Contact Lenses Guide: 10 Things You Should Know Before Wearing Them
Contact lenses are one of the most popular choices for vision correction in the UK, and it is easy to see why.
They are comfortable, discreet, and suit an active lifestyle perfectly.
But before you make the switch, there are a few things every wearer should understand.
Our team at Coleman Hearing and Vision in Norwich has put together this straightforward guide to help you feel confident from day one.
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses that sit directly on the surface of the eye. They correct vision problems in the same way glasses do, but they move with your eye and provide a natural field of vision.
Contact lenses can correct several common vision problems including:
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Short-sightedness (myopia)
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Long-sightedness (hyperopia)
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Astigmatism
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Presbyopia (age-related near vision loss)
Modern contact lenses are made from soft, breathable materials that allow oxygen to reach the eye, making them comfortable for daily wear when properly fitted by an optician.
Always Start With a Professional Fitting
Contact lenses are a medical device. Before wearing them, you need a contact lens fitting carried out by a qualified optician.
Your optician will check the health of your eyes, measure the curve of your cornea, and recommend the most suitable lenses for your prescription and lifestyle. Skipping this step is not worth the risk.
Understand the Different Types Available
There is no single type of contact lens that suits everyone. Daily disposable lenses are worn once and thrown away, which makes them very hygienic and ideal for occasional wearers.
Monthly lenses are reused for up to 30 days and cleaned each night.
Weekly lenses are worn for 7 days and then discarded.
There are also toric lenses for astigmatism and multifocal lenses for those who need help with both near and far vision.
Your optician will explain which type suits you best.
Wash Your Hands Every Single Time
This sounds simple, but it is one of the most important habits a contact lens wearer can build. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses.
Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Any bacteria or dirt transferred from your hands to your lens can cause irritation or infection.
Never Sleep in Your Lenses Unless Told To
Unless your optician has specifically prescribed lenses approved for overnight wear, you should always remove your contact lenses before you go to sleep.
Wearing lenses at night reduces the amount of oxygen reaching your eye, which can lead to discomfort, redness, and in some cases more serious problems.
When in doubt, take them out.
Use the Right Lens Solution
Not all contact lens solutions are the same. Only use the solution recommended by your optician.
Never rinse your lenses in tap water, as tap water can contain microbes that cause serious eye infections.
Always store your lenses in fresh solution in a clean lens case, and replace the case regularly, roughly every three months.
Stick to the Replacement Schedule
Every type of contact lens has a replacement schedule for good reason.
Daily lenses should be discarded at the end of each day. Monthly lenses should be replaced at the end of each month, even if they feel fine.
Wearing lenses beyond their recommended lifespan allows protein and bacteria to build up on the surface, increasing the risk of irritation and infection.
Keep Up With Your Regular Eye Check-Ups
Wearing contact lenses means your eyes need to be checked more often than if you only wore glasses.
Regular check-ups allow your optician to monitor the health of your eyes, check that your lenses still fit correctly, and update your prescription if needed.
Most contact lens wearers are seen at least once a year. These appointments are important, not optional.
Know the Warning Signs to Watch Out For
Contact lenses should feel comfortable once you have adjusted to them.
If your eyes become red, sore, or sensitive to light, or if your vision becomes blurry while wearing lenses, remove them straight away and contact your optician.
Do not ignore symptoms or try to carry on wearing lenses through discomfort. Catching a problem early makes it much easier to treat.
Take Care Around Water
Avoid wearing contact lenses when swimming, in the shower, or in a hot tub. Water, including swimming pool water and fresh water, can carry bacteria and other organisms that stick to the lens and increase the risk of eye infections. If you enjoy swimming regularly, ask your optician about prescription swimming goggles as an alternative.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
It is completely normal to find contact lenses a little strange when you first start wearing them.
Inserting and removing them takes a bit of practice, and your eyes may take a week or two to fully settle.
Your optician at Coleman Hearing and Vision will show you exactly how to handle your lenses safely and will be on hand to answer any questions as you get used to them.
Most people find that within a fortnight, wearing lenses feels completely natural.
Are Contact Lenses Right for You?
The good news is that most people are suitable candidates for contact lenses, including those with astigmatism or presbyopia.
The only way to know for certain is to have a proper assessment with a qualified optician.
At Coleman Hearing and Vision in Norwich, our team will take the time to understand your vision needs, check the health of your eyes, and recommend the right type of lens for the way you live.
Whether you are interested in daily lenses for the odd day out or monthly lenses for regular everyday wear, we can help you find an option that works for your prescription, your lifestyle, and your budget.
We also offer advice on switching between glasses and lenses so that you always have flexibility whatever the day brings.
