The Complete Guide to How to Use Contact Lenses for the First Time

Making the switch from glasses to contact lenses can feel like a big step, especially if it's your first time. Contacts provide convenience and freedom that traditional eyewear often cannot. Contact lenses are small, curved pieces of plastic or glass that are placed directly onto the surface of the eye. They are designed to correct vision, or to change the color of the eyes and can be used to tackle a variety of vision problems including nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. 

However, before you take the plunge and start wearing them frequently, there are several important details to consider - from picking out the best contact lenses for proper hygiene, and learning techniques while wearing them. With this introductory guide on how to use contact lenses, we’ll be demystifying the experience of wearing contact lenses, and supplementing the information provided to you by your eye care provider. 

Whether it's your very first time with corrective eye care, or you're making the transition away from glasses, you’ll find helpful information you should know here! 

Types of Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are made in different materials, are made based on longevity of wear, and can be used for a specific purpose or intended benefit. If you are new to contact lenses, this article will help get you started on the language of contact lenses and the general types of contacts that you can try. 

Soft Lens

These contact lenses are made from a softer, more pliable (flexible) material. They are made with a hydrogel and are often the most prescribed contact due to their ease of use and comfort. 

Hard Lens

These contact lenses are a firmer or hard type of material that are more durable and do not bend or fold. These contacts are also called Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses. Hard lenses usually provide a clearer sight. These lenses require more cleaning and disinfection. 

Daily Disposable Contacts

Daily disposable contacts are one of the most commonly prescribed options. These lenses are worn throughout the day and then removed each night. As the name implies, these contacts are thrown out at the end of each day and replaced with a fresh, clean pair each morning. 

Extended Wear

Extended wear contact lenses can be worn overnight. These lenses are typically designed to be worn from one to six nights, but some can be worn up to 30 days. These lenses work best for those with lifestyles that may prevent them from removing lenses at night, such as military personnel or emergency service workers.

Two-Week or Monthly

Monthly wear contact lenses are planned replacement lenses typically that come in a wider variety of options compared to daily use lenses, and they are often more affordable. Because they aren’t discarded as frequently, biweekly lenses are also more environmentally friendly.

How to Put In Contacts

Putting in contact lenses can be a little tricky at first, but with a few simple steps you can master it!

1. First, make sure your hands are clean. Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands. Dry with a lint free towel. 
2. Rinse the lens with a contact lens solution.
3. Using your index finger and thumb, gently pull your upper eyelid up and down. This will give you a good view of your eye's surface. 
4. With the same finger and thumb, pick up the lens and gently place it on the white of your eye. 
5. Close your eye and gently press your finger on the lens to make sure it's secure. 
6. Open your eye and blink a few times to make sure the lens is comfortable and in place. 
7. Work with the same eye every time. This ensures that the right side prescription goes into the right eye. And that the left side contact will go in that left eye as well. 
8. Never used a scratched or damaged contact lens. Dispose of and use a new pair instead. 

With a little practice, putting in contact lenses will become second nature!

How to Take Out Contacts

As with any new skill, there is a learning curve associated with putting in and taking out contacts. However, once again, by following the key steps and with a little practice and repetition, this process is easily mastered by anyone. 

1. Always begin with clean dry hands. Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your hands. Dry with a lint free towel. 
2. Get a firm grip on the top and bottom eyelid.
3. Reach into your eye and while looking slightly up.
4. Slide the contact lens down.
5. Reach in with your thumb and finger to pull the lens out.
6. Place contacts in their case and add the eye wash solution to them and secure the case lid. 
7. If you encounter any difficulty past the learning curve for contact lens insertion and removal, contact your optometrist for further demonstration. 

How to Use Contact Lenses: Common Questions and Do’s & Don'ts

To keep your eyes healthy and free from infections or complications, there are several simple habits that you can get in the habit of. Remember that 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 mastered these dos and don'ts. We’ve compiled our top tips for contact lens use below.

• If you wear makeup be sure to put your contacts in first in order to prevent makeup transferring to the contact.

• At the end of the day, remove your contacts first before removing make up.

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

• Never shower with your contacts in.

• Do not sleep with your contacts in, unless they are explicitly intended for overnight use. This can cause irritation, dryness, redness, and blurry vision, which could eventually cause infections. Sleeping with contacts also deprives the eyes of much needed oxygen. 

• Keep your contacts in the contact case when not in use. Be sure to periodically clean your contact lens case as well to remove any protein deposits or potential bacteria. 

• You’ll also want to change your contact lens case occasionally; every 3 months is recommended. 

• Always ensure that the nozzle of the contact lens solution does not get any debris or anything on it  

• Use fresh contact lens solution each time and store your contacts in your case. Dispose of old solution before storing your contact lenses. Note that contact lenses should never be rinsed or stored in water.

• 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.

• If you have dry eyes, do not use over the counter eye drops as a quick fix. Use only doctor prescribed eye washes made for contacts. 

• Do not share your contact lenses with anyone.

• Get your eyes checked regularly to ensure you always have the correct prescription.

• Above all, if you're ever unsure about the process of using contact lenses or you experience any eye-related issues or symptoms, be sure to contact a medical professional for assistance. 

Caring for and Cleaning Your Reusable Contacts

Cleaning your reusable contact lenses is an important part of not only maintaining them, but also protecting your eyes’ health. To ensure you're doing it correctly, you should use a contact lens cleaner specifically designed for the type of contact lenses you have. Place the contact lens in the palm of your hand. Start by gently rubbing the lens with a few drops of the cleaning solution between your finger and the lens. Then, rinse the lens with a saline solution. 

Finally, let the lenses air dry in a clean container or contact lens case, and replace the solution in the container as needed. Make sure the lens is fully submerged. Tighten the cap on the case and store until ready to use again. Over time, it will become routine and habit in wearing, removing, and storing your contact lenses. Be sure to stay consistent in these practices to keep your contacts wearable and comfortable for use.

Please note, that the above only applies to reusable contact lenses. On the contrary, daily lenses should always be disposed of after each use and replaced by a fresh pair every morning. 

Discover the Best Contacts with Hubble

With Hubble, you can find high-quality and affordable optical contact lenses. Make the most of your contacts and get your first 15 pairs of prescription daily lenses for just $1, followed by a 28-day supply for just $19.99 per eye. 

Hubble aims to make daily disposable contact lenses affordable and accessible to all. Our lenses are made from methafilcon A, a hydrogel material. With 55% water content, UV protection, and a thin edge, they're designed for easy insertion, all-day comfort and crystal clear vision. Start your daily contact lens subscription today and find out why contact lens wearers love Hubble.