If you are new to wearing contact lenses, then there is no doubt that you have a lot of questions. Sometimes the people who work in the optometrist office go over the information so quickly because it is so routine for them. So after the initial visit, what are some of the common questions new contact lens wearers have?
One of the biggest hindrances to new contact lens wearers is how to tell if their lens is inside out or not. You should find this relatively easy to do. Place the contact lens on the tip of your finger so it looks like a cup, not encapsulating your finger. Now, look at the rim of the lens. Does it appear that the edges are jutting out to the outside or does the lens take on a regular U shape? If the edges appear to jut out, then the lens is inside out. And don’t worry should you put the lens in inside out. This will not cause harm to your eye, however you will notice mild irritation until you correct the situation.
A lot of beginners become frustrated at how long it can take them to get their lenses in place on their eye. After all, it is not natural to be sticking your fingers in your eye and poking around! You should take comfort in the fact that after a week or two of practice applying your contact lenses to your eye will be second nature. There are however some rules that you should adhere to before handling your contact lenses.
First, prior to handling your lenses you should always wash your hands. Nothing will ruin your day faster than a dirty or oily lens. This can cause irritation and could eventually lead to infection in your eye. Clean your lenses as recommended by the manufacturer.
When it comes to applying the lenses, get into a routine of one eye before the other. This means that if you put the right lens in first, do so every day. This will create a habit and assist you in preventing a mix up of the lenses. Use your middle finger or index finger to insert the lens. Your other hand should hold your eye lid open. Some people will tell you to look up as you insert. This is uncomfortable to some people. If it feels more natural to look ahead, then do so. Do what is comfortable to you. After insertion, roll your eye and blink to help the lens settle into place.
After reading and applying the tips in this guide you should feel more comfortable about wearing your contact lenses. Remember to stay patient and practice. Within a few weeks you will be a pro!