Guideline For New Contact Lens Wearers

Before your appointment:

Watch:

Click here to watch a video on how to insert and remove contact lenses.

At your appointment:

What to expect:

Your optometrist will start with a vision test. Following refraction, they will examine the health and shape of your eyes. These steps will allow your doctor to provide the best contact lens recommendations for you. Together you’ll decide which type of contact lenses are most suitable for your needs. Next, you will be trained on how to properly insert and remove your new contacts. Once successfully completed, your doctor will make sure they are fitting properly and you’re seeing clearly. If everything is satisfactory, you’ll take them home for a trial period.

After your appointment:

Reminders:

On the first day wear your lenses for 4 hours. Increase contact lens wear time by 2 hours each day for a max of 10-12 hours

Recommended daily cleaning solution: OPTI-FREE®

Recommended lubricating eye drops: Blink Contacts®  (be sure to use eye drops that are specified for contact lens use as other eye drops may damage your contacts)

To clean your contact lens case: For reusable contacts lens wearers – remove the old solution, rinse with fresh solution, allow the container to dry upside down, uncapped, on a clean surface. Remember to replace the contact lens case every 3 months.


Do’s and Don’ts:

❌ Don’t sleep, swim or shower in your contacts

❌ Don’t overwear them. Set a reminder on your calendar to replace them

❌ Don’t insert lenses into your eyes with wet hands (solution is okay, NO water)

❌ Don’t store them in anything except clean contact lens solution

❌ Don’t use your glasses prescription for your contacts, these are two different prescriptions

✅ Do replace contact lens solution every day, no topping off old solution

✅ Do replace your contact lens case every 3 months

✅ Do make sure your hands are clean, DRY, and lint free when handling lenses

✅ Do take your contact lenses out at least 2 hours before you sleep

✅ Do have a backup pair of glasses with you at all times

✅ Do rub your lenses clean with solution, even if it’s a “rub-free” formula


Important:

Contact lenses are medical devices that need to be prescribed by a medical professional. Contact lenses come in different sizes and materials, meaning one size does not fit all. This rule applies to colored contacts as well. Wearing the wrong contact lens is dangerous and can damage your eyes. Consult with your optometrist to see which contacts are healthiest for you!


Disclaimer: This site is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical care. This site is not intended to provide specific medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you act on any advice rendered on this website, you do so strictly out of your own volition. Make an appointment with your optometrist or healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a specific medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. I have no financial incentives and I do not receive any compensation for the products listed in this blog.

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