your lenses only for the amount of time that your doctor says is safe and replace the lenses according to schedule.

Don’t try to stretch out the life of your lenses an extra week. Also, unless you were specifically prescribed continuous wear lenses, you should never sleep in your contacts.

Getting used to wearing contact lenses can be quite a struggle especially if you are trying contact lenses for the first time.

But one thing is for sure, with regular use and practice, using contact lenses can be as easy as blinking.

Contact Lens Begineer Guide Infographic  Material:

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REFERENCES:

https://www.aao.org/eyenet/article/treatment-of-corneal-neovascularization

https://www.aoa.org/newsroom/consumers-beware-buying-contact-lenses-without-a-prescription-is-illegal-and-dangerous

https://www.floridaretinainstitute.com/blog-drinking-water-is-good-for-your-eye-health.html