A Step-by-Step Guide
At Northland Eye Care, we’re excited when a patient chooses to try contact lenses for the first time. We offer a variety of lens types such as daily, monthly, annual, and RGP (rigid gas permeable), so you can find a style suited to your eyes and lifestyle. Starting with contacts can usually involve more than selecting a lens. To help your adaptation go smoothly, we aim to guide you through each stage: fitting, hygiene, and getting used to wearing them.
Fitting: The First Visit Matters
Your contact lens journey begins with a fitting session. During this appointment, we’ll gather precise measurements of your cornea’s curvature, gauge tear film quality, and assess your eye health. These specifics are essential to choosing lenses that fit comfortably and deliver clear vision. Since we carry multiple types of contacts, we can match you with daily, monthly, RGP, or longer-term lenses based on how your eyes respond.
Once we’ve selected your initial lens pair, you’ll try them on in the clinic. We observe how they move on your eye, whether they center properly, and how comfortable they feel. At this point we can also check visual clarity. Does your vision sharpen with the lenses in place? After giving you time to wear them in-office, we’ll schedule a follow-up to verify that everything is working: fit, comfort, and visual performance.
Because we stock many standard lens options, you may even be able to begin wearing your contacts the same day. Having that immediate start helps you get accustomed early.
Hygiene & Daily Care
Good hygiene is nonnegotiable when wearing contact lenses. Before touching lenses or your eyes, wash your hands with a mild soap and dry them thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Avoid soaps with heavy perfumes or moisturizers that leave residue.
When you remove your lenses, always use fresh, recommended contact solution. Never “top up” old solution in the carrying case. Be sure to empty it, rinse, and refill. Clean your lens case regularly (at least weekly) and replace it periodically, so bacteria and debris don’t accumulate.
Also, always rinse your lenses after removal before disinfecting, especially if you’ve worn them outdoors or in dusty environments. This extra rinse helps remove surface debris that could scratch your eyes or irritate them later.
If you ever feel persistent discomfort, redness, or experience blurry vision, remove the lenses immediately and contact our clinic. We’ll evaluate whether you need a different lens type or recall your fitting. If needed, we can also perform a comprehensive eye exam to see if there is anything wrong with the eye itself that may be causing the problems.
Adapting to Lens Wear
The first days or weeks of wearing contacts can be quite an adjustment. Many new wearers can feel a slight foreign-body sensation, mild dryness, or occasional tearing. These feelings generally diminish as your eyes adapt.
We suggest beginning with shorter wearing periods, perhaps a few hours at a time, and gradually increasing duration until you can wear your lenses comfortably for a full day. Don’t force it; if your eyes feel strained, remove them and rest.
To help ease adaptation, consider blinking deliberately (especially when reading or using screens) to help the lens stay hydrated. Also use rewetting drops that are safe for your lens type if dryness sets in. Finally, avoid wearing your lenses overnight unless your specific lenses are approved for extended wear.
During your follow-up visits, we’ll check how well you tolerate the lenses and discuss any concerns, adjusting your prescription or lens type if needed.
Tips for New Contact Lens Wearers
- Start with fewer hours and increase gradually until full-day wear feels comfortable.
- Always handle lenses with clean, dry hands and use fresh solution.
- Clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses as directed; don’t reuse or “top up” solution.
- Maintain a clean lens case and replace it regularly.
- Use rewetting drops (approved for your lenses) if your eyes feel dry.
- Attend your follow-up appointments so we can assess your comfort, fit, and vision.
Book an Appointment Today
First-time contact lens wearers can surely succeed with a little patience and good habits. At Northland Eye Care, we’re here to support each step. From fitting to hygiene, adaptation, and adjusting, we will work with you to ensure that your eyes remain comfortable and healthy so you enjoy clear vision without dependency on glasses. If you’re thinking of trying contact lenses, book a consultation with us and let’s find your ideal lens together.