Hands up if you relate to any of these glasses-wearer problems. They always seem to need cleaning. They tend to go missing just as you’re about to leave the house. They often mysteriously place themselves in harm’s way (i.e., on your seat). Plus, they fog up and impair your vision when you go from cold to hot – so annoying in the winter or when you take something out of the oven!
Contact lenses can have so many benefits: unencumbered vision, a confidence boost, and that natural look, to name a few. They’re also way better for playing sports because they don’t slip off your nose when you get sweaty or bounce on and off if you’re jumping around. And they give you increased peripheral vision.
If you’re thinking about making the switch, there are a few things you should know. Here, we share our top tips for transitioning from glasses to contact lenses.
You’ll need a new prescription
If you’re thinking about transitioning from glasses to contact lenses, your first stop should be an appointment to see your optician. You can’t just swap your glasses prescription over to contact lenses. You’ll need a professional eye exam so your optician can prescribe lenses that will both correct your vision and be comfortable.
Your optician will then be able to recommend the type of contact lens that will best suit your eyes and your lifestyle. They may also be able to offer you some lenses to try out.
To wear daysoft® lenses, you need a specific contact lens prescription that gives essential details about the lenses and confirms your suitability to wear contact lenses. It also lets you know when your follow-up exam is due. Just ask for a copy if it’s not given to you.
Decide on the best contact lenses for you
There are lots of different types of lenses that cater to a variety of eye conditions and lifestyles. Nearsightedness, farsightedness, blurred vision, and astigmatism can determine what type of lenses you choose, which is why it’s essential to get a prescription from your optician first.
daysoft® daily disposable contact lenses are hassle-free. You don’t need to remember to clean them, and you get a fresh new pair every day. They’re super comfy and hydrating, even for those who suffer from allergies. Everything – from packaging to blister packs – can be recycled (except for the lenses themselves, but we’re working on that!), so they’re one of the most sustainable options on the market. Plus, you can order as many as you need or start a subscription. Oh, and they’re delivered through your letterbox so you don’t have to wait at home!
Make sure you wash your hands
We don’t want to sound patronizing, but if you’re trying contacts for the first time, you’re going to have to get really, really good at remembering to wash your hands. Following simple hygiene and care guidelines when you’re putting in and taking out your contacts will keep your eyes healthy and ensure your vision stays clear.
Washing your hands before you put in and remove your lenses stops germs from your hands getting on your contact lenses or in your eyes, reducing the chances of infection or debris causing irritation.
Drying your hands thoroughly after washing is just as important. Germs in water can cause serious eye infections if allowed to get into your eye or onto your lenses. It’s a good rule of thumb to take out your lenses before showering or swimming too (or wear high-quality goggles). Other don’ts include:
- Don’t share your lenses with anyone else.
- Don’t use saliva to moisten your lenses (!)
- Don’t sleep in your lenses.
Build up lens wear little by little
You’ll probably be super excited to wear your new lenses here, there, and everywhere. We get it! There’s nothing like the freedom of being glasses-free. But do give yourself time to get used to wearing them.
You could start off on day one, for example, by wearing them for four hours in the morning. Take them out at lunch and put your glasses back on to give your eyes a break.
Each day, wear them an hour longer until you can keep them in for a full day. If your eyes dry out, use eye drops – just make sure the drops are compatible with contact lenses. And if you’ve been prescribed any medicated drops, check with your provider before using them while wearing your lenses.
Remember to take a day off your contact lenses once a week to rest your eyes.
Get to know your lenses
It's likely your left and right eyes will have different prescriptions. They may be only slightly different, but it’s good practice not to mix them up. Putting the wrong lenses in the wrong eyes can cause eye strain, headaches, or blurred vision.
Get into the habit of putting the same lens in first. It doesn’t matter which side you start with – just be consistent.
Let your contact lenses ‘settle in’
Accept that it’ll take a bit of time for your contact lenses to ‘settle in.’ They’re not going to provide perfect vision on the very first wear.
Your eyes need to adjust to the new lenses. You may experience minor issues, such as a mild headache or dizziness, as you go through the settling-in phase.
Don’t forget your shades
daysoft® contact lenses incorporate a UV filter, but areas not covered by the lens – like the conjunctiva (over the white of the eye), eyelids, and other eye tissue – are still sensitive to UV. With that in mind, we recommend wearing UV-protection sunglasses over your contact lenses during high UV exposure or whenever you’d normally wear sunglasses. Keep a pair of shades handy, even on overcast days.
Transitioning from glasses to contact lenses can improve your look and your lifestyle, but always check with your optician to find out which lenses are right for you. We know trying contacts for the first time can feel nerve-racking, but following the tips above will help. Ready to try out some contacts? Select your lens type.
