Adjusting to Contact Lenses

February 22, 2023

How to Make the Transition to Contact Lenses Smooth and Comfortable

A bunch of different colored lenses are stacked on top of each other

Many users start their journey of wearing contact lenses with enthusiasm, only to give up after a few days because of discomfort in the initial days of using contact lenses. While most users are excited about giving up their glasses, they are not prepared for what to expect when they start using contact lenses.

Yes, the idea of not having to deal with foggy glasses, sweaty noses, or struggling to choose clothes that match well with glasses is exciting. However, it is also a good idea to allow yourself some time to adjust to the lenses. Here are some ways that can help you prepare yourself.

 

Irritation

The first thing you should remember while adjusting to contact lenses is that they might cause irritation. Although most contact lenses are soft and breathable, you will still have something directly on your pupil.

The eyes are among the most sensitive sense organs, and you are bound to feel irritation at first. Resist the urge to rub your eyes and allow yourself to get used to the sensation.

 

Learning How to Wear and Take Them Off

When you first start using contact lenses, it is a good idea to learn how to wear them and take them off in the presence of your optometrist. When you first put on your lenses, they will move and shift initially because of the moisture in your eyes.

You might also tear up, and if you are doing it alone, you are bound to feel like you did something wrong. However, practicing it with a doctor present will give you the confidence to handle your contact lenses much better in the long run.

Moreover, if you have a different prescription for both eyes, it is vital to remember which eye has which prescription while putting the lenses back in their chamber. Ideally, you should start wearing and taking off the lenses from your left or right eye to form a habit.

 

Dryness in the Eyes

Since the contact lenses sit like a film on your eyes, there could be some initial dryness. Your doctor can provide you with eye drops to take care of the problem.

It’s always best to take your lenses off at regular intervals and replace them according to the prescribed duration. If your eyes feel too itchy, refrain from wearing them for too long in the first few weeks, and never fall asleep with your lenses on.

 

Develop a Cleaning Routine

Most first-time contact lens users have trouble setting a cleaning routine for the lenses. First, it’s absolutely essential to keep your hands clean while handling them. It would be best if you also got used to carrying the cleaning solution and contact lens chambers with you when you travel so that you can take them off while you are on the move if needed.

This could be the case if you suddenly feel some foreign object entering your eye, and you have to remove your lenses to avoid discomfort or to damaging the lenses.

 

At Optometric Associates of Southern Maine, we strive to provide our patients with professional and compassionate eye care. Our eye experts can help you diagnose early signs of eye problems with regular checkups. Be it providing you with a prescription for your glasses or identifying issues like macular degeneration, cataracts, or glaucoma, our experts have you covered.

Call us today if you have any eye problems, and we will take it from there so that you can enjoy optimum eye care and clear vision for the foreseeable future.

 

https://www.harlemvista.com/blog/5-tips-to-help-you-adjust-to-life-with-contact-lenses

https://eyetique.com/getting-used-to-contact-lenses-what-to-expect

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