A Beginners Guide To Contact Lenses

Are you considering contact lenses to correct your vision, but don’t know where to start? Maybe you’re tired of having to clean off your glasses multiple times a day. Maybe you just don’t like the feeling of anything on your face. Or maybe you just want to change up how you look. Whatever the case may be, I want to welcome you to the world of enhanced freedom and visual clarity! Contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable alternative to glasses, allowing you to engage in various activities without any visual obstructions, aberrations, and distortions. In this blog post, we will walk you through the basics of contact lens wearing, from getting started to proper maintenance, ensuring a successful and enjoyable experience.

Things To Know Before The Exam

Contacts Are Not For Everybody: There are various reasons why you may not be a good candidate for contacts, such as a prescription outside contact parameters, dry eyes, corneal disease, and more. Consult your eye care professional to make sure contacts are right for you.
Contacts Are Not the Same as Glasses, Nor Are They a Permanent Replacement: Glasses are made and customized for you, contacts are not. Contacts are mass produced, and while we get the prescription as close as possible to your prescription, it most likely will not be your EXACT prescription. Additionally, we HIGHLY recommend that you always have a pair of glasses that you can function out of. The risk of an eye infection is greater when wearing contacts, and you need to be able to see and function if something prevents you from putting the contacts in, such as an infection or a scratch.
A Contact Lens Exam is Different From a Glasses Exam: Anytime you do a contact lens exam, it will always include the glasses exam and prescription. However, the opposite is not true; a glasses only exam will not include a contact prescription. Make sure to specify so we can help meet your needs!

Getting Started with Contact Lenses:

Step 1 - Schedule a contact lens exam at Sight To See Eyecare & Eyewear.

The first step is to schedule an appointment with an optometrist for a contact lens exam, which is different from a regular eye exam for glasses. At your comprehensive contact lens exam, we will assess your eye health, determine your prescription, and guide you in choosing the most suitable type of contact lenses for your needs. Contacts come in many different replacement schedules (monthly, biweekly, or daily), and each of those replacement schedules have multiple brands of contacts. Each brand is unique due to different base curves, diameters, and breathability of lenses. Our eye care professionals will help determine a lens that best fits your individual eye.

Step 2 - Contact Lens Fitting and Insertion & Removal (I&R) Class

Once your eye exam is complete and it is determined you are a good candidate for contact lenses, you will be scheduled for an I&R class, many of which may happen the same day. At this class, we will sit down with you and walk you through how to put the contact in and take it out. Once you are able to insert and remove the contact lens a few times, you will move on to step 3.

Step 3 - The Trial Period

Now that you’re a pro at inserting and removing the contacts, we will let you go with the diagnostic lenses for you to wear and evaluate their comfort and visual acuity. This allows for adjustments to be made if necessary before finalizing your contact lens prescription. Remember, each brand of contacts are different, and therefore the brand is part of a contact lens prescription. We cannot finalize the contact lens prescription until the brand of contacts is decided.

Proper Contact Lens Handling and Hygiene:

Clean Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lenses. This helps prevent the transfer of dirt, bacteria, and other contaminants to your eyes.
Storage and Cleaning Solutions: Follow the instructions provided by your optometrist for storing and cleaning your contact lenses. Use the recommended solutions and replace them as instructed to maintain optimal lens hygiene.
Proper Lens Application and Removal: Master the technique of inserting and removing your contact lenses. Be patient and gentle, avoiding excessive rubbing or squeezing of the lens. Your optometrist will provide step-by-step instructions to ensure you feel confident in handling your lenses.
Adhere to Recommended Wear Schedule: Follow the recommended wear schedule provided by your optometrist. Some lenses are designed for daily disposable use, while others may be replaced on a weekly or monthly basis. Adhering to the schedule prevents complications and ensures optimal visual clarity.

Additional Tips for Contact Lens Wearers:

Avoid Sleeping in Contacts: Unless prescribed specifically for extended wear, it is best to remove your contact lenses before sleeping. Sleeping in contacts increases the risk of eye infections and other complications.
Stay Hydrated: Contact lenses can cause dryness, especially in environments with low humidity. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and use lubricating eye drops if needed.
Regular Eye Exams: Schedule regular eye exams to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses are still the best option for you. Your optometrist can assess any changes in your prescription and address any concerns you may have.

With the proper knowledge and care, contact lens wearing can be a rewarding experience, offering clear vision and improved convenience. By following the basics of contact lens wearing, including proper handling, hygiene, and regular check-ups, you can maintain healthy and comfortable eyes while enjoying the freedom that contact lenses provide. In the world of contact lenses, remember to always keep an eye on the basics!