Contact Lenses: Essential Beginner’s Guide for Success

Are you preparing to begin your journey with contact lenses for the first time? After receiving approval from your optometrist, you may have several questions regarding what to expect prior to your fitting appointment.

Essential Advice: Start with daily disposable lenses. They simplify your routine by eliminating the need for cleaning, which can be daunting for beginners. Always remember to wash your hands before handling your contact lenses, and avoid using tap water on them. Be sure to schedule a fitting with your optometrist to make certain that the right lens matches your prescription and eye health.

Your optometrist has confirmed that you are an ideal candidate for contact lenses, and it is completely normal to feel both excited and slightly apprehensive about the idea of touching your eyes. These feelings are common among first-time users.

We often assist new contact lens users. Here, you will find essential information to consider before your fitting appointment, guidance on comparing daily versus monthly lenses, and vital routines to ensure your eyes remain healthy and comfortable.

Choosing Wisely: A Comparison Between Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick Tip: Opt for daily lenses if you are a beginner, wear lenses occasionally, suffer from allergies, or travel frequently; they provide a fresh lens each day without the need for cleaning. Monthly lenses are better suited for regular users who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine, potentially offering a lower daily cost when managed correctly.

Deciding between these two options is often simpler than many might expect. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages can greatly enhance your experience.

Uncovering the Advantages of Daily Disposable Lenses

With daily disposable lenses, you wear a new pair each morning and discard them at night. This means no need for cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, helping you avoid the hassle of remembering when you last used your current pair.

Who benefits from daily disposables:

• First-time wearers seeking a straightforward experience
• Individuals who wear lenses sporadically, whether for sports, events, or weekends
• People with allergies, as a new lens each day prevents the accumulation of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who value convenience
• Anyone wishing to avoid a nightly cleaning routine

The drawback: Although daily disposables may seem more costly per day initially, considering the expenses of cleaning solutions, cases, and the risk of eye infections due to inadequate hygiene can significantly reduce this cost difference.

Exploring Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Advantages

Monthly lenses can last up to 30 days. Each evening, you must remove, clean, and store them in fresh solution to maintain their integrity and comfort.

Who should consider monthly lenses:

• Regular users looking for the most economical long-term option
• Individuals comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine
• Those with prescriptions that are unavailable in daily disposable formats, including some complex or unique prescriptions

The downside: Regular cleaning every night is essential. Neglecting this step can result in serious eye infections.

Key Information About Fortnightly Lenses

Certain brands provide a two-week replacement cycle. They require the same cleaning regimen as monthly lenses but necessitate more frequent replacements.

Our standard recommendation for new users: Begin with daily disposables. They remove the cleaning routine, which can pose challenges for many new wearers. Once you feel comfortable with inserting and removing lenses and can identify when your eyes feel discomfort, consider transitioning to monthly lenses if cost becomes a significant factor.

Mastering the Technique of Inserting Contact Lenses for the First Time

Quick Tip: Always wash your hands, ensure the lens is not inside out, hold your eyelids open, look slightly upward, place the lens on the white of your eye just below the iris, and then release and blink. Most individuals become proficient at this process within a week, and your optometrist will provide guidance during your fitting.

Initially, inserting a lens may feel unusual. Your body instinctively protects your eyes, which may cause you to blink or flinch when something approaches. With practice, this reflex will diminish, and most people adjust within a week.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands. Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Any residue on your hands can transfer to the lens and then to your eye.
2. Check the orientation of the lens. Place it on the tip of your index finger. It should resemble a smooth bowl with clean edges. If the edges flare outwards, it is inside out. Simply flip it.
3. Hold your eyelids apart. Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down the lower lid while employing the other hand to lift the upper lid. This creates a clear pathway for the lens.
4. Look slightly upward. Position the lens on the white part of your eye, just below the iris.
5. Release and blink. Gently let go of your eyelids and blink several times to allow the lens to settle into place.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will assist you throughout this process during your fitting. We ensure you can confidently insert and remove your lenses before you leave, which is the primary objective of the fitting session.

Effective Methods for Removing Contact Lenses

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Look upward.
3. Slide the lens down onto the white part of your eye using your index finger.
4. Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to lift it out.

For daily lenses, dispose of them. For monthly lenses, place them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

If you encounter difficulties with removal during the first week or two, consider using a soft contact lens handler or tweezers. These can make the process easier as you develop the necessary muscle memory. Most users no longer require these tools after a month, but using them is perfectly acceptable if they assist you.

Crucial Cleaning and Care Practices for Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick Tip: Clean each lens with a multipurpose solution for about 20 seconds, rinse, and store it in fresh solution (never top up old solution). Replace your lens case every one to three months. Avoid tap water as it is the leading cause of severe contact lens infections.

If you are using daily disposables, you can disregard this section since cleaning is unnecessary.

For monthly or fortnightly lenses:

• After removing each lens, place it in your palm.
• Add a few drops of multipurpose solution.
• Gently rub the lens with your fingertip for about 20 seconds. Even if the solution states “no rub,” rubbing helps eliminate more deposits.
• Rinse with fresh solution.
• Place it in a clean case filled with fresh solution (never top up old solution; always replace it completely).
• Regularly replace your lens case, every one to three months.

Never use tap water on contact lenses. Tap water can contain microorganisms that can lead to severe eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and potentially sight-threatening condition. This also means avoiding swimming or showering with your lenses unless you wear sealed goggles. do not rinse your lens case with tap water.

