Contact Lens for First Time Users

Wearing a contact lens for the first time can be tricky, but it can be better than eyeglasses in some occasions. The sensitive nature of the eye, however, demands you to be extra careful when putting on and removing contact lenses. This fact usually scares traditional eyeglasses users away. So if you are in the middle of deciding whether or not to switch, here is your ultimate guide to getting your first contacts.

Eyeglasses vs. Contact Lens

Glasses and contact lenses share the same purpose: vision correction. But they are different in many ways than they are the same.

Eyeglasses are the traditional device used to help correct one’s vision problem.

1. Pros

The top advantage of eyeglasses over contacts is its ease of use. You don’t have to be nervous about getting your eye infected or irritated since there’s no need to touch your eyes when wearing eyeglasses.
Eyeglasses also require minimum maintenance.
It comes cheaper. When the need to change lens arises, you can keep your current frame and pay for a new set of glasses.
It offers a shield from some environmental factors, such as wind and dust, which can easily irritate our eyes.

2. Cons

Eyeglasses do not offer maximum correction. Since it is placed at least half an inch away from your eyes, it cannot provide the field of view accurately, causing some distortion.
Spectacles get in the way of your activities. You can’t run without dropping your eyeglasses. A special kind of glasses is needed if you want to play sports.
Its weight depends on the thickness of the lenses, which can sometimes be too thick.
Some patients complain of constant headache and discomfort due to the pressure from the sunglasses’ bridge and arms.

The interest in contact lenses rose recently due to the many things it can offer that eyeglasses could not. However, skepticism about the ocular prosthetic device remains despite the many benefits it provides mainly due to the process involved with wearing one.

1. Pros

The thin lens is placed directly on the surface of the eye, allowing it to conform to its curvature.
Contacts provide a full field of view.
Contact lenses reduce vision distortion and blurriness.
It does not get away with your physical activities since it is technically attached to your eyes.
It corrects most vision problems without the need for thicker lenses.
Some contact lenses have specialized technology that can reshape your cornea or temporarily cures myopia.

2. Cons

The most debated disadvantage of contacts is its application. There is a need for direct contact with the eye, increasing the chances of irritation or even infection, when not done correctly.
Oxygen cannot reach your eye as quickly as when you’re not wearing contacts, causing it to dry up.
Contacts require regular and proper lens care. It is a tedious task.
Falling asleep with your contacts put your eyes at risk of irritation. However, if you’re someone who frequently falls asleep with contacts on, you can opt for extended wear contact lenses that you can wear for up to 30 days.

Getting Your Contacts

Where you get your contact lenses matter. Given the sensitive nature of the eye, it is recommended that you visit an eye care practitioner to get an eye exam during which an assessment of your vision-related problems will be conducted. Your contacts will be custom-made to the condition of your eye.

Even if you’re only wearing contacts for aesthetic purposes, you have to be sure that the contacts you’ll be wearing are safe and won’t irritate your eyes.

Before Wearing Contacts

Wearing contacts for the first time can seem too complicated. But with practice, you can soon be more at ease with the process.

Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Before touching your contacts, wash your hands and make sure it is clean to prevent transferring dust or any particles to your eyes.
Make sure the lens is positioned correctly.
Rinse your lenses with the solution.
Always handle your lenses gently since it can tear easily.
Use your index finger to hold the lens and your other hand to keep your eye open then insert the lens slowly and gently.
Close your eyes and wait until you feel the lens is correctly placed in the center of your eye. You can blink if you think it will help.

While Wearing Contacts

Give your eyes time to adjust to the contacts.

You may feel a little discomfort since it’s new to you. You may even feel the edges of the lens during your first tries. It could be a bit unpleasant, but these are all part of the adjustment period. Wearing contacts for the first time may feel odd, but you will get the hang of it in time. This is also the best time to check if your lens fit.

If you feel a little burning or irritation, check again. There could be some outside element that’s stuck between your eye and the lens. But if the irritation persists even after you check, then it’s time to go back to your eye doctor.

Removing Contacts

Switching to contacts from your traditional eyeglasses will feel daunting since it comes with a lot of procedure.

Removing your contacts – except for those special ones that could stay longer in your eyes – is required before going to sleep. Just like before putting it on, you have to ensure that your hands are clean.

While looking upward, pull your lower eyelid downward.
Using your other hand, pinch the lens to move it off the surface of the eyes.

Caring and Cleaning Tips

Clean your hands before putting on and removing your lenses.
Do not sleep with contacts on.
Gradually increase wear time to let your eyes adjust.
Store your lenses the proper storage to avoid damage.
Always bring a lens solution with you.
If there is any sense of irritation, contact your eye doctor.

Wearing a contact lens could sound a lot of work since you’re used to the traditional eyeglasses, but it has a ton of benefits to offer. With proper care and a little practice, you’ll surely see why millions of people are switching to contact lenses.