What to Know About Getting Contacts for the First Time

Are you considering switching to contact lenses? Contacts are a safe and convenient option for many people, particularly those with an active lifestyle. Some may find them inconvenient and prefer eyeglasses. However, approximately 45 million Americans wear contact lenses to enjoy better vision without altering their appearance. 

Transitioning to contact lenses can be a liberating experience. They can boost your self-confidence and eliminate the worry of glasses falling out or breaking. But as a first-time contact lens wearer, you may have concerns about maintenance and other essential aspects.

 

The following information will increase your comfort and confidence while wearing them, making the switch easier.

Obtain a Prescription From an Eye Doctor

Before purchasing contacts, it is critical to consult an eye doctor and obtain a prescription. That is because these medical devices can harm your eyes' health if used improperly. An eye doctor can help you choose the best prescription and lens type for your needs. He/she will ensure that your eyes are healthy enough to wear contact lenses. Also, please note that your eyeglass prescription is not transferrable to your contact lens prescription, as your eyeglasses sit above your eyes while your contact lenses sit on them.

Choose the Right Type of Lenses

Contacts come in various styles, including daily wear, extended wear, and disposable. You must remove and clean daily wear lenses at the end of the day. Although you can wear extended wear lenses overnight, you must remove and clean them regularly.

Disposable lenses are wearable for a set number of days before discarding them. Your eye doctor will advise you on the best contact lenses for your lifestyle and needs.

Learn How to Insert and Remove Them 

Before you put contacts on, practice inserting and removing them. It may take some getting used to, but doing it correctly is critical to avoid damaging the lenses or scratching your eye. Your eye doctor or a staff member will demonstrate the proper technique. 

Learn Proper Lens Hygiene

Keeping your lenses clean is essential for avoiding eye infections and irritation. That includes cleaning and disinfecting them according to your eye doctor's instructions. Use the appropriate cleaning solutions and follow the cleaning and disinfection procedures.

Learn the Recommended Wearing Schedule

It is critical to adhere to the recommended wearing schedule for your lenses, as overwearing them can cause eye irritation and other issues. The schedule will differ with the type of lenses you wear. 

 

Know the Warning Signs

If you experience discomfort or vision changes while wearing contact lenses, remove them immediately and contact your eye doctor. Redness, pain, excessive tearing, or blurry vision are all common symptoms of a problem.

Keep a Backup Pair of Glasses

A spare pair of eyeglasses is always a good idea if you need to take a break from wearing contacts. That could be due to several factors, including eye irritation or an unexpected need to wear glasses for a specific activity. Having a pair of eyeglasses on hand can help you deal with these situations.

It is critical to undergo regular eye exams to ensure your contact lenses fit and your eyes are healthy. During these appointments, your eye doctor will examine the health of your eyes as well as the fit of your lenses.


 

For more information on getting your first pair of contact lenses, call Studio Optix at our New York, New York office. Call (212) 765-4444 to schedule an appointment today.

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