Help Getting Started If You’re New to Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses seems like it should be so easy, right? And most people find that it is, but they’re often unprepared for the learning curve of getting used to them. 

If you decide you want to wear contact lenses, your first step is to make an appointment with our providers at Eye Q Optique. We examine your eyes and ensure that you’re a good candidate for contacts before prescribing them to you. Here, we offer helpful tips for getting started with contact lenses and adjusting to them.

Getting started

Every time that you put your contact lenses in, thoroughly wash and dry your hands first. You could have bacteria on your hands that could transfer to your eyes, causing a nasty infection. Also, be sure to dry your hands with a lint-free towel.

Open the storage case for your contact lenses and choose one to place in your eyes. It doesn’t matter which one you start with, although many people find it most comfortable to start by putting in a contact lens with their nondominant hand. 

Putting them in your eyes

This step may take a little bit of practice at first. Don’t worry, though; you should find them much easier to put in once you’re used to it.

Rinse the lens with a bit of contact solution or saline solution. Never use regular tap water.

Put the lens on the top of your index finger or middle finger on your dominant hand. Make sure the contact lens is facing the right way. It should be shaped like a bowl on the end of your finger.

Look in the mirror and hold your upper and lower eyelids open to create space for the contact lens. This may take a few tries or even several, but it’s important not to give up. You’ll get the hang of it soon.

Close your eyes once you have the lens in place, and make sure you can see clearly out of that eye.

Repeat the same process with the second lens.

If you’re still having trouble

It’s okay if you’re still having a bit of trouble; many people do at first but go on to become happy, long-term contact lens wearers.

If your lens feels scratchy or uncomfortable after you put it in, simply take it out. Wash your hands again before doing so.

Don’t rub your eyes, although it may feel very tempting to do so. Take out the contact lens and examine it for any rips or tears, which can cause extreme discomfort. 

If it’s ripped or damaged, you should discard it. If you have daily-replacement contacts, you can just use another one. However, if you have lenses intended for more regular wear, you should contact us immediately about a replacement.

If your lens doesn’t have any rips or tears, you should try to put it back in. Sometimes, waiting a couple of minutes and trying again is all it takes.

How to take out contacts

So, you already made it through the process of getting the contacts into your eye, but now you have to take them out, too.

Again, wash your hands before doing so. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down on your eyelid. In most cases, doing so allows you to just grasp the contact lens with a gentle pinching motion and remove it.

You should always store your lenses in contact solution until your next wear.

Additional considerations

If you wear eye makeup, in particular, you should always put in your contacts before applying eyeshadow, eyeliner, or mascara.

Paying attention to product expiration dates is especially important. You don’t want to use any makeup (especially eye-makeup), contact solution, or eye drops past the expiration date. Similarly, never use someone else’s eye-makeup.

If you’ve been thinking about getting contact lenses but feel a bit intimidated, make an appointment for a consultation at the location nearest you in Buffalo Grove or Chicago, Illinois. Our opticians can also help you put in your contacts. Contact us at Eye Q Optique or request an appointment online.