How to Get Used to Wearing (and Caring for) Contacts

So you have a new prescription for contact lenses, but wearing them just doesn’t feel natural? With a little practice, contacts can become a routine part of your day. 

Here at Cooper Optometry in Santa Monica, California, skilled optometrists Donna Cooper, OD, and Sarah Chung, OD, help you feel comfortable and confident in your new lenses. In this month’s blog, they offer three tips to help you ease into wearing and caring for your contacts.

1. Start right: Contact lens fitting and your first few days `

At Cooper Optometry, we provide in-depth contact lens fittings and rely on trusted brands and materials to make sure your lenses match your eye shape, prescription, eye moisture level, and lifestyle. A good fit prevents discomfort, redness, or dry eye.

Drs. Cooper and Chung recommend starting gradually. If you’re new to contacts, wear them for a few hours the first couple of days as your eyes grow accustomed to them. Increase the amount of time you wear them in small increments as your eyes adjust.

2. Habits that help: Wearing and removing your contacts

These daily habits can help as you get used to contacts:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses
• Always put in the same lens first and take them out in the same order to avoid mix-ups
• Blink often and take breaks when using screens to prevent computer vision syndrome
• Don’t wear lenses past their recommended usage (daily, weekly, monthly)

Whenever your eyes feel dry and scratchy, take out the contacts, squeeze a couple of lubricating drops into each eye, and let your eyes rest before replacing the lenses.

3. Simple steps: Caring for your contacts and your eyes

Getting a custom fit and taking good care of the lenses isn’t just about comfort; it’s also about your eye health. Here are some ways you can safeguard both:

• Clean and store lenses in fresh solution each night
• Replace the contact case quarterly and clean it by rinsing and air drying it nightly
• Schedule annual eye exams to ensure your eyes are healthy and contacts still suitable

If you experience pain, discharge, or vision changes, treat the situation as an emergency. Our team handles eye emergencies on-site in our Santa Monica office.

Your contact lens journey

Becoming comfortable with contacts usually takes several days, possibly a week or more. You may need to make adjustments during that time, such as switching to a different cleaning solution brand or lens type. 

At Cooper Optometry, we’re committed to helping you find what works best for your eyes. From the first contact lens fitting through follow-ups in your comprehensive eye exam, we’re here to help you wear your contacts comfortably and care for them well.

For your custom contact lens consultation, call for an appointment or request one online today.