A first-timer's guide to contact lenses
Thinking about contact lenses but nervous about touching your own eye? Almost everyone who comes to see me is. Here is what happens.
Who can wear them
Most people can. Contact lenses suit a wide range of prescriptions, including astigmatism and the need for reading help. A few people find them uncomfortable, for example if they have very dry eyes, and I will tell you honestly if I think they are not for you.
Your fitting
A first appointment takes 45 minutes. First I check your eyes and measure the shape of the front of each one, to choose a lens that fits. Then you try a pair.
The next part is practice. I show you how to wash and dry your hands, put a lens on your fingertip, and place it. Most people manage on the first or second go, with a lot of giggling. Taking it out is the same. You do not leave until you can do both, and you go home with trial lenses.
Your two-week check
A check about two weeks later shows how the lenses are sitting and how your eyes feel. We can change to a different type if needed, and agree what you will buy.
Which type
- Daily disposables: a fresh pair each day, with no cleaning. Good for occasional wear, sport and travel.
- Monthly lenses: worn daily and cleaned each night, and often cheaper over a year.
- Lenses for astigmatism and for reading help also come as daily or monthly options.
Looking after them
- Wash and dry your hands first, every time.
- Never use tap water on lenses or the case, and never swim or shower in them.
- Replace lenses and cases when you are meant to.
- Do not sleep in lenses unless told they are made for it.
- If your eye is red, sore or your vision is blurred, take the lenses out and call us. If it does not settle, get it seen.
Aftercare
You will need a check about once a year, so we can see that your eyes are healthy and the lenses suit them.
Find out more at our contact lens clinic, where you can book a fitting.
This is a demo shop; Clearview Opticians is fictional.