Contact lenses offer a convenient vision correction alternative to eyeglasses, providing a wider field of view and freedom from frames. For new wearers, an adjustment period is a common and expected part of the experience as the eyes adapt to the presence of the lenses. Understanding this initial phase can help new users navigate the transition successfully.
Typical Adjustment Timeline
Most individuals adjust to new contact lenses within a few days to a couple of weeks. During this initial phase, new wearers may experience various sensations as their eyes and brain become accustomed to the lenses.
Common initial sensations include a feeling of awareness that something is in the eye, mild irritation, or slight dryness. Some individuals might also notice temporary blurriness or increased light sensitivity. These sensations diminish as the eyes adapt to the presence of the lens. If discomfort persists beyond a few days, or if symptoms like sharp pain, persistent redness, or discharge occur, it is advisable to consult an eye care professional.
Factors Influencing Adjustment
The duration and ease of the adjustment period are influenced by several factors. The type of contact lens plays a role, with soft contact lenses offering quicker adaptation due to their flexible material. In contrast, rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, made from a firmer plastic, require a longer adjustment period, sometimes up to a week or more, because they move more with each blink. Despite this, RGP lenses can provide excellent visual clarity once adapted.
Individual eye sensitivity also affects how quickly someone adjusts, with some eyes adapting faster than others. The wearer’s prescription can also influence adjustment time; higher prescriptions or complex vision needs may require a slightly longer period for the brain to adapt to the new visual input. A proper fit by an eye care professional is also important, as ill-fitting lenses can lead to discomfort, irritation, and potential eye health complications.
Navigating the Adjustment Period
New contact lens wearers can adopt several strategies to facilitate a smoother adjustment. Gradually increasing wear time is recommended, starting with a few hours a day and slowly extending the duration as the eyes become more comfortable. Most people can comfortably wear lenses for 8-12 hours daily within one to two weeks. It is important to avoid overwearing lenses, especially during the initial phase, to prevent irritation and dryness.
Strict adherence to hygiene practices is important for eye health and comfort. This includes thoroughly washing and drying hands before handling lenses to prevent transferring bacteria. Lenses should always be cleaned and stored using the recommended contact lens solution, never tap water or saliva, which can introduce harmful microorganisms. Regular cleaning of the lens case and replacing it every one to three months also contributes to preventing bacterial buildup.
Listening to your eyes and not ignoring persistent discomfort is important. If irritation, redness, or blurry vision occurs, lenses should be removed immediately. If symptoms persist after removing, cleaning, and reinserting the lenses, or if there is sharp pain or discharge, seeking immediate professional advice from an eye care provider is necessary. Follow-up appointments with an eye care professional are also important to monitor lens fit, evaluate eye health, and address any concerns.