Transitioning from Glasses to Contact Lenses: What to Expect
Have you been wearing glasses for a while and are looking to switch? While you may not have considered switching from glasses to contacts a big deal, it is. Though contact lenses and glasses were made to help with vision correction, they both call for adjusting to different habits. So, after switching from glasses to contacts, using your contacts will take some getting used to.
Aside from the habits that you will need to learn, getting how to wear your contacts right can be a difficult task. At first, you may doubt your choice, but it’s worth it because there are many benefits that come with using contact lenses, such as comfort, the fact that they are not prone to easy breakage, and so on.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of switching from glasses to contacts, some of the best ways to make the switch, and how to overcome its challenges. Let’s get into it.
Benefits of Making the Switch from Glasses
Most people who have been wearing glasses for a while can attest to how uncomfortable it is to have your glasses frame sit on your nose and hang on your earlobes all day. The most common benefit is the comfort that lenses bring. But that’s not all. There are many more advantages you’ll get by deciding to switch from glasses to contact lenses. Let’s look at some of them.
Contact lenses give your eyes and face comfort
Glasses can be discomforting because of the pain they cause you on your nose or the ear lobes. The frames when not properly wiped cause acne on your face. Contact lenses however don’t give you such challenges because they sit on your eyes.
Also, contact lenses are now made of long-lasting materials. This way, you get to use your contacts longer than you normally would, but not outside the prescription.
Contact lenses give you full vision
Another plus after switching from glasses to contacts is the full vision that contact lens gives. Like glasses, contact lens has strong prescription power to correct vision problems. However, contact lens gives you better peripheral vision and a wide range of view because it sits on your eyes without frames obstructing the sides.
Contact lenses can help maintain your look
If you have been using glasses for a while, then you know what it is like to have to select those with colors that will pair well with your attire. It can be a pain when your glasses have a frame of a different color than you want. Contact lenses change the game.
When you wear contacts, you can maintain your look because there are no external things like colored frames to interfere with how you would like to present yourself. Studies even say that this can help increase your confidence.
Contact lenses do not disturb physical activities
Glasses can hinder you from enjoying some physical activities like sports and general gym exercises. However, if you wear contact lenses for these same activities (aside from those that involve water), you get to enjoy them.
These are just a few advantages of the use of contacts over glasses, there are many more. But, aside from advantages, there are other things to consider when making the switch—things like knowing which type of contact is best for your eyes, how to care for it, and so on. Let’s walk you through it.
Getting Started: Your Guide to Contact Lens Basics
If you are just getting started with contact lenses, you might have some worries and questions like “How do I wear the contacts?”, “The lenses are numerous, what kind do I choose?”. Don’t worry. We’ll give you tips for choosing and using your contact lenses as a beginner. Let’s get into it.
Choosing the Right Type of Contact Lenses
The first among the tips for choosing is to see your eye doctor. It’s important because if you bypass a doctor, you are doing your vision harm.
They will do eye exams and are best suited to tell if contacts are the best option for you. If they are, they will give a good prescription. Perhaps this is the most important of all the tips for contact lens usage that you should know about.
Secondly, you want to consider the type of contacts before using them. There are different types.
Some of them are: Disposable contact lenses, Soft contact lenses, U-V-blocking contact lenses and, multifocal & bifocal contact lenses.
How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses
Having to insert and remove your contacts is a new habit you will have to get used to. But, you will find it easy with these steps:
Insertion
- Wash your hands well.
- Pour out the contacts on your palm, then place it on the index finger of your dominant hand, making sure it resembles the shape of a bowl. That way, it is not turned inside out.
- Hold up your upper eyelid and pull down your lower eyelid with your non-dominant hand.
- Looking up, lightly put the lens in the center of your eye and slowly release your eyelids.
- Look down and blink a few times for good lens orientation.
Removal
- Wash your hands well.
- Looking up, hold up your upper eyelid and pull down your lower eyelid with your non-dominant hand.
- Approach your eye with your index finger and gently pinch the contact to remove it from your eye.
Caring for Your Contact Lenses
You have chosen to improve your vision with contacts. To stay healthy, you will need some lens care tips. Here are some of them:
- Wash your hands well before touching them.
- Change the lens solution in case regularly.
- Clean the contacts with neat fingers before inserting them into the lens solution.
- Don’t wash them with water.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Wearing contacts improves your vision, but it comes with its challenges because it sits directly on your eyes. Let’s address some of them.
Dealing with Discomfort and Dryness
If you feel irritation or dryness in your eyes, please do not rush to use eye drops. A better alternative is to remove the lenses briefly or get new ones if they are not. Or use soft contact lenses, for moisture in the eyes. If irritation persist, see a doctor.
Adjusting to a New Routine
Practice removal and insertion, and pay attention to your hygiene and that of contacts. When you experience discomfort, see a doctor.
FAQs and Tips for a Smooth Transition
Is it safe to switch to contacts?
Contacts are safe, but see an eye doctor to know if it’s best for you.
Can I use my glasses prescription for my contacts?
It is best to see a doctor for a separate prescription.
I inserted my lens inside out, what do I do?
No worries. Gently remove the lens, wet it with fresh solution and re-insert it following the earlier-mentioned steps.
Can I sleep with contacts on?
Avoid sleeping in them unless your doctor says you can.
Can I play sports with contact lenses?
Yes, you can if you protect your eyes.
Are there age restrictions for contacts?
No there aren’t. But see a professional to know if it is the best fit for you.
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