Perhaps you’ve been considering swapping your glasses for lenses for a while but are still on the fence about it. Do you really have it in you to touch your eye? Trading your trusty glasses for contacts for the first time can be scary, but it can also be one of the best things you’ve ever done.
Don’t get us wrong, glasses are great, but they do come with some drawbacks. One of the most annoying of which is that everytime it rains, you wish your glasses had their own mini windscreen wipers. The chances are that before you try out contacts, you have a few burning questions that need answering. Like, does it hurt to put them in your eye? Will you feel them? And, most importantly, how much do they cost?
It’s completely normal to be nervous about making the change. That’s why we’ve put together this guide to help you work out if now is the right time to try contacts out.
Make an appointment with your eye doctor
While there are some fantastic sites for ordering contact lenses from, don’t order any without seeing your eye doctor first. Making the swap from glasses to lenses means you’ll need a new prescription as lens prescriptions can differ to glasses ones. So before you do anything else, make an appointment to see your eye doctor.
To your appointment, it’s best not to wear makeup, especially if you’ll be trying to put lenses in. The first time you attempt to place lenses in your eyes, it may be a struggle which can cause makeup to end up in your eye. That’s why, it’s best not to wear any makeup. Your eye doctor will check your eyes and then give you a pair of sample lenses to try. Before you’re allowed to leave, you’ll need to master the art of putting them in and taking them out. (No matter how long it takes you to do so, don’t stress.)
Research lenses and what to expect
Before you choose what lenses to order, do a little research into the different types. Your eye doctor will, of course, be able to advise you on the different types. However, it’s still good to do your own research. When looking at lens types, think about your lifestyle, and what is the best option for you.
Most eye doctors suggest starting new contact lens wearers off with daily disposable lenses, as these are the easiest option. You don’t need to stress about cleaning them, all you need to do is pop them in the morning. While they’re the easiest lenses, they’re not the best option if you’re going to be wearing them day in, day out. Not to mention the fact that dailies are the most expensive lens type. For longer wear, and slightly cheaper lenses, two-weekly or monthly lenses are best. To find out more about these, check out http://www.lensdirect.com. For affordable lenses, this site is fantastic as it offers high-quality brands at low prices.
Learn about lens care
If you do opt for two-weekly or monthly lenses, it’s crucial that you know how to take care of them properly. You can talk to your eye doctor about this, or you can read up online. The most important thing to remember is never to handle your lenses without clean hands. Unless, of course, you want an eye infection, that is.
It’s also essential that you make time to clean your lenses properly on removal and leave them to soak. Something that many new lens wearers struggle with is how gentle to be when putting a contact into their eye. Unless you want to damage your eye, it’s essential that you know how much pressure you’ll need.
Getting contact lenses is a big deal, especially if you’ve been wearing glasses for years. However, once you adjust to the change, it can be one of the most worthwhile changes you’ve ever made.
Written by Jacqueline Chambers
Jacqueline Chambers is the founder of TGIFguide. She uses her innate skills as a natural “connector” to serve businesses, brands and individuals in the LA area and beyond.
