Switching from prescription eyeglasses to contact lenses requires more than just transferring a power number. Because contacts rest directly on the eye’s surface, this transition demands a specialized fitting and a commitment to new hygiene routines. Following professional guidance is essential to ensure eye health and visual clarity.
Initial Consultation and Prescription
A standard glasses prescription cannot be used for contact lenses because the two devices sit at different distances from the eye. Eyeglass lenses are typically positioned about 12 millimeters away, but contacts rest directly on the cornea, altering the effective power needed. Therefore, an eye care professional must perform a dedicated fitting exam to obtain specific measurements of the eye’s front surface.
The fitting involves measuring the Base Curve (BC), the curvature of the lens’s back surface, and the Diameter (DIA), the lens’s overall width. These measurements are essential for ensuring the lens fits comfortably and safely. An improperly fitted lens can cause discomfort, blurry vision, and restrict oxygen flow to the cornea. The consultation also includes evaluating your tear film to determine if your eyes are prone to dryness, which informs the best lens material choice.
Selecting the Right Lens Material and Schedule
Your lifestyle and eye health profile determine the appropriate lens material and replacement schedule. Soft contact lenses are categorized into conventional hydrogel and silicone hydrogel materials. Traditional hydrogel lenses rely on water content to transport oxygen, but high water content can draw moisture from the eye’s tear film, making them less suitable for people with dry eyes.
Silicone hydrogel lenses utilize silicone to allow significantly more oxygen to pass through the lens, often five times more than standard hydrogel, even with lower water content. A third option is Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, which are firmer and provide excellent visual clarity, especially for complex prescriptions like high astigmatism. RGP lenses allow tears and oxygen to circulate beneath the lens but require a longer initial adjustment period due to their rigidity.
Wearing schedules range from daily disposable, bi-weekly, to monthly lenses. Daily disposables are the most hygienic option because a fresh, sterile pair is used each day, eliminating the need for cleaning and reducing contamination risk. Monthly and bi-weekly lenses are more cost-effective but require a strict cleaning and disinfection regimen. Daily lenses are often recommended for those with allergies or sensitive eyes.
Learning Handling and Care Routines
Mastering the physical act of inserting and removing lenses is fundamental to the transition. Before handling a lens, wash your hands thoroughly with mild, non-moisturizing soap and dry them completely with a lint-free towel. When placing the lens on your fingertip, check that it forms a perfect bowl shape; if the edges flare out, it is inside out and must be flipped.
To insert the lens, use one hand to hold the upper eyelid near the brow and the middle finger of the other hand to pull the lower lid down. Gently place the lens onto the eye’s surface, and a few slow blinks help center it correctly. For removal, slide the lens down to the white of the eye and gently pinch it off with the thumb and index finger.
For reusable lenses, the cleaning routine is essential. Empty the lens case, place one lens in your palm, add fresh multipurpose solution, and rub it gently for several seconds before rinsing. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as this reduces its disinfecting effectiveness. Do not use tap water for rinsing or storing lenses or the case, as it contains microorganisms like the Acanthamoeba amoeba, which can cause a severe eye infection.
Navigating the Adjustment Phase and Follow-Up
Initial wearers should expect an adjustment period as the eye learns to tolerate the lens sensation. It is common to experience a slight foreign-body sensation, mild dryness, or increased tearing and blinking during the first few days. This discomfort usually fades as the eye adapts, with most people feeling comfortable within one to two weeks.
To prevent irritation, start with a conservative wearing schedule, often beginning with only two to four hours on the first day. Gradually increase the wear time by a few hours daily, working toward the maximum time prescribed (typically 10 to 12 hours). If you experience persistent pain, excessive redness, swelling, or sudden blurred vision, remove the lenses immediately and seek professional medical advice.
A follow-up appointment is required after the initial fitting to confirm the lenses are fitting correctly and that your eyes are healthy. The eye care professional will assess lens movement, check for complications, and fine-tune the prescription based on your experience. Routine check-ups are an ongoing requirement to ensure the long-term safety and performance of your lenses.