A Beginner’s Guide To Contact Lenses

Thinking about giving contact lenses a go? They truly can be a game-changer—convenient, comfortable, and practically invisible! But if the thought of using them feels intimidating, don’t worry. Once you know the basics, they’ll become second nature.

Keep reading our beginner’s guide to contact lenses, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know, from choosing the right lenses to keeping them clean and safe. It might seem like a lot at first, but with practice and a little patience, you’ll be a pro in no time.

Always visit a professional

[A consultation between a patient and optometrist in the opticians practice]

Before you start your contact lens journey, it’s essential to visit an optometrist for an eye exam. Whether you are wearing contact lenses for the first time or you’ve worn them before, you’ll need an up-to-date prescription.

Since contact lenses sit right on your eye, they need to fit perfectly. This is why your optometrist factors in extra measurements, like the curve and size of your eye. These measurements ensure your lenses feel comfortable and don’t cause irritation.

During your visit, your optometrist will also help you choose the best type of contacts for your needs. There’s a lens for everyone—from daily and monthly wear to bifocal, multifocal, or even coloured lenses. If you have astigmatism, no worries—special lenses called toric lenses are tailor-made to your contact lens prescription.

Keep them clean

[Soapy hands being washed in a sink]

Your eyes are delicate, and good hygiene is non-negotiable when it comes to contact lenses. Even small mistakes, like skipping a handwash, can lead to infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis, a more serious inflammation of the eye.

To keep your eyes happy and healthy, follow these basic hygiene rules:

• Wash and dry your hands before inserting or removing lenses
• Remove your lenses before sleeping, showering or swimming to avoid bacteria and irritation
• Never share lenses – they’re just for you!
• Purchase contact lenses from authorised retailers (like us)
• If your lenses start to feel uncomfortable, take a break from wearing them

How to insert and remove contact lenses

[A man inserting his contact lenses in front of a mirror in the bedroom.]

First time with contacts? You’re not alone if the idea of touching your eye freaks you out. But here’s the good news—with a little patience and practice, inserting and removing lenses will become second nature.

Here’s how to put them in like a pro:

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
2. Place the contact lens on your fingertip so it’s curved upward (like a little bowl).
3. Use your other hand to gently pull up your upper eyelid and pull down your lower lid.
4. With a steady hand, place the lens directly on your eye. (Pro tip—using a mirror really helps!)
5. Blink a few times to help the lens settle into place. Repeat with the other eye.

At the end of the day, removing them is just as easy. Hold your eyelid open with one hand and use your forefinger and thumb on the other to gently pinch the lens out. Done!

Worried you might not get it right the first time? That’s totally normal. Most beginners need a little time to nail their technique, so don’t stress if it doesn’t go perfectly from the start.

Cleaning and storing your contact lenses

[A contact lens on the end of a person’s finger with a droplet of contact lens solution coming out of the end of the bottle]

Cleaning the lenses might be part of your daily routine, depending on the type of lenses you have. If you use daily disposable lenses, this is super simple—just throw them away at the end of the day.

If you wear reusable lenses, you’ll need to know how to clean contact lenses and store them properly to keep them safe and comfortable. Follow these basic steps:

1. Rinse your lenses with the recommended cleaning solution (avoid tap water—it’s a big no-no).
2. Fill the storage case with fresh solution and soak your lenses overnight.
3. Never reuse old solutions—it’s not worth the risk.

Remember, different lenses need different care routines. Be sure to follow the instructions from your optometrist or the manufacturer to maintain good lens hygiene and care.

Need more advice?

[Blurred image of a person wearing a shirt with a ‘Contact Us’ button overlay and different symbols representing various online contact methods]

Have questions like, “What if I can’t get the lens out?” or “What if it feels weird in my eye?” No worries—these are super common concerns, and your optometrist is there to help every step of the way.

Still feeling unsure? The friendly team at The Optical Store has years of experience and are ready to help. Get in touch today and take the first steps to going glasses-free.