How to Wear Contact Lenses: A Comprehensive Guide for Beginners
Stephanie Patterson
Table of Contents
Wearing contact lenses can be a great alternative to glasses, allowing you to see clearly without the frames or lenses getting in the way. However, if you’ve never worn contact lenses before, it can be intimidating to get started. As someone who wears contact lenses regularly, I can assure you that it’s not as difficult as it may seem.
First and foremost, it’s important to visit an eye doctor to get a prescription for your contact lenses. This will ensure that your contact lenses fit your eyes properly and that you’re wearing the correct prescription. Once you have your prescription, you can purchase contact lenses from an optometrist, online retailer, or pharmacy.
In this article, I’ll share with you step-by-step instructions on how to put in and take out contact lenses, as well as some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind. By following these tips, you’ll be able to wear your contact lenses with ease and confidence.
Preparing for Contact Lenses
Consult Your Eye Doctor
Before wearing contact lenses, it is important to consult with your eye doctor. They will evaluate your eyes and determine if you are a good candidate for contact lenses. They will also provide you with a prescription for the lenses that are right for you. It is important to follow your doctor’s instructions for wearing and caring for your contact lenses.
Choose the Right Type of Contact Lenses
There are several types of contact lenses available, including soft lenses, rigid gas permeable lenses, and hybrid lenses. Soft lenses are the most popular type of contact lenses and are made of a soft, flexible plastic material. Rigid gas permeable lenses are made of a harder plastic material and allow more oxygen to reach the eye.
Hybrid lenses combine the benefits of both soft and rigid lenses. Your eye doctor can help you choose the right type of contact lenses based on your needs and lifestyle. When choosing contact lenses, it is also important to consider the replacement schedule. Some lenses are designed for daily wear and must be removed and cleaned each night.
Other lenses are designed for extended wear and can be worn for several days or even weeks without removal. It is important to follow the replacement schedule recommended by your eye doctor to avoid eye infections and other complications.
In addition to the type of lenses and replacement schedule, you should also consider the color and design of your lenses. Colored lenses can change the color of your eyes, while special effects lenses can create a dramatic look.
However, it is important to only purchase lenses from a reputable source and with a valid prescription from your eye doctor. Overall, preparing for contact lenses involves consulting with your eye doctor and choosing the right type of lenses for your needs and lifestyle.
By following your doctor’s instructions and taking proper care of your lenses, you can enjoy clear vision and comfortable wear.
Inserting and Removing Contact Lenses
Inserting and removing contact lenses may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice and patience, it can become second nature. Here are the steps to follow:
Wash Your Hands
Before handling your contact lenses, it’s essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid any debris or bacteria getting on your lenses. Avoid using moisturizing soap as it can leave a residue on your hands that can transfer to your lenses.
Inserting Contact Lenses
Open your contact lens case and use your fingertip to put the first contact lens in your non-dominant hand. Rinse the lens with contact solution to remove any debris or dirt. Check that the lens isn’t damaged and make sure it’s right side up.
Place the lens on the tip of your index or middle finger of your dominant hand. Look straight ahead, and with your other hand, use your middle or index finger to pull down your lower eyelid. Use your dominant hand to place the contact lens on your eye. Release your eyelid and blink a few times, allowing the lens to settle into place.
If you’re having trouble, try using your other hand to hold your eyelid open or use a mirror to help guide the lens into place. If the lens feels uncomfortable or is not centered, remove it and start again.
Removing Contact Lenses
Before removing your contact lenses, wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly. Look up and carefully pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger. Bring your index finger to your eye slowly until you touch the lower edge of the lens.
Slide the lens down to the lower white part of your eye and gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove it. Repeat the process for your other eye.
If you’re having difficulty removing your lenses, try using rewetting drops to help loosen the lens. If the lens is still stuck, don’t force it out as it can cause damage to your eye. Instead, seek help from an eye care professional.
Caring for Contact Lenses
Cleaning and Disinfecting Contact Lenses
Proper cleaning and disinfecting of your contact lenses is essential to maintain healthy eyes and prevent infections. Before handling your contact lenses, always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. Avoid using soaps or moisturizers that contain oils, lotions, or perfumes as they can leave a film on your hands that can transfer to your lenses.
When it comes to cleaning and disinfecting solutions, always follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor or the manufacturer. Rub and rinse cleaning method is recommended for all types of lenses. Rub your contact lenses with clean fingers, then rinse the lenses with solution before soaking them. Avoid using tap water or saliva to clean your lenses as they can introduce harmful bacteria and other microorganisms.
Remember to change your contact lens case every three months or as recommended by your eye doctor. Clean your case with solution and let it air dry between uses. Never reuse solution or top off the solution in your case as it can lead to contamination and reduce the effectiveness of the solution.
Storing Contact Lenses
Storing your contact lenses properly is important to keep them clean and safe to wear. Always use fresh solution to store your lenses and never reuse solution from previous uses. Before storing your lenses, rinse them with solution and gently rub them to remove any debris or buildup.
When storing your lenses, make sure to fill your case with enough solution to fully submerge your lenses. Never store your lenses in water or saline solution as they can cause your lenses to dry out and become uncomfortable to wear. Always store your lenses in a cool and dry place away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
Remember to always follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor or the manufacturer when it comes to caring for your contact lenses. If you experience any discomfort, redness, or other symptoms, remove your lenses immediately and contact your eye doctor.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Even with proper care and handling, contact lens wearers may experience some common problems. Here are some tips to troubleshoot some of the most common issues:
Dry Eyes
Dry eyes are a common issue among contact lens wearers. To alleviate this problem, try using lubricating eye drops that are specifically designed for contact lenses. These drops can help keep your eyes moist and reduce discomfort. Also, make sure to blink frequently to help spread your tears evenly over your eyes.
Discomfort or Irritation
If you experience discomfort or irritation while wearing your contact lenses, it could be due to a variety of reasons. First, check to make sure your lenses are clean and free of debris. If they are, try removing and reinserting your lenses. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your lenses or switch to a different type of lens that is better suited for your eyes.
Blurred Vision
If your vision becomes blurry while wearing your contact lenses, it could be due to a few different factors. First, check to make sure your lenses are clean and free of debris. If they are, try repositioning your lenses or blinking a few times to help rehydrate them. If the problem persists, you may need to replace your lenses or switch to a different type of lens that is better suited for your eyes.
Conclusion
Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses. However, it’s important to follow proper hygiene and care instructions to avoid eye infections and other complications.
Remember to always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses and to never share them with anyone else. Use the recommended cleaning and disinfecting solutions and follow the recommended schedule for replacing your lenses.
If you experience any discomfort, redness, or irritation while wearing your contact lenses, remove them immediately and consult with your eye doctor. They can help you determine if there is an issue with your lenses or if you need a different type of lens.
With proper care and attention, contact lenses can provide clear vision and freedom from glasses. Don’t be afraid to try them out and see if they’re the right choice for you.
