Understanding the Basics of Contact Lenses
Before starting to wear contact lenses, it’s essential to understand their purpose, the different types available, and how they work. There are two broad categories of contact lenses – soft lenses and gas-permeable lenses. Soft lenses are made of water-absorbing gel-like materials, while gas-permeable lenses are made of a harder, oxygen-permeable plastic material. It’s important to choose the type of contact lens that suits your lifestyle and vision correction needs.
Get the Right Prescription
The first step to starting contact lens wear is a comprehensive eye examination and a contact lens fitting with a qualified optometrist. The contact lens fitting evaluates your eyes’ size, shape, and the refractive error to determine the best contact lens for your eyes. Optometrists can prescribe contact lenses with specific measurements that provide the most accurate vision. Additionally, ensure to update your prescription annually to get the best vision correction results.
Proper Contact Lens Handling and Maintenance
Cleanliness is essential when handling and maintaining contact lenses. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before handling contact lenses. Use contact lens solution to clean, rinse, and disinfect them every time you remove them. Contact lenses should be discarded and replaced regularly according to your optometrist’s instructions. This is vital to prevent infection and to maintain good ocular health.
Start Gradually
It’s common to experience a foreign body sensation or irritation when wearing contact lenses for the first time. Don’t fret, this feeling is normal, and it will subside with time. Begin by wearing contact lenses for a short time each day, gradually increasing the hours over the period. Do not wear contact lenses while sleeping, swimming, or in a hot tub. Additionally, avoid environments with too much dust or sand, which can cause discomfort or even eye infections.
Seek Help when Needed
If you experience any discomfort with contact lenses, remove them and consult your optometrist immediately. Pain or redness in the eye can indicate underlying eye problems requiring prompt medical attention. Visit an optometrist immediately if you experience eye pain or discharge, eye redness, or changes in vision.