This precaution is not overly cautious. We see numerous cases of contact lens-related infections each year, primarily due to patients taking shortcuts with water. Following this guideline will help you avoid such complications.

Commonly Prescribed Contact Lenses

Each prescription and eye condition is unique. During your fitting, your optometrist will recommend the most suitable lens tailored to your specific needs. Here are some of the lenses we frequently fit and stock, along with their ideal applications.

Top Picks for Daily Disposable Lenses

• Dailies Total 1: Utilises water gradient technology, resulting in an outer lens surface that is almost entirely water. This is a popular choice for patients with mild dry eye.
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day: Provides excellent oxygen transmission and built-in UV protection, making it a favourite among those who spend time outdoors or in bright environments.
• Precision 1: Incorporates Alcon’s SmartSurface technology to create a thin moisture layer across the lens, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
• Miru 1Day Flatpack: Features the world’s thinnest contact lens packaging. The lens sits on a flat pack, ensuring it is oriented correctly when picked up, eliminating guesswork for new wearers.

Popular Monthly Contact Lens Choices

• Biofinity: A well-known monthly lens with high oxygen permeability, available in a wide prescription range, including complex prescriptions.
• Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde: Utilises SmartShield surface technology to resist protein and lipid deposits that cause discomfort towards the end of the month. Ideal if your current monthlies become uncomfortable as they age.

Strategies for Managing Dry Eyes or Sensitivity

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye, and experiencing dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. If you already have dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should focus on which type of lens will be the most suitable and whether to combine them with any supportive treatments.

Feel free to voice any concerns during your fitting. Contact lens wear and dry eye can coexist, but the approach must be personalised to your specific condition.

When Should You Contact Your Optometrist?

Quick Tip: If you experience pain, persistent redness, sudden blurriness, discharge, a lingering sensation of “something in my eye” after removal, or new light sensitivity — contact us immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to resolve on their own. Timely care can prevent serious complications.

Certain issues can wait until your next appointment, while others cannot. Contact us (or any optometrist) if you notice:

• Pain that does not subside after removing the lens; pain indicates something is wrong.
• Redness that persists for more than a few hours.
• Sudden blurred vision while wearing lenses.
• Discharge or excessive tearing.
• A sensation of something stuck in your eye after removal.
• New light sensitivity that was not present before.

Any of these symptoms may indicate an infection, a damaged lens, or a corneal issue. Do not delay in seeking help, and avoid assuming the problem will resolve on its own. Early intervention can prevent genuinely serious complications.

Common Questions About Contact Lenses

How long does it usually take to adjust to wearing contact lenses?

Most new wearers become comfortable with inserting and removing their lenses within a week. Physical comfort, meaning not feeling the lens in your eye, usually settles within the first two to three days. If you continue to struggle with insertion after two weeks, schedule a follow-up appointment. Sometimes, a different lens material or a handling tool can greatly enhance your experience.

Is it safe to sleep while wearing contact lenses?

No, unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight use. Regular daily and monthly lenses are intended for daytime wear only. Sleeping in standard lenses restricts oxygen flow to your cornea and significantly increases the risk of infection. If you require lenses for overnight wear, consult your optometrist about specially designed extended wear lenses.

What should I do if a contact lens feels stuck in my eye?

It’s impossible for a lens to slip behind your eye. It typically moves to the side or folds up. Wash your hands, apply a few drops of preservative-free lubricant, and gently massage your closed eyelid until the lens shifts back to the centre for removal. If it doesn’t come out after 10 to 15 minutes, stop trying and contact your optometrist.

Can I wear contact lenses if I have dry eyes?

Often, yes, but selecting the right lens is more critical for individuals with dry eyes compared to those without. Daily disposables with high water content tend to be more comfortable for dry eye patients than older monthly materials. Implementing a dry eye management routine (heat therapy, lid hygiene, supplements) can enhance comfort while wearing lenses. Your optometrist will choose the appropriate lens based on your tear film during your fitting.

What are the typical costs of contact lenses in Australia?

Prices differ based on the brand, lens technology, and whether you’re purchasing 30 or 90 packs. Daily disposables fall into one price range, while monthlies belong to another, and specialty lenses (such as toric for astigmatism or multifocal for presbyopia) tend to be pricier due to their complex optics. Current pricing for each type is available on its product page. We also provide discounted rates for ongoing subscriptions, so be sure to inquire during your fitting.

Do I need to consult an optometrist to purchase contact lenses?

Yes. In Australia, contact lenses are classified as medical devices and require a valid prescription from a registered optometrist or ophthalmologist. Even if you have been wearing lenses for years, your prescription must be current. We assess the fit, corneal health, and prescription accuracy during each review.

When This Guide May Not Apply to You

• If you are under 16 years old — fitting contact lenses for children requires a separate discussion with parents or guardians. Please schedule a consult.
• If you have not had a recent eye exam — obtain your prescription and corneal health check first. Lenses should follow after, not precede.
• If you wish to wear cosmetic lenses without a prescription. Avoid purchasing unregulated lenses online — this is illegal in Australia and can lead to serious corneal injury.

Are You Prepared to Begin Your Contact Lens Journey?

Book your contact lens fitting at our Central Coast practice, and we will assist you in finding the perfect lens tailored to your eyes, prescription, and lifestyle. You will leave your fitting feeling assured in your ability to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.

Discover Contact Lenses at Eyes By Design · Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today