Hands up if you relate to any of these eyeglasses wearer problems. They always seem to need cleaning. They tend to go missing just as you’re about to leave the house. They often mysteriously place themselves in harm’s way (ie on your seat). Plus, they fog up and impair your vision when you go from cold to hot – so annoying in the winter or when you take something out of the oven!
Contact lenses can have so many benefits: unencumbered vision, a confidence boost and that natural look, to name a few. They’re also way better for playing sports because they don’t slip off your nose when you get sweaty or bounce on and off if you’re jumping about.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, there are a few things you should know. Here, we share our top tips for transitioning from eyeglasses to contact lenses.
You’ll need a new prescription
If you’re thinking about transitioning from eyeglasses to contact lenses, your first stop should be an appointment to see your optician. You can’t just swap your eyeglasses prescription over to contact lenses. You’ll need to have a professional eye test so your optician can prescribe lenses that will both correct your vision and be comfortable.
Your optician will then be able to recommend the type of contact lens that will best suit your eyes and your lifestyle. They may also be able to offer you some lenses to try out.
To wear daysoft® lenses, you need a specific contact lens prescription that gives essential details regarding the lenses and confirming your suitability to wear contact lenses. It also lets you know when your follow-up examination is due. Just ask for a copy if it’s not given to you.
Decide on the best contact lenses for you
There are lots of different types of lenses that cater for a variety of eye conditions and lifestyles. Near-sightedness, far-sightedness, blurred vision and astigmatism can determine what type of lenses you choose, which is why it’s essential that you get a prescription from your optician first.
daysoft® daily disposable contact lenses are hassle-free. You don’t need to remember to clean them and you get a fresh new pair every day. They’re super-comfy and hydrating, even for those who suffer from allergies. Everything – from packaging to blister packs – can be recycled (apart from the lenses themselves, but we’re working on this!) so they’re one of the most sustainable options on the market. Plus, you can order as many as you need. Oh, and they’re delivered through your letterbox – easy-peasy.
Make sure you wash your hands
We don’t want to sound patronizing, but if you’re trying contacts for the first time, you’re going to have to get really, really good at remembering to wash your hands. Following simple hygiene and care guidelines when you’re putting in and taking out your contacts will keep your eyes healthy and ensure your vision stays clear.
Washing your hands before you put in and remove your lenses stops bugs from your hands getting on your contact lenses or eyes, reducing the chances of infection or debris getting into your eyes.
Drying your hands thoroughly after washing them is just as important. Germs in water can cause serious eye infections if allowed to get into your eye or on your contact lenses. It’s a good rule of thumb to take out your lenses before showering and swimming, too (or wear high-quality goggles). Other don’ts include:
- Don’t share your lenses with anyone else.
- Don’t use saliva to moisten your lenses (ew).
- Don’t sleep in your lenses.
Build up lens wear little by little
You’ll probably be super-excited to wear your new lenses here, there and everywhere. We get it! There’s nothing like the freedom of being eyeglasses free. But do give yourself time to get used to wearing them.
You could start off on day one, for example, by wearing them for four hours in the morning. Take them out at lunch and put your eyeglasses back on to give your eyes a break.
Every day, wear them for an hour longer until you can keep them in for a day or more. If your eyes dry out, use some eye drops – just make sure that the eye drops you’re using are compatible with contact lenses. And if you’ve been prescribed any medicated eye drops, please check with your prescriber before using them while wearing your lenses.
Remember to take a day off your contact lenses once a week to rest your eyes.
Get to know your lenses
It's more than likely that your left and right eyes will have different vision prescriptions. They may be only very slight but it’s good practice to not mix them up. Putting the wrong lenses in the incorrect eyes can cause eye strain, headaches or blurred vision.
Get into the habit of putting the same lens in first. It doesn’t matter which side you start with, but always begin with either your left or your right.
Let your contact lenses ‘settle in’
Accept that it’ll take a bit of time for your contact lenses to ‘settle in’. They’re not going to provide perfect vision on the very first wear.
Your eyes need to adjust to their new lenses. You may experience some minor issues, such as headaches or dizziness, as you go through the settling-in phase.
Don’t forget your shades
daysoft® contact lenses incorporate a UV filter, but areas not covered by the lens, such as the conjunctiva (over the white of the eye), eyelids and other eye tissue, are sensitive to UV. With that in mind, we recommend that you wear UV-protection sunglasses over your contact lenses at times of high UV exposure or whenever you would normally wear sunglasses. Keep a pair of shades handy for when you go outside, even on overcast days.
Transitioning from eyeglasses to contact lenses can improve your look and your lifestyle, but always check with your optician to work out which lenses are right for you. We know trying contacts for the first time can be a nerve-wracking experience, but sticking to the tips above will help. Ready to try out some contacts? Select your lens type.
