5 Tips for First-Time Eye Contact Lens Wearers

DR. AJAY SHARMA December 21, 2023

It is common for first-time eye-contact lens wearers to face confusion and trepidation when wearing them. If patients carefully follow the correct wear and cleaning procedures, contact lenses are comfortable and safe with few risks.

The following tips will help new contact lens wearers know how to care for their lenses correctly.

1- Practice Makes Perfect

Many people experience fear and anxiety when using contact lenses because they worry that lenses may get stuck or scratch their eyes. However, it’s crucial to dispel these concerns as contacts cannot get stuck in the eye, and proper lens maintenance reduces the risk of eye scratches. It is essential to relax and understand that it takes time and practice to become proficient in inserting and removing lenses. As long as hands are thoroughly washed before handling contacts, there is no risk of touching the eyes. This process will take little time to become second nature and easy to do.

2- Follow Proper Hygiene

Eye care is vital, and practicing good hygiene when wearing contact lenses is necessary. This includes washing hands thoroughly with soap and water, drying them entirely before inserting contacts, and cleaning the lenses with the appropriate contact lens cleaning solution. It is essential to use clean solutions only when storing contacts and to use fresh solutions every single time when taking lenses out. Wearers should replace the lens case every 1 to 3 months to prevent bacteria growth and infections.

3- Replace Contacts When Necessary

Wearers should also be sure to change contact lenses as per the optometrist’s guidance. Wearing lenses longer than recommended can cause eye irritations or infections. This is due to the contacts breaking down and the surface of the lenses holding in protein and bacteria.

Do Not Rinse Contact Lenses with Water

Rinsing contact lenses with water is strongly discouraged due to the presence of microorganisms that can lead to severe eye infections and complications. Water absorption by contacts causes swelling, rendering them unfit for the eyes. Using water in contact lens cases is equally crucial to avoid potential risks. Additionally, swimming or showering while wearing contact lenses is also not advisable.

5- Listen to the Optometrist

People must wear contacts on the optometrist’s schedule and use the recommended products. Following the optometrist’s instructions, people can reduce the risk of complications or infections and keep their eyes healthy.

Common Contact Lens Problems

Here are some common eye problems people may experience while wearing contact lenses for the first time.

• Irritation or Dryness
  Some contact wearers may also experience eye allergies since the lenses can lead to severe irritation, especially if they are not adequately cleaned. Accumulating debris and the linked dry eye may compound the wearer’s discomfort. Few people may suffer from allergies to the contact lens cleaning solution. Here are some of the ways to consider to prevent allergies:
  • Clean contact lenses: Take out contacts and clean them thoroughly. Make sure to follow proper hygiene practices and use the recommended solution.
  • Check for damage: Inspect contact lenses for any signs of damage, such as tears or scratches. If people notice any issues, replacing the lenses is advisable.
  • Keep eyes hydrated: Consider using lubricating eye drops to help relieve dryness. Choose drops suitable for contact lenses, and consult with the eye care professional if there are any concerns.
  • Take a break from contacts: If the irritation persists, give the eyes a break from wearing contact lenses and use glasses instead. This can help the eyes recover faster.
• Visible Contacts
  On close inspection of the mirror, people should be able to notice contacts. However, they should be nearly invisible from anywhere other than up close. If they appear conspicuous in the mirror, they might not be positioned correctly in the eyes. Reinsert them to rectify any misalignment.
• Blurry Vision
  If the vision remains blurry or people encounter difficulties seeing clearly while wearing their contacts, remove them and attempt to reinsert them. If the issue persists, it is best to revisit the optometrist for further evaluation.
• Serious Eye Disorders
  Even though the most common issues linked with contact lens use are innocuous and only cause watering and discomfort, there are specific eye diseases that can potentially be more serious. These are usually pain, blurring, foggy vision, increased sensitivity to light, mucus discharge from the eyes, or excessive watering. Any of these signs mean people must discontinue wearing contact lenses and seek immediate vision treatment. The diseases potentially linked with contact lens use include conjunctivitis, blepharitis, corneal ulcer, abrasion, keratitis, etc.

Conclusion

Contact lenses can significantly improve your vision and quality of life without the burden of glasses and surgical intervention. However, their use requires meticulous care and attention to hygiene. Remember to take care of the lenses and know what to do if any eye problem arises.