Adjusting to Contact Lenses: Tips and What to Expect

Learning to adjust to the newness of becoming a contact lens wearer can be an experience on its own. How long does it take to adjust to contacts will depend on how you respond to contact lens use and care. As a new contact lens user or if you are transitioning from eyeglass wear, you will discover an empowering and convenient way of correcting vision that will quickly become second nature.

Contact lenses can provide a more natural look and feel, and even a better field of vision as the lens sits directly on the eyes. Contact lens wear for those who play sports or lead an active lifestyle is another benefit. While issues that might arise during the adjustment period can include discomfort, dryness, and blurry vision, in this article, we’re sharing some practical tips to alleviate these challenges, making your transition to contact lenses as smooth as possible.

Tips for a Positive Contact Lens Adjustment

To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience when using new contact lenses for the first time, follow a few tips to help adjust to this new lifestyle. Ultimately, getting used to contacts takes a little bit of time, trial, and error. Keep your eyeglasses on hand until you are used to contact lens wear and have the proper practices mastered. Always be sure your hands are clean. and use soap and water to wash your hands thoroughly. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel. If you are using non-disposable contacts, always rinse the lens with a contact lens solution before use, and store them properly in a lens case.

Remember that contact lenses are medical devices. Do not take shortcuts such as using someone else’s storage case or rinsing your contact lenses with water when a contact solution is not available. Keeping your lens bacteria-free, and clear from any lint, grit, or build-up will help ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses remain comfortable during use.

Should Contacts Be Blurry at First?

While learning how to use contact lenses for the first time, it is not uncommon to encounter some initial blurriness. Your eyes will take time to get used to having a foreign object within them. With some practice in handling, placing, and wearing contact lenses, it will quickly become second nature. You will steadily become acclimated to wearing the contacts and find the initial blurriness will subside. Practice patience until your eyes become used to the lenses and you will soon gain confidence as you learn proper contact lens care.

How Long Does it Take to Adjust to Contacts?

There is no one-size-fits-all timeline for getting used to contact lenses. Everyone will adjust at a different rate and the adjustment period will vary based on how fast you learn contact lens care. Typically though, most people will need 10-12 days to get used to wearing contact lenses.

This learning curve will be based on learning how to clean, sanitize, store, place, and remove contact lenses. Remember, patience is essential for a successful transition to wearing contact lenses. It will be important to incorporate careful and planned testing of your lenses. This means being prepared and knowing when you need to perform tasks where you rely on good vision. Allow yourself ample time before work, school, driving, reading, cooking, or other tasks where you need to see well and keep your glasses nearby. Plan to remove your contacts after two hours of initial wear if you feel pain, discomfort, or blurriness. Build up your tolerance by adding more time, and as the days progress you will get better at wearing your contacts for a longer span.

How Long Should Contacts Feel Uncomfortable?

Ideally, contact lenses should never feel uncomfortable but feeling discomfort while adjusting to contact lenses is not uncommon. When your lenses are not properly cared for and cleaned, bacteria can build up and cause some discomfort. To avoid any lingering discomfort, follow these care tips:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a lint-free towel before handling contact lenses.

• Remove your contacts before going to sleep.

• Remove your contacts before swimming or getting into a pool or hot tub.

• Do not shower with your contacts in.

• For non-disposable contact lenses: Use a fresh dose of contact lens solution each use and store your contacts in the case.

• Dispose of old contact lens solution before storing your contact lenses.

• If you feel any eye irritation while wearing your contacts, remove them and rinse them with the eye solution. Do not rub your eyes as that might cause infection if there happens to be any debris on the lens.

• Use over-the-counter drops or check with your doctor for prescription eye drops if your eye feels dry, or if you have redness or discomfort.

• Seek a doctor or medical care provider if pain, dryness, or persistent discomfort continues.

Hygiene Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Keeping contact lenses properly cleaned will prevent bacteria build up on the contacts. This is critical to maintaining clear vision and avoiding potential complications. Following simple contact lens cleaning practices, you can help prevent the buildup on contacts that can lead to eye infections.

Additionally, contact lenses can cause irritation and discomfort if they are not correctly fitted for the eye. A seamless daily routine that includes regular cleaning and disinfecting of the contacts is important. Keeping your solution fresh and always using an unexpired contact lens solution is key to caring for your lenses.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

As someone with new contact lenses, during the adjustment period, you may find that there are times when your eyes feel tired or you may feel eye strain. Remember to wear your contacts for their intended scheduled use. Your eyes may feel dry after a long day of wear, which is normal and expected. Your eye doctor may prescribe eye drops, or over-the-counter drops may be appropriate for use.

At times you may even feel that your eyes experience moderate irritation. If this happens, you should remove the lens and clean them with a contact lens solution. Another great practice to ensure the safe use of your contacts is to follow the contact lens disposal schedule. Daily disposable contact lenses are a great choice for new users - wearing a new lens every day is one of the safest and most comfortable ways to wear contacts.

Be sure to keep your eye exam appointments to ensure your prescription is up to date.

Listening to Your Eyes: When to Seek Help

While some discomfort is normal, it's vital to recognize when your eyes are trying to tell you something more. If you discover more irritation, discomfort, or eye pain that outlasts the adjustment period, reach out to your eye doctor or health care provider. Some signs to look for that there could be trouble for your eyes are noticeable eye pain, redness, infection, or discomfort.

Experience the Comfort of Hubble Contact Lenses

At Hubble, we understand the importance of a seamless transition to contact lenses. Our high-quality, affordable contact offerings cater to every individual's needs. Our Classic by Hubble lenses are single-vision soft contact lenses made from methafilcon A hydrogel material with 55% water content and provide UV protection.

Our Hydro by Hubble lenses feature ultra-thin edges that minimize eyelid friction and improve comfort. Hydro by Hubble lenses are designed for easy insertion, all-day comfort, and crystal-clear vision. Plus, Hydro contacts feature the world’s slimmest lens packaging, saving you space and reducing plastic waste. These contact lenses are Single vision soft contact lenses made from Hioxifilcon A material. Hydro lenses contain 57% water content - made from poly (HEMA-GMA) that naturally attracts and bonds with water molecules to enhance moisture retention.

Discover the Benefits of Daily Disposable Contacts

Daily wear contacts (dailies) are the most commonly prescribed type of contact lens, and they are the best choice for first-time wearers and seasoned contact lens users alike. Dailies are contact lenses that are changed every day, which can help reduce issues like irritation or blurriness. These lenses are worn throughout the day and then removed each night. Choosing daily wear contact lenses is recommended to help with keeping your contacts fresh which in turn ensures lasting comfort.

Explore Hubble's Contact Lens Subscription Services

As a new contact lens user, with time, practice, and good hygiene the adjustment period should be manageable and comforting to your eyes. You can decrease your chances of discomfort, eye strain, and tired eyes by using your contact lenses as intended. Ordering contact lenses with Hubble takes the hassle out of ordering contacts with our personalized subscription offerings. Never worry about running out of your daily disposable lenses again, plus receive a discount on your first order of Classic by Hubble or Hydro by Hubble lenses!