New To Contact Lenses? Here Are Our Top 5 Tips!

For an estimated 56 million North Americans, contact lenses are the preferred form of vision correction. If you've just started wearing contact lenses, here are 5 tips to quickly help you adjust to wearing and caring for your new lenses.

5 Tips for New Contact Lens Wearers

1. Learn How to Tell if Your Contact Lens Is Inside Out

This is a common mistake many beginners make when inserting soft contacts. Place the lens on your index fingertip and look carefully at its shape. The edge of the lens should be pointing upwards, like the rim of a teacup. If the edge is flared outward like a blooming flower, the lens is inside out. Some contact lenses have tiny laser markings — if the numbers or letters read correctly when you hold the lens on your fingertip, the lens is properly oriented.

2. Never Use a Substitute for Contact Lens Solution

Your eye doctor will recommend the appropriate contact lens solution for your eyes and lenses. Even if you run out of solution, don't rinse your lenses with water, and never use saliva to moisten or clean them. Using substances other than recommended contact lens solution can introduce harmful microbes and cause serious infection.

3. If Your Contact Lenses Feel Uncomfortable, Take Them Out!

Contact lenses are supposed to be comfortable. If you experience discomfort, remove your contacts and rinse them with solution or rewetting drops. If your eyes still feel irritated after reinserting, don't place the contact lenses back in your eyes — wait until they are no longer red or irritated, then try again.

4. Wear Contact Lens-Friendly Makeup

Choose hypoallergenic, water-based (not oil-based) makeup products. Keep your eye closed during application, don't apply eyeliner to the inner rims of your eyelids, replace eye makeup at least every 3 months, and remove contacts before removing your makeup.

5. Stick to the Hygiene Guidelines

Always thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. After washing your hands, dry them using a lint-free towel. Avoid oily or heavily scented hand soaps.

If you are new to contact lenses and have questions or concerns, call St. Clairsville Eyecare at (740) 695-0444. We'll be happy to schedule you for a contact lens exam and fitting.