7 Tips for First-Time Contact Lens Wearers
Getting your first pair of contact lens is exciting. You’ll enjoy having the option of being free of eyeglasses or, if your contact lenses are your first corrective lenses, you’ll no doubt spend some time marveling at the small visual details you couldn’t see before. Your vision is one of your most important senses, so making good choices regarding the way you use your contact lenses is key. Here are a few tips to get you started on the right path.
- Relax
Most people are a little nervous the first time they try to insert their contact lenses. You may worry that you’ll hurt your eye or that the lens will become stuck behind your eye – but neither of these will happen. If your hands are clean, there is no reason to be afraid to touch your eye. Also, the back of your eye is connected to the inside of your eyelid, so your lens cannot slip back there and get trapped.
- Practice flawless hygiene
Never take shortcuts when it comes to keeping your lenses clean. Follow your eye care practitioner’s instructions carefully. If you are to use a multipurpose solution, then rub your lenses with it every time you remove them and place them into new solution – don’t just top off what’s already in your case. Every morning when you put your lenses in, rinse the case with fresh solution and leave it upside down on a paper towel to dry. Replace your case every month, or as directed by your local eye doctor as well.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations
Your eye doctor will recommend specific products designed for use with the lenses you have. Don’t make substitutions without asking first, even for a store brand. You should also be sure to keep all your appointments with your eye doctor, sticking to your follow-ups and regular exam schedule.
- Hydration is key
It’s essential to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water when you wear contact lenses. You’ll also want to use rewetting drops (again, ask your doctor for a recommendation to be sure the product you use is compatible with your lenses).
- Give your eyes an adjustment period
When you first start wearing your lenses, ask your doctor for advice on getting used to them. You may want to limit wear to an hour or so the first day, gradually building up the time until you are wearing your lenses comfortably all day long.
- Adhere to the prescribed replacement schedule
Unless your doctor prescribed continuous wear lenses specifically, do not sleep in yours. Also, wear them only for the length of time prescribed before replacing them. Never try to prolong the life of your lenses by wearing them for, say, an extra week. Doing so could put you at risk for eye infections, torn lenses, and other preventable problems.
- Develop good habits
There are lots of little things you can do to ensure that your contact lens use is safe and straightforward. For example, always handle the same lens first to avoid confusion – i.e., handle your right lens first, and then your left. Keep your solution bottles closed when you’re not using them, and do not allow the tips to touch any surfaces such as your finger or the lens itself. Finally, if you want to apply hair products, do it before you insert your lenses.
Creating a healthy routine around your new contact lenses now can set you up for a lifetime of easy, safe wear. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to schedule an appointment.