Wearing contact lenses for the first time requires a period of careful adaptation. These lenses are medical devices that rest directly on the eye’s surface. The primary goal of the initial wearing period is to allow the cornea, the clear front part of the eye, to safely acclimate to the physical presence of the lens. Following a structured schedule is paramount to preventing irritation, discomfort, and potentially serious eye health complications.
Essential Preparation: Handling and Hygiene
Before a new contact lens ever touches the eye, a strict hygiene routine must be established, as poor handling is a major source of potential infection. The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands with plain soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds. This removes germs and debris that could be transferred to the lens and subsequently to the eye.
After washing, hands must be dried completely with a clean, lint-free towel to ensure no tap water residue remains. Microbes found in water, such as Acanthamoeba, pose a serious risk if they come into contact with the lens or the eye. Use only fresh, commercially prepared contact lens solution designed for disinfection and storage. Never use water, tap water, or saliva for rinsing or storing lenses, as none of these are sterile.
Before insertion, inspect the lens for any tears, chips, or debris that could scratch the corneal surface. Also check to ensure it is not inside-out, which causes immediate discomfort. This preparation is the foundation for a safe adaptation period.
The Gradual First-Time Wearing Schedule
The initial wearing schedule involves a structured, gradual increase in duration. This cautious approach is necessary because a contact lens acts as a physical barrier, slightly reducing the oxygen reaching the cornea. Since the cornea receives oxygen directly from the air, a sudden, prolonged reduction can lead to swelling or physiological stress.
The initial wearing schedule for soft lenses, the most common type, begins conservatively. On the first day, the lenses should be worn for no more than two to four hours. This brief window allows the eye to begin adjusting to the sensation and the minor change in oxygen flow without inducing significant strain. The lenses should always be removed well before any noticeable discomfort or dryness begins.
For the subsequent days, the total wear time should increase incrementally, generally by two hours each day. For example, day two might involve four to six hours of wear, day three six to eight hours, and so on. This slow progression allows the corneal cells and tear film to adapt, minimizing the risk of hypoxia-related issues, such as corneal edema. The maximum recommended daily wear time for most soft lenses is 12 to 14 hours, but this plateau should not be reached until at least one to two weeks into the adaptation period.
Rigid gas permeable lenses offer excellent vision but are firmer and often require a longer, more gradual adaptation period. Regardless of the lens type, the schedule must be abandoned immediately if persistent discomfort occurs. The ultimate wearing schedule is determined by the eye’s tolerance, not a fixed calendar date.
Recognizing Early Warning Signs
New wearers must monitor their eyes for signs of trouble that indicate immediate lens removal. While the feeling of the lens is normal at first, pain or persistent discomfort is not part of the adjustment process. Sustained pain, sharp stinging, or intense burning should prompt immediate lens removal.
Sudden or worsening blurred vision, haze, or a noticeable decrease in clarity while wearing the lenses can signal a problem such as corneal swelling or excessive debris accumulation. Similarly, an increase in sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, is a common reaction to inflammation or irritation of the cornea. These visual symptoms warrant prompt attention from an eye care professional.
Persistent eye redness that does not improve after removing the lenses is a serious warning sign. Redness often signals inflammation or infection and should not be ignored. Other concerning symptoms include excessive tearing, unusual discharge, or a persistent foreign object sensation, which may indicate a corneal abrasion. If any of these symptoms occur, remove the lenses and consult with the prescribing eye doctor before attempting to wear them again.