If you are sick of wearing glasses, then contacts may be a good solution. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 30 million people in the United States wear contacts. Of those people, the average wearer is 31 years old. About 66 percent of all contact wearers are females. If you are thinking about getting your first pair of contacts, then here are some tips to help you adjust.
Put the Same Lens in First
While it does not matter if you start with the right or left eye, get into a routine of putting the same eye contact first each time. That makes it easier to keep your contacts for each eye separate. If you have trouble getting your contacts in, then find a friend who wears contacts and have them to show you how they put their contacts in. Alternatively, seek help from your eye doctor. While you may feel like you are really struggling right now, soon it will become second nature.
Practice Good Hygiene
Start by washing your hands before touching your contacts. Then, dry them with a lint-free towel. Make it a point to never rub your eyes as you may accidentally dislodge your contact or get oil and dirt in your eye. Make sure to follow the instructions of your contact provider to clean them or replace them as directed. If you are going to be in dirty conditions, then consider taking your contacts out.
Put Your Contacts in Right
If your contacts feel strange, then make sure that you have put them incorrectly. If you put the contact on the tip of your finger and hold it up to the light, then it should form a cup. If it does not, then you need to turn the contact over. Some manufacturers also mark their contacts with letters or numbers allowing you to tell which way they should go in. After some time passes, it will become second nature to put them in the right way.
Avoid Dry Eyes
One common complaint from new contact wearers is that their eyes constantly feel dry. If you feel like your eyes are constantly dry, then ask about rewetting drops. They are designed to keep your eyes moist. Also, make sure that you are drinking plenty of water. You should drink at least one-half gallon of water every day. If you are still having trouble, then talk to your eye doctor.
Consider the Benefits
When you get frustrated about your new contacts, then consider the benefits of wearing them. They will usually allow you to see clearer than glasses. They will not bounce up and down on your face. They will not fall off at the most inopportune moment. Thinking about all these benefits and more may help you relax.
Contacts are a great way to change your looks. You will no longer be fumbling to find your glasses. Use these tips to help you get used to wearing them.
Contributed by Hannah Whittenly
