Making the switch from glasses to contact lenses can be a significant change, but it can also be a liberating experience. Contact lenses offer a range of benefits including a wider field of vision, the absence of fogging or getting wet in the rain, and the freedom to engage in various activities without the worry of glasses slipping off.
Here’s an essential guide to help you transition smoothly from glasses to contacts.
Understanding the basics
Before transitioning, it’s essential to understand the basics of contact lenses. Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses placed on the surface of the eyes to correct vision. They can correct a variety of vision problems including myopia (nearsightedness), hyperopia (farsightedness), astigmatism, and presbyopia.
There are two main types of contact lenses: soft lenses and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses. Soft lenses are made of flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, providing comfort and ease of use. RGP lenses, on the other hand, are more durable and offer sharper vision, but they require a longer adaptation period.
Step 1: Consult an eye care professional
The first and most crucial step in transitioning from glasses to contacts is to consult an eye care professional. An optometrist or ophthalmologist will conduct a comprehensive eye exam to determine your suitability for contact lenses. This exam includes:
- Visual acuity test: This test measures how well you see at different distances.
- Corneal curvature measurement: Using a device called a keratometer, the doctor measures the curvature of your cornea to determine the appropriate fit for your contact lenses.
- Tear film evaluation: This test assesses whether you produce enough tears to keep the lenses moist and comfortable.
- Pupil and iris measurement: These measurements ensure that the lenses will fit properly over your eyes.
Step 2: Choosing the right type of contact lenses
Based on the results of your eye exam, your eye care professional will recommend the type of contact lenses that best suit your needs. Factors influencing this decision include:
- Lifestyle: If you have an active lifestyle, daily disposable lenses may be more convenient. For those who prefer a more cost-effective option, monthly or bi-weekly lenses could be suitable.
- Vision correction needs: Certain conditions like astigmatism or presbyopia require specialized lenses, such as toric or multifocal lenses.
- Material preference: Some people may have sensitivities or preferences for certain materials. For example, those with dry eyes may benefit from lenses with higher water content.
Step 3: Learning how to insert and remove contacts
Learning to insert and remove contact lenses can be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Here are the steps:
Inserting contact lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands: Always wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly before handling your lenses.
- Inspect the lens: Place the lens on the tip of your finger and inspect it for any damage or debris. Ensure the lens is not inside out; it should form a cup shape with the edges pointing upward.
- Place the lens on your eye: Hold your upper eyelid with one hand and pull down your lower eyelid with the other. Gently place the lens on your eye, then slowly release your eyelid and blink a few times to center the lens.
Removing contact lenses:
- Wash and dry your hands: Clean hands are crucial to avoid infections.
- Look up and slide the lens: Look upward and gently slide the lens down to the white part of your eye using your index finger.
- Pinch and remove: Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger and remove it from your eye.
Step 4: Adapting to contact lenses
Adapting to contact lenses can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. During this period, you might experience some discomfort as your eyes adjust. Here are some tips to ease the transition:
- Follow the wearing schedule: Start by wearing the lenses for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the duration as recommended by your eye care professional.
- Use lubricating drops: If your eyes feel dry, use lubricating drops specifically designed for contact lens wearers.
- Avoid overwearing: Do not wear your lenses longer than the recommended period, as this can cause eye strain and dryness.
- Take breaks: Give your eyes a break by switching to glasses for a few hours if needed.
Transitioning to multifocal contact lenses
As we age, our eyes naturally undergo changes that can lead to presbyopia, a condition where the eye gradually loses the ability to focus on close objects. For individuals accustomed to wearing glasses or single-vision contact lenses, the transition to multifocal contact lenses can provide a seamless solution to managing presbyopia. Multifocal contact lenses are designed with multiple prescription powers in one lens, allowing for clear vision at various distances, from near to far.
Choosing multifocal contact lenses
The first step in transitioning to multifocal lenses involves an assessment by your eye care professional to determine the best type of lens for your needs. Multifocal lenses come in different designs, such as concentric rings or progressive segments, and can be made from either soft or rigid gas-permeable materials.
Your eye care professional will consider factors such as your lifestyle, visual needs, and eye health when recommending a specific type of multifocal lens.
Adapting to multifocal contact lenses
Adapting to multifocal lenses may take some time, as your brain needs to adjust to the different focus areas within the lenses. It’s essential to be patient and follow the wearing schedule recommended by your eye care professional. Some individuals may experience initial visual disturbances, such as slight blurring or halos, which typically diminish as they become accustomed to the lenses.
Regular follow-up visits with your eye care professional are crucial to fine-tune the lens prescription and ensure the best possible vision correction.
Overall, multifocal contact lenses offer a convenient and effective alternative to bifocal or multifocal glasses, providing clear vision across various distances and improving overall visual comfort.
Step 5: Maintaining proper hygiene and lens care
Proper hygiene and lens care are vital to prevent infections and ensure the longevity of your lenses. Here are the steps you should take to ensure proper hygiene:
- Clean and disinfect lenses: Use a multipurpose contact lens solution to clean and disinfect your lenses daily. Avoid using tap water or saliva, as they can introduce harmful bacteria.
- Store lenses properly: Always store your lenses in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Replace the case every three months.
- Follow replacement schedule: Adhere to the recommended replacement schedule for your lenses, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables.
- Avoid sleeping in lenses: Unless specifically prescribed by your eye care professional, avoid sleeping in your contact lenses as this increases the risk of eye infections.
Step 6: Regular eye check-ups
Regular eye check-ups are essential to monitor your eye health and ensure your contact lenses continue to fit properly and provide optimal vision correction. Schedule annual visits with your eye care professional, or more frequently if you experience any discomfort or changes in vision.
Common challenges and solutions
Dry eyes
Dry eyes are a common issue for contact lens wearers. Solutions include using rewetting drops, choosing lenses with higher moisture content, and taking breaks from lens wear.
Lens discomfort
Discomfort can be due to improper lens fit, debris on the lens, or eye infections. Ensure your lenses are clean, properly fitted, and consult your eye care professional if discomfort persists.
Difficulty handling lenses
Handling lenses can be tricky initially. Practice makes perfect, and using a mirror and good lighting can help. Some people find it easier to handle lenses with short, trimmed fingernails.
Benefits of contact lenses
The benefits of contact lenses extend beyond just vision correction. They offer a broader field of vision compared to glasses, as there are no frames to obstruct your view. Contacts also provide more natural vision correction, as they move with your eye, eliminating the distortion that can occur with glasses.
For those who engage in physical activities or sports, contact lenses offer greater freedom and comfort. They don’t fog up, fall off, or get splattered by rain, making them a practical choice for active individuals. Additionally, contacts can be worn with any type of sunglasses or safety goggles, providing more versatility.
Ultimately, contact lenses can provide a convenient, comfortable, and liberating alternative to glasses, enhancing both your vision and quality of life.
