When you make a switch from glasses to contact lenses, it can feel overwhelming at first, but millions of people have successfully made this transition and discovered the freedom that comes with clear, unobstructed vision. Whether you’re considering your first pair or looking to improve your lens-wearing experience, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about contact lenses.

People in the beginning days are a bit worried as they don’t know how to use contact lenses properly. But the journey becomes much easier once you understand the basics and develop good habits. With proper technique and care, you can adapt to wearing contact lenses like a natural habit.

Learning About Contact Lens Types and Getting Started

Before getting into the nitty-gritty, let’s get familiar with the types of contact lenses out there. 

Soft contact lenses are the best for newbies, and they are made of soft, water-holding plastics that will let oxygen travel through to your cornea. Hard or rigid gas-permeable lenses provide clearer vision for some prescriptions.

Daily Disposable lenses provide maximum convenience – just discard them at day’s close. Extended-wear lenses can be used for weeks when cared for. Your eye care practitioner will advise which one is most suited to your lifestyle.

Most contact lenses now include UV-blocking agents, which give additional protection against cataract-causing ultraviolet light that scientists have associated with cataracts. The lenses only protect your cornea, though, so they are supplementary to, rather than a substitute for, UV-protective sunglasses.

How to Master Wearing Contact Lenses Safely

Learning how to use contact lenses properly starts with the insertion process. Success lies in preparation and patience as you develop this skill.

Preparation Steps:

• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, avoiding products with oils or moisturisers
• Dry hands with a lint-free towel
• Work over a clean, flat surface with good lighting

The Insertion Process: Remove one lens from its storage case and place it on your index fingertip. Check that it’s not inside-out – it should look like a bowl with inward-curving edges, not outward like a lid.

Place your dominant hand’s middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid while holding your upper eyelid open with your other hand. Look straight forward, place the lens on your eye and allow it to settle softly. Slowly close your eyes and roll them in a circle to let the lens settle, and then slowly blink your eyes.

The lens must be comfortable and provide sharp vision in the proper position. If you experience discomfort or blur, take out and try again. Remember that practice makes perfect – do not get discouraged if it does not feel normal at first.

Essential Contact Lens Care for Healthy Eyes

Proper contact lens care is the key to your eye health and the longevity of your lenses as intended. There is a difference in daily care based on lens type; however, certain basic principles apply to all.

Daily Care Essentials: Rinse non-daily disposable lenses after each use with contact solution recommended by your eye care practitioner. Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions – they can transfer hazardous bacteria, resulting in debilitating infection.

Clean your storage case weekly with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly, and air dry. Change cases every three months. A new solution should be used to store lenses, and opened solution bottles should be discarded after a month.

Safety Guidelines: Remove contact lenses immediately if you experience redness, pain, vision changes, light sensitivity, or unusual discharge. Don’t wear contacts when ill – even simple colds increase infection risk as germs transfer from hands to eyes.

Avoid wearing lenses while swimming or showering unless wearing goggles, as water exposure can lead to serious infections. Never sleep in contacts unless specifically approved by your eye doctor.

Makeup and Contacts: Always insert contact lenses before applying makeup. Use hypoallergenic, water-based products, and avoid eyeliner on inner eyelid rims. Remove contacts before removing makeup, and replace eye cosmetics every three months.

Taking out contact lenses can initially feel challenging, but proper technique makes it manageable.

Also Read:- Top Signs You Need to Visit an Eye Specialist Immediately

Safe Removal: After washing hands, look upward and pull down your lower eyelid. Carefully slide the lens to the white part of your eye, then gently pinch between your thumb and index finger to remove. Always remove the same lens first to avoid mixing prescriptions.

Keep fingernails short to prevent eye scratches or lens damage. If a lens feels stuck, use rewetting drops or gently shake your storage case with solution. Carry backup glasses for emergencies.

When Professional Help Matters: While following proper care, there is a reduction in the risks significantly. Even diligent contact lens care doesn’t eliminate all complications. Research shows fungal contamination can occasionally occur despite proper protocols, highlighting the importance of regular professional monitoring.

For those beginning their contact lens journey or facing ongoing challenges, experienced eye care makes all the difference. At AK Institute of Ophthalmology (AKIO), our specialists understand that transitioning to contact lenses requires individualised care and support. With advanced technology and international-standard procedures, our team ensures your comfort and eye health throughout your contact lens experience.

Conclusion

Using contact lenses successfully is achievable with proper knowledge, techniques, and habits. Remember that becoming comfortable with contacts takes time and practice – be patient during the learning process. The freedom that comes with clear, unrestricted vision makes the effort worthwhile.

Focus on developing consistent hygiene habits, following professional recommendations, and seeking help when needed. With proper care, contact lenses can provide years of comfortable vision while fitting seamlessly into your lifestyle. Your journey starts with that first successful insertion, and handling contacts will soon become second nature.