Thinking about making the switch to contact lenses? If you’re one of the 59% of UK people who need glasses and have grown tired of wearing a pair of spectacles whenever you want to see, then contact lenses offer the ultimate solution.
These give you the freedom and flexibility to go about your day without having to worry about breaking or losing your glasses. However, the initial time after you swap to contact lenses can be a lot to get used to, so we want to help.
In our guide below, we’ll discuss what you can expect when you start wearing contact lenses to give you all the information you need to decide if you want to leap into a life of contact lenses.
Consult with your optician
Now that you’re thinking about becoming a contact lens wearer, you’ll first need to consult with your optician. They will give you more information about contact lenses, how much they cost and the different options available. The options include:
Daily disposables – wear them for one day and throw them away before bed – which is the most popular type for 15-64-year-olds in the UK and Ireland according to the latest statistics. These may also be the most suitable type ifyou’re looking to switch up your look with coloured contact lenses.
Twice monthly – wear the same pair and remove overnight for two weeks then change to a new pair every fortnight.
Monthly – wear the same pair every day for a month and remove them at night then start wearing a new pair at the start of the following month
Adjusting to the change
Once you’ve got your first set of contact lenses, it’s time to get used to them. Contact lens experts Lenstore said this about making the switch:
‘Contact lenses can be daunting for those who haven’t used them before, with the idea of putting something in your eyes. For many, touching their eyes is an off-putting concept. But contact lenses can feel a lot more natural than glasses and in some cases more comfortable for longer periods of time, particularly for those with higher prescriptions. They’re also often easier to wear when playing sports or engaging in more active pastimes.
If you’re thinking about swapping to contact lenses, you should speak to your optometrist and get advice, as they can help to allay many fears and concerns that might otherwise put you off.’
Make sure you follow the hygiene advice
Contact lenses require more care and attention than glasses, which can feel time-consuming to begin with. This is because they need to stay clean as they’re in direct contact with your eyes for the majority of the day. To clean them, use the solution that they come with to rinse the inside of the lens and then refill your contact lens case with fresh solution, so they can bathe in it overnight.
