Ok, so you’re convinced that contacts are great for special occasions. So what can you do to make wearing them better for you and your eyes?
Visit Your Optometrist and Get Properly Fitted
Many stores allow you to buy off-the-shelf contact lenses. But always see an optometrist for a proper fitting before buying.
It’s important to have the right prescription. This goes for all types of lenses, including colored ones. Without an up-to-date prescription, you risk discomfort, damage and infection.
In addition, you’ll need to decide between hard and soft lenses. And also whether you want dailies, weeklies or monthlies. A visit to your eye doctor will demystify all your questions about contacts. You’ll learn about the different types and find the ones that fit you best.
Clean is Key
When you first get new lenses your doctor or optician will talk to you about proper care for your specific lenses. Don’t take this part lightly.
Some lenses will need to be sterilized overnight, others you can leave in for a week and then throw away. Make sure you know exactly what the rules are for your specific lenses and follow them.
While dirty glasses are not dangerous, dirty contacts can be. Always wash your hands before inserting or removing them. You also need to place your lenses in a saline solution to keep safe. Don't let the cleaning solution come into contact with your fingers or any surfaces
Carry Supplies
When I first started wearing contact lenses I realized I needed to always have with me some saline solution and some eye drops. In some cases, my eyes would get dry and I’d need the drops.
In other cases, I’d find myself fiddling with a lens that just didn’t feel right and would need that bottle of saline handy. Tap water just won’t due, so be prepared for the unexpected.
Carrying your case and your glasses if you regularly wear them is also a good idea during your transition period.
Allow Time for Adjustment
It takes a few weeks to get used to wearing contact lenses. So, if you are planning to wear them for a major life event –like your wedding day– I’d suggest practicing with them for a few weeks before. This will give your eyes time to adjust, will allow you time to get comfortable with caring for the lenses and seeing through them, and allow you to make sure they feel right before the big day comes.
Don't Overwear Your Contact Lenses
You really shouldn't be wearing contact lenses for over 8 hours per day. Doing so could cause serious damage to your eyes and lenses. Contacts have tiny holes in them that allow airflow to your eyes. These holes can get clogged from overuse. This is another reason why it is so important to regularly clean your lenses.
You need to take your lenses out occasionally not only to clean, but to also allow your eyes to rest. It's really important to be aware of how your eyes feel while you're wearing your lenses. Irritated eyes? Remove your contacts, even if it’s only been an hour.
Switch to Glasses if You Have Dry Eyes
Many people who wear contact lenses experience dry eyes and eye strain after long periods of use. Being aware of the consequences will help you remember to take your contacts out at healthy intervals.
You can use eye drops to ease your dry eyes. Still, the simplest way to relieve eye strain is to remove your contacts and switch to glasses.
Keep your contact lenses for special occasions only. This could provide your eyes with the necessary relief during everyday life.
Remove Your Contact Lenses Overnight
It's very, very important that you never forget to remove your contact lenses. You shouldn't be sleeping with your contact lenses in either. This’ll cut off oxygen flow to your eyes.
If you want to remove your contacts during the party, make sure you have your case and solution on hand. It might be a bit of a hassle, but doing this will save you from having other problems in the future. Same goes for if you’re planning to stay somewhere overnight.
Also, consider wearing daily disposable contacts rather than monthly ones. You won’t need to worry about taking your eyecare kit with you.
Remove Your Contact Lenses to Relax
A great time to remove your contacts and let your eyes relax is when you’re at home. Watch that movie or play that video game without lenses in.
You don't need to wear your contact lenses all the time. By taking them out or switching to glasses, you allow your eyes to breathe, rest and recover.
You’ll soon love the feeling and clarity of vision that you experience with contact lenses, but there may be a few days of adjustment in there first.
References
- 8 Tips For Those Wearing Contact Lenses Only Occasionally, LensPure.
- 4 Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses on Special Occasions, mybestcontacts
Make your appointment today
To make your appointment, simply give us a call (760)-948-3345or
Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, all eyewear services are currently by appointment only. Please call to make an appointment.
At Golden Eye Optometry, we view good vision care as front line protection at every age. A routine eye exam can detect more than poor vision. It can shed early light on glaucoma, macular degeneration, cataracts and diabetes.