5 Essential Tips for Switching From Glasses to Contacts
According to the CDC, 45 million people wear contact lenses in the US. There are many benefits of contacts, such as being able to play sports without worrying about damaging your glasses, not altering your appearance, and boosting your confidence.
That said, you have to be careful with your contact lenses. Improper care can lead to eye infections and other risks.
Here’s how to have a smooth transition when switching from glasses to contacts.
1. Wash Your Hands
Whenever you touch your eyes, your hands should be clean. Wash your hands each time you handle your contact lenses. This keeps dirt and debris out of your eyes that can cause infections and irritation.
Your hands should be clean before applying your lenses, before removing them, and if you need to adjust them.
2. Allow Time to Adjust
If you’re a first-time contact wearer, it might take some time to get used to them. Allow time to adjust. It might take you some time to get used to wearing them.
Talk to your eye doctor if you have questions or experience irritation. It’s generally recommended that you adjust to your contacts by wearing them for a few hours in the morning and then switching to glasses for a bit.
Eyedrops can help if your eyes feel dry.
3. Don’t Mix Up the Lenses
When it comes to contacts vs. glasses, there are a few key differences. Make sure to consider all pros and cons before making the switch.
One of the biggest habits you need to get into when switching to contacts is to avoid mixing up the lenses. This isn’t something you had to worry about with glasses, but most people have slightly different prescriptions in each eye.
Follow a routine when putting them in and taking them out, and use cases with an L and R to avoid confusion.
4. Use Hydrating Eye Drops
Contact lenses can cause dry eyes. People who already suffer from dry eyes may find them irritating or difficult to adjust to, especially if they have allergies.
Contacts can also cause blurry vision. This might sound counterintuitive, but it’s because your eyes need time to adjust.
If you’re experiencing blurry vision, make sure you’re cleaning your contacts with the correct contact solution. Try cleaning your lenses and reinserting them to see if that helps.
Also, you can use eye drops designed for dry eyes. Many contact lens wearers use hydrating eye drops to help with blurry vision.
5. Remove Contact Lenses Before Bed
Although some contact lenses are approved for wearing overnight, it’s not generally recommended. You can increase your risk for eye infection. Your eyes need oxygen and hydration to keep out bacteria and prevent infections.
So remove those contact lenses before you go to bed, no matter how tired you are. Your eyes will thank you!
More Tips on Switching From Glasses to Contacts
If you need more tips on switching from glasses to contacts, talk to your ophthalmologist. Make sure to apply them as directed and practice good hygiene to prevent infections.
Are you interested in more health and lifestyle tips? Check out some of the other posts on our website.
