Switching from glasses to contact lenses can be a game-changer, offering you the freedom of clearer vision without the frames. However, if you’re new to wearing contacts, you may already know getting used to new contact lenses is challenging.
Don’t worry, though. Lots of new contact lens wearers feel uncomfortable at first. Up to 27% of contact lens users give up during the first year. The most common reasons include discomfort, vision, cost, and convenience.
This contact lens dropout is a worldwide issue, so don’t worry. You are not alone when you struggle to transition from glasses to contacts! So, here’s how to make the transition from glasses to contacts as smooth as possible.
How Long Does It Take To Get Used To Wearing Contact Lenses?
The adjustment period for contact lenses varies from person to person. It takes most people a week or two to get used to wearing contacts. This is because your eyes need time to adjust and adapt to having a foreign object in them.
You’ll also become more confident and comfortable inserting, removing and cleaning them in these few weeks, which can help with the discomfort you may feel if it’s caused by how you put the contacts in.
You should consult your eye doctor if you’re a new contact lens wearer and have experienced mild eye issues or blurry vision for more than two weeks. The fit or type of lenses may need to be corrected.
Tips to Get Used to Contact Lenses Easily and Quickly
Here are some additional tips to help you adapt to wearing contact lenses:
- Practice Inserting and Removing: Spend time practising inserting and removing your lenses, which will build your confidence and skill.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated, which helps maintain eye moisture.
- Start Slowly: Begin by wearing your lenses for a few hours daily, gradually increasing the time each day.
- Take Breaks: Give your eyes a break if they feel tired or strained. Removing your lenses and using glasses for a while can help.
- Blink Often: Blinking keeps your eyes moist and comfortable, reducing the feeling of dryness.
- Use Lubricating Eye Drops: If your eyes feel dry, ask your eye doctor about lubricating drops safe for contact use.
- Follow the Routine: Establish a consistent routine for inserting and removing your lenses to make it second nature.
- Stay Relaxed: Being tense can make inserting and removing lenses more difficult. Stay calm and patient.
- Don’t Reuse Contacts: If you have daily disposable lenses, do not try to use them for more than one day. The same goes for monthly contact lenses, too. Doing this can cause eye fatigue and blurred vision and increase the risk of an eye infection.
- Follow Up with Your Eye Doctor: Regular check-ups ensure your lenses fit well and your eyes stay healthy.
Getting used to contact lenses takes a little time and patience, but it can be a smooth transition with the right approach.
Have you ever considered letting go of lenses completely? Check here whether you’re eligible for laser eye surgery and take the first step towards a clearer future without glasses or contact lenses.
Hygiene Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Good hygiene is crucial for wearing contact lenses to avoid eye infections and ensure comfortable wear. Here are some essential tips:
- Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water before handling your lenses.
- Use Fresh Solution: Clean and store your lenses in fresh contact lens solution daily. Never reuse old solutions.
- Clean Your Case: Rinse your lens case with contact lens solution (not water) and let it air dry daily. Replace the case every three months.
- Avoid Water: Do not expose your lenses to tap water, swimming pools, or hot tubs, as this can introduce harmful organisms and infection.
- Follow the Schedule: Stick to the wear schedule recommended by your eye doctor, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses.
Follow proper hygiene practices, ease into wearing them, and consult your eye doctor with any concerns. Before you know it, wearing contact lenses will become a routine part of your day, giving you the freedom, confidence and convenience you want.
If this sounds like a lot of work, have you considered laser eye surgery rather than wearing lenses?
With laser eye surgery, you can have 100% clear vision and throw your contact lenses away! If you want to change your vision, now is the time to investigate laser eye surgery and be free from lenses or glasses!
Contact Lens FAQs
Are Contacts Supposed to Be Blurry at First?
It’s normal for vision to be slightly blurry or hazy when you first put in your contacts. These issues should clear up within a few minutes as your lenses settle on your eyes. Symptoms can occur whenever you put new contacts in, even if you are used to contacts.
If blurriness persists, it could be due to improper lens fit, incorrect prescription, or a dirty lens. Check your lenses and consult your eye doctor if the issue continues.
Is It Normal for Contacts to Be Uncomfortable at First?
Yes, it’s normal to feel some discomfort initially. Your eyes need time to adjust to the sensation of contact lenses. Mild discomfort is typical but should settle quickly. If there is a foreign body feeling, remove the lens, rinse the solution, and reinsert it.
However, if you experience severe pain, redness, or excessive tearing, remove the lenses and contact your eye doctor. These could be signs of an issue that needs addressing.
Dry eyes are a widespread issue for new contact lens wearers. Over-the-counter drops can help with dry eyes, and soft lenses made from a hydrophilic material can help keep your eyes wet when wearing contact lenses.
How Long Should You Wear Contacts at First?
When you first start wearing contacts, aim to wear them for 2-4 hours on the first day. Gradually increase the wear time by 1-2 hours each day. Most people can comfortably wear their contacts for a full day (8-12 hours) within a week or two.
