Helpful tips for a first-time wearer of contact lenses

So you traded your glasses for contact lenses and now you are trying out contact lenses for the first time?
No need to be nervous, make sure you familiarise yourself with the four easy steps for insertion and removal for beginners.

How to insert your contact lenses for the first time

1. Ensure your hands are clean. Wash with soap then dry your hands thoroughly.

2. Make sure your lenses are not inside out. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out. It should look like a bowl with straight edges.

3. Open up your eyes as wide as you can. Hold your upper eyelid with one finger and pull down your lower eyelid with your other fingers.

4. Insert the lens. Look into a mirror and gently place the lens directly on the eye. Gently release the lids and close your eyes slowly. The lens will automatically centre.

How to take out your contact lenses for the first time

1. Ensure your hands are clean. Wash with soap then dry your hands thoroughly.

2. Pull your lower eyelid. Look up and pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger.

3. Slide the lens down. Using your index finger, slowly slide the lens down to the lower white part of your eye without letting go of your lower eyelid.

4. Gently squeeze the lens out. Squeeze the lens between the pads of your thumb and index finger to remove. Ensure your nails are kept short.

Frequently asked questions

1. How long will it take for the contact lenses to feel normal?

This varies for everyone. If you feel like it has been too long, the best way to find out why you’re uncomfortable, and what you can do about it, is to talk to your Spec-Savers optometrist.

2. How long should you wear contact lenses for the first time?

On your first day of contact lens use, try to wear them for about eight hours to give your eyes a chance to adapt. Use this time to make sure your eyes are adjusting nicely to the contact lenses, and that no discomfort or irritation has occurred.

3. Should the contact lens move around after I put it in?

With proper fitting, contacts should stay in place almost all the time. Even on that rare occasion when a contact lens moves out of place, it usually stays on your eye until you can move it back.

4. Is it normal if my vision is still blurry after putting in my contact lenses?

Many things can adversely affect your vision. It could be as simple as dry eyes, poor-fitting lenses, or an out-of-date prescription. It could also be a sign of a more serious problem not related to your contacts. You should always consult with your Spec-Savers optometrist about any issues you are having with your vision or your contact lenses.