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Strategies for Getting Used to Contacts

Strategies for Getting Used to Contacts

Making the switch from eyeglasses to contact lenses can be a difficult transition if you’re one of those people who are squeamish about touching your eyes. Maybe you’re struggling with putting them in, or you keep blinking them out, or everything feels weird and itchy.

That’s all totally normal, and help is available. Harlem VistaSite Eye Care in New York City doesn’t just provide contact prescriptions, we are here for you every step of the way with helpful tips and strategies to assist you in getting used to your new form of eyewear.

Get the right fit

Many problems with contact lenses come back to an improper fit. Make sure you were given the right lens curvature prescribed to you. If your lenses leave your eyes dry at the end of the day, seem to stick to your eyes when you try and take them out, or constantly go flying when you blink, they may not be accurately sized and curved for your eye shape.

Use the right technique

How you put your lenses in and take them out can also be a source of trouble. Make sure you rinse the lens well and cup it the right way for application. Try pulling your lower lid down and rolling your eye up a little as you gently touch the lens to your eyeball. It should seamlessly suction on and shift to cover your iris, the colored part of your eye, when you look down and blink a few times.

Perform the right cleaning routine

Discomfort or frustration are mild problems compared to the eye issues you can have if you fail to keep your lenses clean and store them right. There’s no wiggle room on this: 20% of eye infections caused by contacts end up with the wearer suffering from serious eye damage, so don’t cut corners on proper lens care and maintenance. Ask your eye care provider how to properly care for your lenses and your eyes.

Wear the right lenses

There are several different types of contacts. Making sure you get the right kind can be vital to your eye health and to adapting to life with contact lenses. 

Soft lenses

Soft wear lenses can be worn for a day then discarded, worn for a week while being taken out and cleaned each night, or worn for up to a month with periodic removal and cleaning.  You and your eye specialist can decide which type is best for you. 

Rigid lenses

If you have really dry eyes or a complex prescription, rigid lenses might be best for you. With proper care, these can last several months or more per pair.

Always make sure you make and keep regular eye appointments when wearing contact lenses. By staying in communication with your eye care provider and following these contact strategies, you’ll get used to your lenses in no time. 

Ready for your next checkup? Call us, or book an appointment online with Harlem VistaSite Eye Care today.

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