Getting contact lenses for the first time can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re making a switch from glasses or new to prescription lenses altogether, contact lenses offer plenty of benefits. They give you freedom and comfort with no obstructions, not to mention being excellent for sports or physical activities.
However, it does take practice and time to transition towards using contact lenses comfortably. The best you can do is to know what you’re getting into. Read on to learn about what to expect for your first contact lens experience and what you can do to prepare.
Ensure You Get the Right Prescription
Just like glasses, it is important to get an accurate prescription that is suitable for your eyes. This includes the lens type, power, and material. There are many different types of lenses in Singapore— soft or rigid, daily disposable or monthly, coloured and even specialised lenses to correct vision problems — all of which require a prescription. It’s not the best idea to use your prescription from past eye examinations, since it may change over time. Go for an eye check up with an experienced optometrist for your first contact lens fitting to get the latest and most accurate results.
It’s Normal to Feel Nervous
You’re placing a foreign object into your eye; it’s perfectly normal to have some jitters! You might face a little anxiety about putting in and taking out contact lenses, especially since you have no idea what they will feel like. As a contact lens newbie, you may even fear the lens going in wrong, slipping out of place, or heaven forbid — sliding behind the eyeball.
Don’t worry, that will never happen. At most it might take a few blinks and your lenses will align automatically. As for how they feel, contact lenses are flexible and designed to fit comfortably on the eye. You might initially feel the lens edge, but soon, you won’t even notice they are there.
Allow Time For Your Eyes to Adjust
Naturally, it takes time for your eyes to adjust to a new prescription and the sensation of the lenses. If you’re a glasses-wearer, you might be a little more familiar with this as your eyes need to get used to each new prescription over the years. Be patient as it may even take 10 to 12 days to adjust to your new lenses fully. At the beginning, it is normal to experience slight discomfort (lots of blinking), eye fatigue, or mild blurriness. However, if irritation or such symptoms persist, be sure to consult an eye care practitioner.
Practice Makes Perfect
The more you wear your contact lenses, the more accustomed you will be to them. Even if you fumble a little at the start, with practice, you are sure to get better and more confident in inserting, removing, and cleaning them. Just relax and take your time! One thing you can do is allocate more time in the morning for putting in your lenses, so there’s no need to rush and you can stay calm.
Adopt Good Lens Care Habits
If you are using reusable monthly lenses, it is crucial to establish good cleaning practices right from the start. Make it part of your daily routine to remove and clean your lenses thoroughly before going to bed. Don’t forget to stock up on a high-quality lens care solution as well. Once it becomes a habit, you won’t have to worry about dealing with the problems that come with dirty contact lenses.
Once you power through the initial adjustment period, you will enjoy the freedom of contact lenses in no time. Unsure where to look for your first contact lenses? The key lies in choosing a trusted contact lens shop in Singapore, just like Clearlab. We are dedicated to helping you find the perfect pair of lenses, formulated with cutting-edge technology with the best value pricing. Visit our website to browse available lenses and book a free eye exam to get started!