How to Adapt to Contact Lenses

If you're new to wearing contact lenses, they may take some time to adjust to. Whether you wear soft lenses or gas semi-permeable, GP, they can be irritating until you get used to them. It can take a few weeks or months before your eyes adapt to contact lenses -- but there are certain things you can do to speed up the process.

Instructions

• 1

  Practice safe application. Always start with clean, washed hands. Slide the contact out of the case and rinse with the proper solution. Refer to the directions your contact lenses came with to avoid putting them in upside down. Place the contact on your finger, and use your other hand to gently pull up your upper eyelid and pull down your lower lid. Place the contact directly on your pupil while looking either up or straightforward, then shut your eye and roll it in a complete circle. When you open your eye, your contact should be directly on your pupil and your vision should be clear.

• 2

  Practice safe removal. Use the same technique to open your eye described above. With clean, washed hands, gently pinch the contact and place it in a case filled with solution. Depending on your contact lense type and your personal tolerance, you may or may not be able to sleep with them in -- if your type of lense allows you to, test the lenses by sleeping with them in one night and another without.

• 3

  Purchase eye drops. Your eyes may feel dry at times, so use eye drops to re-wet the contact. Most of the bottles are very small and can be carried with you at all times. Use eye drops whenever your eyes feel too dry.

• 4

  Purchase sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection. Certain eye disorders caused by sun exposure can be worse for contact users. Always wear sunglasses outside during the day -- even in cloudy conditions.