How to Get Used to Soft Contact Lenses

Nearly 135 million people around the world wear contact lenses to help correct a variety of vision problems. According to the American Optometric Association, most people choose to wear soft contact lenses over hard or gas-permeable contacts. Soft contact lenses are made of a thin, flexible gel-like plastic that conforms to the eye and stays in place, even during vigorous activity. Many soft contact lens wearers are able to get used to their contacts within a few days or even a few hours. Following the proper hygiene and safety procedures will help make soft contact lenses more comfortable and easier to wear.

Things You'll Need

• Contact Lens Cleaning Solution
• Contact Lens Case
• Rewetting Drops

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands before you put in the contact lenses to avoid getting debris on the lenses or in your eyes. Contact lenses with dirt and debris on them can cause pain, irritation or infection, making them difficult to wear for any extended period.

• 2

  Wear the contact lenses for 4 hours on the first day that you get them. Add 2 hours every day after that until you are wearing them for a full day. This will give your eyes a chance to get used to the feeling of the contacts.

• 3

  Take out your contacts every night unless they are designed for extended overnight wear. According to the Mayo Clinic in the article "Nearsightedness," proteins and micro-organisms can accumulate on soft contact lenses that are not designed for extended wear. In addition, wearing contact lenses overnight limits the amount of oxygen that gets to the cornea, which raises the risk of infection.

• 4

  Clean and store soft contact lenses using fresh contact lens cleaning solution that is recommended by your optometrist. According to the American Optometric Association, the contact lens case should also be changed at least every 3 months.

• 5

  Throw away disposable soft contact lenses based on the recommended replacement schedule for your particular type of contacts. This will help prevent the irritation and eye infections that are often associated with wearing contacts for too long.

• 6

  Use rewetting eye drops for occasional dryness. Make sure that your eye drops are made for use with contact lenses. Drops that simulate real tears are recommended, according to the article "Contact Lens Problems" from Brigham and Women's Hospital.