What to Expect When Wearing Contact Lenses for the First Time

Contact lenses can take some getting used to – at least at first.

If you are wondering what to expect when wearing contact lenses for the first time, rest assured when you come to You and Eye in the Sydney CBD, we’ll look after you. We will fit the lens to be sure it’s exactly right, take you through your first application and show you the correct cleaning methods. 

We’ll teach you everything you need to know and give you some practice time to give it a go yourself. You will go home feeling comfortable, knowing exactly what you need to do so you can attain the best vision!

Getting contact lenses for the first time

When you buy contact lenses they will be custom made to your eye. Everyone’s eyes are unique, so when customising lenses for your eyes, we take a few factors into account: 

• The structure of your eye, such as pupil size and corneal curvature.
• Your tear film, to ensure you have sufficient eye moisture for lenses.
• Your visual acuity – i.e. how clearly you can see. 
• The best type of lens material, replacement schedule and brand to suit your eyes.

That’s why it’s critical that you look for the best optometry services in your area to be sure that you are fitted perfectly.

Even if you only want contacts for show, like a colour or an effect lens, you will need to make an optometrist appointment, as contact lenses can only be fitted by an eye care practitioner. You and Eye can assess your needs, write a prescription for the proper size, shape and power and  recommend the best brand of lenses.

We’re also here to answer any questions you might have along the way, so please use your time with us to get confident and feel safe with your new contact lenses.

Contact lens fit

Because we fit your contact lens for you, you can be certain it will be right for your eye, and you’ll know that it’s gone on correctly. When you know what feels right, it will be very easy to know if you accidently get things wrong at home. 

The great news is, nothing bad will happen if you are alert and diligent. Even if you put them on inside out, just take them out, give them a proper solution clean and go again.

It is normal for there to be a slight adjustment time. If the lens takes a few seconds to settle exactly in the right place you may notice some blurry vision, however, this will only last for a second or two.

What to expect when wearing contact lenses

Some of our clients ask what do contact lenses feel like and can you feel contact lenses once they’re in? 

When contact lens are correctly fitted, you shouldn’t feel them at all. They are designed to be comfortable, and the materials used are gentle and snug. You may of course notice them in your eyes at first, but that’s about all. 

If you can feel them at any time it’s usually not highly painful (not like being poked in the eye or having a stuck eyelash can be!), but more along the lines of little bit of irritation.

If you do notice any burning or irritation when wearing contacts, it could be due to: 

• A little piece of dirt or fibre that has been caught between your eye and the lens. This is easily remedied by taking the lens out, rinsing it in solution and re-inserting it.
• A small scratch on the lens, especially if the irritation keeps happening. You should discard the scratched lens and use another one. 
• Another issue, such as a change in your eyes. So, if the irritation keeps happening and you know the lens isn’t scratched, you should come back into the clinic for a checkup.  

At the first time wearing contacts, you could feel a big difference to wearing glasses. As mentioned, you will probably notice the lenses there in the beginning, but the feeling shouldn’t be unpleasant or troubling, just more of an awareness – a bit like you have tears in your eyes or a feeling that something’s odd. This will pass very quickly as you get used to the feeling of having the contacts in.

Some people find their eyes water a lot when they use contact lenses for the first time. It’s not a permanent thing – it’s just your eyes getting used to the sensation and they will quickly adjust and settle down. It might be handy to have some good quality clean tissues on hand when you go for your first fitting or wear contact lenses for the first time.

If you experience the feeling of dry eyes then you might like to try drops as part of your contact application. Just ask us for a sample.

Adjusting to daily contact lens use

One thing you will notice about contacts is how clean they are. So many times through the day, your glasses will become slightly dirty or smeared. Contacts are so clear and clean you will really see the difference. It’s like taking the windowpane out so you can see outside without the glass interfering.

For most people putting in and taking out contacts is the biggest part to get used to, since we normally avoid touching our eyes. 

It does get easy with practice and soon becomes a very normal part of your daily routine. It is never painful and is very easy to master. It is very important that you always wash your hands correctly and use the solutions to clean the lenses at night. 

We would recommend going slowly your first day or two. Allow yourself to get used to the change and give yourself a break after about 3-4 hours until you feel really natural about wearing them.

How to put lenses in and take them out

Contact lenses are inserted using one of your fingertips (usually the index or pointer finger), while holding open your eyelids. Removing them is a matter of pulling down your lower eyelid and gently pinching the lens with your thumb and index finger. 

Your eye doctor will show you the exact procedures for inserting and removing lenses, and give you the opportunity to practice it yourself at the clinic. But once you get home, you will need to get used to doing it yourself. 

But in any case, scrupulous hygiene when handling lenses is crucial every time! You may also want to avoid using contacts when you have the flu or hay fever. 

How to insert contacts: 

• If you will be putting your lenses in over the sink, make sure to put the plug in.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with plain soap and water, and dry them completely preferably with a non-fluffy or lint-free towel. 
• Insert your lenses one eye at a time, using the procedure demonstrated by your eye doctor. 
• Blink a few times after insertion to let the lens settle properly. 
• If you will be using makeup, apply it after the lenses are in properly (not before as residue can stay on your fingers). 

Removing contacts: 

• Wash and dry your hands as above. 
• Remove your lenses using the method your optometrist showed you, before removing makeup (if applicable). 
• Discard disposable lenses safely. For reusables, disinfect them with the solution provided by your optometrist. 
• Do not ever clean or rinse reusable lenses with tap water as it can carry microbes. 

Fortunately, once you get used to putting lenses in and taking them out, you will be able to do it very quickly – often in a matter of seconds!

The care of contact lenses

The main thing to remember when it comes to caring for contact lenses is cleanliness and hygiene, as this helps prevent eye infections, redness and soreness. 

In between uses, reusable lenses should be stored in their case in a fresh lot of solution each time. Do not soak them in previously-used solution. 

You should also take care of your contact lens case. This includes:

• Throwing out any used soaking solution. 
• Cleaning the case with fresh solution or hot water, and drying it with a tissue or paper towel.
• Closing the case lid after cleaning. 
• Replacing the case every few months with a new one. 

How long should you wear contacts? 

The short answer is you should never wear contacts longer than your eye doctor tells you. So if, for example, they tell you to remove and change your lenses on a daily basis, then you should go by that. 

You generally shouldn’t sleep with your contacts in (unless advised otherwise).  Leaving your lenses in overnight can increase the risk of cutting off oxygen to your corneas, eye infections, blurred vision, and/or severe eye damage. 

If you take naps during the day, you may need to remove your lenses first to be on the safe side. Speak to your optometrist about this if you’re unsure.  

Do contacts hurt your eyes?

When inserted, removed and worn properly, contact lenses should not hurt your eyes at all. If they do cause you problems you should stop using them and immediately make an appointment with your eye doctor. 

Using lenses every day is safe, and there is no indication that it leads to any kind of long-term eye damage. This applies even if you wear them for years – as long as you do so correctly of course! 

How much are prescription contact lenses?

Just like glasses, the cost really depends on what materials your contact lenses are made from, the brand, and the prescription you need.

We would love to talk to you about our price range or have you in for a look at what your best options are. No matter what your current glasses prescription is, even if you have astigmatism, talk to us about your options. If you would really like a change, talk to our staff about prescription coloured contact lenses.If you’re looking for an optometrist in the Sydney CBD, please make an appointment to visit us at Shop 6, Upper Ground floor, 10 Spring St, Sydney.

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