First time wearing contact lens?
Yes. It can be confusing, scary and people may have a lot of doubts regarding the dos and don’ts. Some of us may definitely find it irritating to wear glasses no matter how slim or lightweight the modern glasses are. Contact lens and refractive surgery come to the rescue here to save you from all the problems of glasses! But there are definitely a few things to keep in mind before wearing contact lenses for the first time, such as:
1.Lenses don’t get ‘lost’ or ‘stuck’ in your eye!
First and foremost, know that using a contact lens is a safe and easy process. Frequently heard rumors such as ‘contact lenses get ‘lost’ in your eyes, or getting stuck there, are not true. Therefore, with a few precautions and the following points in this article, you need not worry as much.
2.How to put in contact lenses for the first time:
Figuring out how to wear contact lenses for the first time can be a daunting task. However, with a bit of patience and practice, it will not be too much of a headache. Your first task is to clean your hands well. Then, put the contact lens on your finger in such a way that it should look like a little cup when held up against the light. Pull your upper and lower eyelids upward and downward respectively; then slightly look upwards. Now, place the lens gently into your eye, on your eyeball, and close your eyelids. Allow the lens for a few moments to adjust to your eye.
Now, repeat the process for the other eye. Don’t forget to be slow and take your own time. Your eyes should feel fully normal and comfortable, and you should be able to see clearly after blinking a few times. If it is not comfortable, gently take out the lens, rinse it in solution and try again.
3.Keep your contact lenses as clean as possible
Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body and are vulnerable to damage from dirt, and other outside materials and pollutants. As the contact lenses will stay in constant contact with your eyes for a long period of time, it is extremely important that you keep them clean. Invest in the best quality contact lenses and their corresponding solution to clean them thoroughly before use each time! It is also important to avoid the accumulation of unclean solution in the lens case: rinse out the solution every day and refill with fresh solution before storage of the lens.
4.Keep the contact lenses hydrated:
Dry contact lenses can irritate your eye. So, try and make sure that they are always hydrated. Carry the contact lens solution with you wherever you go, in case you are wearing them. If you are using them for a long time, regularly hydrate them to avoid dryness.
5.First time vision problems
Wearing lenses for the first time can cause blurry vision or irritation. It is a common occurrence. However, it may also be the result of poor contact lens hygiene, settling of debris, etc. These things should go away as you take the right precautions. If, on the other hand, even after taking adequate precautions, the problems persist, then it is time to get your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist.
6.Follow the ophthalmologist’s instructions
Contact lens usage for first-time users can be a messy affair, as it takes some time to get used, to the entire routine. However, under no circumstances should you not follow the instructions of your ophthalmologist regarding the lens or the usage instructions. You must follow the proper replacement schedules, follow-up appointments as well as for instructions regarding the contact lenses.
7.Keep your fingernails away from your contact lenses
Your fingernails contain a huge amount of germs and dirt at any given time. Letting your fingernails come in contact with your lenses can let that dirt and germs into your eyes. Further, the sharp nails can also cause cuts/damage to the lens in your eye. Therefore keep your nails filed, neat, and away from the eyes as much as possible.
8.Not to rinse the contact lens with water
Surprisingly, water and contact lens aren’t great friends! While we use water to wash everything we can think of, we shouldn’t wash contact lenses with water. At any given time, running water can contain vast amounts of bacteria and germs that cannot affect us under normal circumstances. However, washing the contact lenses with water can turn them into gateways for these bacteria and germs to reach your eyes. This might lead to an infection which we obviously wish to avoid.
9.Be honest to your requirements
Contact lenses come in various options. They can be disposable (use once and throw away) also. If you think it is not possible for you to adhere to the daily cleaning and maintenance routine that comes with contact lenses, then you can opt for disposable ones. This eliminates the need to clean them and store them properly.
The most common type of lens, the hard lens, is technically called a rigid gas permeable lens. These hard lenses are more durable than soft lenses, so they last longer. Soft contact lenses are a more popular choice than hard lenses, though. On the downside, hard contact lenses are more likely to cause infections. They may also be less comfortable than soft lenses. So make your choice well.
10.When the lenses are uncomfortable to wear
Wearing a contact lens for the first time can feel uncomfortable. It can happen often for hard lenses. If your eye feels dry once you’ve put in your lens, try using rewetting drops made specifically for contact lenses.
If a lens feels scratchy, hurts, or irritates your eye after putting it in, gently remove it, after washing your hands properly. Rinse it thoroughly with the contact lens solution to get rid of any dirt or debris that may have stuck to it.
Inspect the lens carefully to see if it is intact or it is damaged. Put it on, if it is intact. However, if the irritation continues, along with a burning sensation or redness, stop use immediately and contact your ophthalmologist.
11.Know when the lens is damaged
It is important to make sure that your contact lens is not damaged, as wearing them can hurt your eyes. When you put the lens on the top of your index or middle finger, the edges of the lens should turn up to form a bowl, not flip out. If it’s inside out, gently flips it. If the lens is damaged, don’t use it.
How to remove the contact lens after first use
This is another process that demands attention and care while. Be careful; wash your hands well and pat them dry with a clean towel. With the middle finger of your dominant hand, gently pull down the lower eyelid of your eye. Look upwards, and using the index finger of the same eye, pull down the lens gently to the white of the eye. Pinch the lens with your thumb and index finger and remove it.
Final words: Do’s and Don’ts for first-time users
Contact lenses may improve your appearance, but there are certain limitations to their use. It is not advisable to wear contact lenses for longer than prescribed hours. Do not keep the lenses in saline water overnight. Definitely do not sleep with the contact lenses on, nor should you swim or take a shower with them on. Safely putting in and taking out your contact lenses is crucial for the health of your eyes.