Thinking of ditching your glasses for contact lenses? You’re not alone. Many people make the switch every year for greater convenience, more natural vision, and increased freedom during sports or day-to-day life. But changing how you correct your vision can take some getting used to.
Whether you’re switching for the first time or returning to contacts after a break, it’s important to ease into the experience with the right mindset, habits, and support.
Start with a Proper Contact Lens Fitting
Before you try on a single pair of contacts, it’s important to have a contact lens exam and fitting. A regular eye exam checks your vision, but a contact lens exam evaluates additional factors like the shape of your eye, tear film quality, and lifestyle needs to find lenses that suit you.
During your fitting, you’ll be assessed for various types of lenses, including daily disposables, monthly lenses, and specialized options such as toric or multifocal lenses, based on your prescription and comfort.
You’ll also receive in-office instruction on how to insert, remove, and care for your lenses safely. Getting the right fit helps avoid irritation, dryness, or blurry vision. Poorly fitted lenses can lead to discomfort or even eye infections, so this step is critical.
Give Yourself Time to Adjust
Contacts feel different from glasses, and that’s okay. It’s completely normal for your eyes to take a few days to get used to the sensation of wearing contact lenses, especially if you’ve never used them before.
Start by wearing your contacts for a few hours a day and gradually increase the wear time as your comfort improves. Don’t be discouraged if they feel a little strange at first. Your eyes and eyelids will adapt.
As your brain adjusts to a new way of processing visual input, minor blurriness is common, but should settle down in a day or 2. If discomfort or vision issues persist, book a follow-up with your optometrist.
How to Care for Your Contact Lenses
Contact lenses are medical devices that rest directly on your eyes, so hygiene is non-negotiable. Proper handling and cleaning can help prevent infections and extend the life of your lenses.
Some basics to follow:
- Wash and dry your hands before touching lenses
- Always use fresh contact solution
- Store lenses in a clean case, and replace the case every 1–3 months
- Don’t sleep in lenses unless your optometrist approves
- Follow your lens replacement schedule exactly
Daily disposables are often recommended for beginners because they eliminate the need for cleaning and reduce the risk of contamination. If you’re using reusable lenses, our team will guide you through the cleaning steps during your in-office training.
Understand the Different Lens Options
Not all contact lenses are the same, and your lifestyle or prescription may influence the right choice. Your optometrist can help guide you, but here’s a quick overview:
- Soft contact lenses: Comfortable and popular for daily wear
- Rigid gas permeable lenses (RGPs): Provide crisp vision, especially for people with astigmatism
- Daily disposables: Convenient and hygienic, ideal for beginners
- Extended wear lenses: Can be worn overnight (with professional guidance)
- Toric lenses: Designed to correct astigmatism
- Multifocal lenses: Help with both near and far vision for those with presbyopia
Choosing the right type makes wearing contacts easier and more effective. The goal is clear vision and lasting comfort.
Be Patient with Insertion & Removal
Putting in and taking out contacts can feel tricky at first. But with practice and a little patience, it becomes second nature.
When inserting lenses:
- Always start with the same eye to build consistency
- Check the lens isn’t inside-out
- Use your index finger to place the lens and gently hold your eyelids open
For removal:
- Look up slightly
- Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens
Our in-office fittings include hands-on training to help you feel confident inserting and removing your lenses safely. If you’re struggling, don’t worry, it gets easier with time.
Keep Up with Follow-Ups & Eye Exams
Switching to contacts isn’t a one-and-done process. Your vision, eye shape, and tear quality can all change over time. That’s why regular check-ins are so important.
We recommend annual comprehensive eye exams and earlier follow-ups if you experience discomfort, dryness, or sudden vision changes.
Follow-ups help us:
- Reassess your prescription and lens fit
- Spot signs of irritation or infection early
- Make sure your lenses still suit your needs
Keeping your eyes healthy long-term means staying proactive, not just reactive.
Feel Comfortable & Confident in Your Contact Lenses
Making the switch from glasses to contact lenses can feel like a big step, but with the right guidance and support, it’s a smooth transition. At Total Vision Ladera Ranch, we take the time to educate our patients, customize each fitting, and make sure you leave feeling confident in your new lenses.
Our team is here to answer your questions, guide you through your first wear, and offer ongoing support with personalized care.
Schedule a contact lens exam today and discover the freedom that comes with clear, comfortable vision.
