New To Contact Lenses? Here Are Our Top 5 Tips!

For millions of people worldwide, contact lenses are the preferred form of vision correction. If you have just started wearing contact lenses in Summerlin or anywhere in the Las Vegas area, you are in good company. Here are five tips to help you quickly adjust to wearing and caring for your new lenses so you can enjoy the many benefits they offer.

How Can You Tell if a Contact Lens Is Inside Out?

This is one of the most common mistakes beginners make when inserting soft contacts. Place the lens on your index fingertip and look carefully at its shape. The edge of the lens should curve smoothly upward, like the rim of a teacup. If the edge flares outward like a blooming flower, the lens is inside out.

Some contact lenses have tiny laser-etched numbers or letters on them. If the markings read correctly when you hold the lens on your fingertip, the lens is properly oriented and ready to be inserted. An inside-out lens will not damage your eye, but it will feel uncomfortable and may not correct your vision properly.

Why Should You Never Substitute Contact Lens Solution?

Your eye doctor will recommend the appropriate contact lens solution for your eyes and lenses. Not all solutions are the same, and some people have sensitivities to certain ingredients or preservatives.

Even if you run out of solution, do not rinse your lenses with water, and never use saliva to moisten or clean them. Using anything other than the recommended contact lens solution can introduce harmful microorganisms to the eye and cause a serious infection. This is also why it is best to remove your contacts before showering, swimming, or using a hot tub. Water, even treated tap water, can harbor bacteria and parasites that pose a risk to contact lens wearers.

What Should You Do if Your Contacts Feel Uncomfortable?

Some new wearers mistakenly believe that discomfort means they simply need to get used to their lenses. In reality, properly fitted contact lenses should feel comfortable. If you are experiencing persistent irritation, something may be wrong.

With clean fingers, remove your contacts and rinse them inside and out with your recommended solution or rewetting drops. Dust, debris, or an eyelash may have become trapped between the lens and your eye. Rinsing the lens with solution will usually remove the irritant.

If your eyes still feel irritated after rinsing, do not reinsert the lenses. Wait until the redness and irritation subside, then try again. If the problem keeps coming back, contact your eye doctor. Persistent discomfort, pain, redness, or changes in vision should always be evaluated promptly, as these can be signs of an infection or a poorly fitting lens.

How Does Makeup Affect Contact Lens Wear?

Wearing makeup around the eyes requires extra care when you are also wearing contact lenses. Here are some practical guidelines to help avoid irritation and infection:

• Choose hypoallergenic makeup products whenever possible.
• If using a cream-based product near your eyes, select a water-based formula rather than an oil-based one.
• Keep your eyes closed during application to prevent particles from getting beneath the lens.
• Avoid applying eyeliner or eyeshadow to the inner rims of your eyelids, where it can migrate onto the lens surface.
• Replace eye makeup at least every three months to minimize bacterial growth.
• Never share eye makeup with others.
• Always insert your contact lenses before applying makeup, and remove your lenses before removing makeup at the end of the day.

Why Is Hand Hygiene So Important for Contact Lens Wearers?

Always wash and thoroughly dry your hands before handling your contact lenses. This single habit is one of the most effective ways to prevent eye infections related to lens wear.

Try to avoid washing your hands with heavily scented or oily soaps, as residue can transfer to the lens surface and irritate your eye. Similarly, if you have recently applied hand cream or lotion, wash your hands again before touching your lenses to avoid film buildup that can cloud your vision.

After washing, dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Wet hands make lenses harder to handle, and contact lenses should not come into contact with tap water.

Do Not Skip Your Follow-Up Eye Exams

While these tips can help you get started, they do not replace regular in-person exams with your eye doctor. Follow-up visits allow your doctor to check how the lenses are fitting, make sure your eyes are staying healthy, and update your prescription if needed. Your eye doctor will let you know how often to schedule these visits based on your lens type and eye health.

If you are new to contact lenses and have questions about getting started, or if you are an experienced wearer looking for a better fit, call Insight Vision Optometry, Las Vegas at 702-747-4070 or visit www.insightvisionlv.com to schedule a contact lethe areand fitting. Our local team is here to help you enjoy comfortable, clear contact lens wear.