Contact Lenses, Eye Care
5 Tips for Contact Lens Use
Switching from glasses to contact lens use is like a right of passage for optometry patients. Most people spend their first few days as contact wearers marveling at the changes in their personal appearance.
Wearing contacts for the first time is undoubtedly an exciting event. You don’t have to worry about cleaning your glasses throughout the day. With mask-wearing so common, you don’t have to worry about that blinding fog that covers your lenses when you breathe. Sports and working out just got a lot easier. There are so many benefits to making the switch to contact lenses.
Still, along with the benefits come some new challenges. Adjusting to contact lenses will take time and effort. With so many contact lenses available, listen to your doctor’s recommendations for the right option. You don’t just need to get used to how they feel, but you also need to learn how to put your lenses in and take them out without injury. You’ll also need to know how to clean them properly.
Let’s explore some excellent tips for contacts wearers to help keep your eyes healthy as you enjoy your new look with confidence!
5 Helpful Tips for Contact Lens Use
Here are some tips to help you maintain your health and comfort as new contact wearers:
- Ask for Contact Lens Training
Getting used to placing a lens over your eye takes practice! It certainly doesn’t feel natural to place something over your eyeball at first! Luckily, there are some tips for contacts wearers to help make putting in contacts easier. The best way to get started is to ask your eye doctor for a demonstration.
The first tip your doctor will recommend is always to wash your hands first. This will help prevent the spread of infection. While most patients have different methods of putting in contacts that work best for them, let’s discuss the most common one. Once you have clean hands, take the following steps to apply your contacts effectively:
- Place your contact lens on a clean and dry index or middle finger. Make sure your lenses are right side out. While some brands include letters to help you, your lens should look like a “U” or cup shape when it’s in the proper position.
- Gently pull down your lower lid with a finger on the same hand you are using to apply your contact. Using a finger on your other hand, pull up the upper lid.
- Look up or sideways while carefully placing the contact lens on the white of your eye.
- Blink a few times to help move your contact lens into place.
- If it does not comfortably move into place in the middle of your eye, remove the lens and start the process from the top.
- Keep Your Lenses Clean
Hygiene is the key to success with contact lenses. Never cut corners when it comes to cleaning your contacts. When your lenses aren’t clean, you are at high risk of getting an eye infection. Even worse, you can damage your eye. No matter why you are touching your lenses, make sure to wash your hands with soap and warm water, rinsing thoroughly. You should also make sure your eyes are dry before you proceed.
When it comes to your contacts, saline is your best friend! Ask your eye doctor to recommend the best brand and product for your specific needs. They will also give you a recommendation for a lens care regime that works for your particular lenses.
When you open a new package of lenses, rinse them in your saline solution before applying. Make sure you have a new, clean contact lenses case. Always take your lenses out before you go to sleep. Before doing so, make sure you have cleaned your case, removing the old solution. You always want to add your lenses to fresh solution and never top off a solution that’s already in your case.
Rinse and rub your lenses with saline solution before putting them away. Fill your case with fresh solution and make sure the lids are tightly fastened. When you apply your lenses in the morning, empty your case completely. Rinse it with new solution and store it uncapped and upside down on a clean, dry paper towel.
Replace your lens case every three months. If you are using daily disposable lenses, throw out your old pair at night and start with a clean, new pair in the morning. Never reuse your lenses unless recommended.
- Follow Doctor Recommendations
Your ophthalmologist knows best when it comes to your eye health. That’s why it is vital to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Listen carefully to your doctor’s tips for contacts wearers. Use your contact lenses exactly as instructed. Since most solutions are chosen specifically for the type of lenses you use, only use the products recommended by your eye doctor. Don’t substitute without discussing with your doctor first.
Keep all follow-up appointments as scheduled. Call your eye doctor for advice if you have a question or concern about your lenses between appointments. Schedule an appointment immediately if your lenses don’t feel comfortable or you experience pain. In some cases, you might need to try a different brand or type of lens.
- Adhere to the Recommended Wearing and Replacement Schedule
During your initial appointment, your doctor will recommend a wearing schedule. This helps your eyes adjust to your new lenses. In addition to the recommended wearing schedule, your lenses come with a replacement schedule. The packaging of your lenses should tell you when it’s time to replace your lenses and open a new pair. For example, some lenses should be replaced daily while others should be replaced every two weeks. The replacement schedule is crucial to your safety and eye health, so it should be followed closely. Never try to stretch out the life of your lenses because it can lead to infections or damage to your vision.
- Relax!
One of the best tips for contacts wearers you can follow is to relax. Take a deep breath, and don’t be too tense. The more stressed you are, the harder it will be to find success with your lenses. Remember, there’s a learning curve to this new adventure. It might take two, three, or four times even to get your lens in your eye. For some people, the idea of putting something in their eyes causes anxiety itself. There is nothing to be afraid of when wearing contact lenses as unnatural as it may seem. With some practice and time, you’ll be a contact wearing pro!
Contact a Professional Eyecare Retailer for More Tips for Contacts Wearers
Whether you’re new to contact wearing or a veteran looking for new products, we’re here to help! Contact us to discuss your needs and schedule a consultation with one of our eye care professionals.