Contact Lenses: Essential Tips for New Users

Are you ready to start your first experience with contact lenses? Once your optometrist has approved you for lenses, you may have numerous questions regarding the process leading up to your fitting appointment.

Key Recommendation: Start with daily disposable lenses. These lenses eliminate the need for a cleaning routine, which can be somewhat intimidating for first-time users. Always ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned before handling your contact lenses, and avoid using tap water on them. Book a fitting with your optometrist to ensure the chosen lens aligns with your prescription and supports your eye health.

Your optometrist has determined that you are a good candidate for contact lenses, and it is completely natural to feel both excited and a little nervous about handling your eyes. Such feelings are prevalent among first-time users.

We frequently assist individuals who are new to contact lenses. This guide will provide you with essential insights to consider prior to your fitting appointment, how to evaluate the benefits and drawbacks of daily versus monthly lenses, and key routines to maintain your eye health and comfort.

Making Informed Choices: Understanding the Differences Between Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses

Important Advice: Choose daily lenses if you are new to contact lenses, wear them infrequently, suffer from allergies, or travel often; they offer a fresh lens each day without the cleaning hassle. Monthly lenses are better suited for regular users who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine and can offer a lower daily cost when maintained properly.

Deciding between these two options is often simpler than many assume. Grasping their respective advantages and disadvantages can significantly enhance your overall experience.

Unpacking the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses

With daily disposable lenses, you wear a fresh pair each morning and dispose of them at night. This method removes the need for cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, alleviating the worry of remembering when you last wore your current pair.

Who can benefit from daily disposables:

• First-time users seeking a straightforward and uncomplicated experience
• Individuals who wear lenses occasionally for sports, events, or weekends
• People with allergies, as a new lens each day helps prevent the buildup of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who appreciate convenience
• Anyone looking to avoid a nightly cleaning routine

The downside: Although daily disposables may appear more expensive on a daily basis, considering the costs associated with cleaning solutions, cases, and the potential for eye infections due to poor hygiene can help mitigate this cost difference.

Understanding Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Benefits

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

Who are monthly lenses suitable for:

• Regular users seeking the most economical long-term solution
• Individuals who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine
• Those with prescriptions that may not be available in daily disposable formats, including complex or unique prescriptions

The downside: Consistent nightly cleaning is crucial. Skipping this step can lead to serious eye infections.

Essential Information About Fortnightly Lenses

Certain brands offer lenses designed to be replaced every two weeks. They require the same cleaning processes as monthly lenses but require more frequent replacements.

Our usual advice for first-time wearers: Start with daily disposables. They simplify the cleaning process, which can be challenging for new users. Once you feel comfortable with inserting and removing lenses and can identify signs of discomfort, consider transitioning to monthly lenses if cost becomes a significant concern.

Perfecting Contact Lens Insertion Techniques for Beginners

Quick tip: Always wash your hands, ensure the lens is not inside out, hold your eyelids open, look slightly upwards, place the lens on the white part of your eye just below the iris, then release and blink. Most individuals master this technique within a week, and your optometrist will guide you through it during your fitting.

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

1. Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Any residue on your hands can transfer to the lens and subsequently to your eye.
2. Check the lens orientation. 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. Just flip it over.
3. Hold your eyelids apart. Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down the lower lid while using the other hand to lift the upper lid. This creates a clear pathway for the lens.
4. Look slightly upwards. 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 help the lens settle into place.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will assist you throughout this process during your fitting. Our aim is to ensure you can confidently insert and remove your lenses before you leave.

Effective Techniques for Safely Removing Contact Lenses

1. Thoroughly wash your hands.
2. Look upwards.
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, simply dispose of them. For monthly lenses, place them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

If you find it challenging to remove your lenses in the first week or two, consider using a soft contact lens handler or tweezers. These tools can simplify the process as you develop the necessary muscle memory. Most users no longer require these aids after about a month, but using them is perfectly acceptable if they assist you.

Essential 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 skip 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 advises “no rub,” rubbing aids in eliminating more deposits.
• Rinse with fresh solution.
• Store it in a clean case filled with fresh solution (never top up old solution; always replace it entirely).
• Regularly replace your lens case, every one to three months.

Never use tap water on contact lenses. Tap water can contain microorganisms that lead to severe eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and potentially sight-threatening condition. This 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 encounter numerous cases of contact lens-related infections annually, primarily due to patients taking shortcuts with water. Adhering to this guideline will help you avoid such complications.

Common Contact Lenses Prescribed by Optometrists

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

Recommended Daily Disposable Lenses

• Dailies Total 1: Utilises water gradient technology, resulting in an outer lens surface that is nearly entirely water. This is a popular choice for patients with mild dry eye symptoms.
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day: Offers excellent oxygen transmission and built-in UV protection, making it a preferred option for those who spend extended periods outdoors or in bright conditions.
• Precision 1: Features Alcon’s SmartSurface technology to create a thin moisture layer across the lens, ensuring comfort throughout the day.
• Miru 1Day Flatpack: Showcases 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 users.

Preferred Monthly Contact Lenses

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

Effective Strategies for Managing Dry Eyes or Sensitivity

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye symptoms, and experiencing dryness can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. If you are already suffering from dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should address which type of lens will be most appropriate and whether to pair them with any supportive treatments.

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

When Should You Reach Out to Your Optometrist?

Quick tip: If you experience pain, persistent redness, sudden blurriness, discharge, or a lingering sensation of “something in my eye” after removal, or new light sensitivity — contact us without delay. Do not wait for symptoms to improve. Timely care can prevent serious complications.

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

• Pain that does not improve after lens removal; 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 previously experienced.

Any of these symptoms may indicate an infection, a damaged lens, or a corneal issue. Do not hesitate to seek assistance, and avoid assuming the issue will resolve itself. Early intervention can prevent genuinely serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses

How long does it usually take to become accustomed to wearing contact lenses?

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

Is it safe to sleep with contact lenses in?

No, unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight use. Standard daily and monthly lenses are intended for daytime wear only. Sleeping in regular lenses restricts oxygen flow to your cornea and greatly increases the risk of infection. If you require overnight lens wear, consult your optometrist regarding 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 will typically move to the side or fold 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 does not 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 the choice of lens is even 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 select the appropriate lens based on your tear film during your fitting.

What are the typical costs of contact lenses in Australia?

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

Is it necessary 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 Be Applicable to You

• If you are under 16 years of age — fitting contact lenses for children requires a separate discussion with parents or guardians. Please book a consultation.
• If you have not had a recent eye examination — obtain your prescription and corneal health check first. Lenses should be considered only after this.
• 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 Ready to Begin Your Journey with Contact Lenses?

Schedule 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 confident in your ability to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.

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