New to Contacts? 5 Common Mistakes to Avoid for Comfortable Wear
Getting used to contact lenses involves more than learning how to put them in. Your wear schedule, cleaning habits, and lens fit also matter. These contact lens tips for beginners explain five mistakes to avoid and when to ask Pugliese Family Eye Care for help.
1. Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses
A quick nap counts as sleeping. Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed overnight wear, remove your contacts before bed or a nap. Sleeping in lenses can reduce oxygen reaching the cornea, the clear front surface of your eye, and increase infection risk.
Make lens removal part of your evening routine rather than waiting until you are already sleepy. Keep your glasses accessible so switching out of contacts feels straightforward.
2. Topping Off Old Solution
Adding fresh solution to yesterday’s leftovers is not the same as starting fresh. Mixing old and new solution reduces the effectiveness of disinfection.
For reusable lenses, discard used solution and follow the cleaning, disinfecting, and storage instructions for your prescribed care system. Always use fresh solution. Your storage case needs care, too; clean and dry it according to your eye doctor’s instructions. Ask which products are appropriate for your lenses, and keep an eye on your supply so you do not run out at bedtime.
3. Using Tap Water on Your Lenses
Tap water is not a substitute for contact lens solution. It can contain germs that cause serious eye infections. Never rinse or store contacts in water or use it to clean your case.
Remove contacts before showering or swimming. Handwashing is still essential: wash with soap and water, then dry your hands thoroughly before handling lenses. For busy mornings, consider showering before inserting your contacts.
4. Stretching Your Wear or Replacement Schedule
Daily wear time and replacement timing are different instructions. Daily disposable lenses are used once and discarded. Monthly lenses must be replaced on their prescribed schedule, even when they still seem comfortable.
Follow your eye doctor’s guidance for daily wear time, too. A monthly replacement schedule does not automatically mean you can sleep in those lenses. Set a reminder for replacement day, and keep backup glasses handy rather than extending wear through a long evening. Ask for clarification before leaving your fitting if either schedule is unclear.
5. Skipping Your Contact Lens Fitting
Contact lenses need to match more than your vision prescription. A professional contact lens fitting in Smithfield helps match lenses to your eye’s shape, vision needs, and routine.
Pugliese Family Eye Care offers standard and specialty fittings, including scleral lenses, plus daily and monthly options. Tell your optometrist when discomfort happens and what your typical day involves. Bring your lens packaging and solution details to help explain your current routine. Keep up with comprehensive eye exams as recommended, too; these assess eye health as well as vision.
When Contact Lens Discomfort Needs Attention
Do not push through contact lens discomfort. Remove your lenses and contact your eye doctor promptly if you develop pain, redness, blurred vision, or unusual light sensitivity. Do not reinsert them until you receive professional guidance.
Our medical eye care services address concerns beyond routine vision correction. Sudden or severe symptoms need urgent attention rather than a routine fitting appointment.
Get Help With Your Contact Lens Routine
Questions about cleaning, wear time, or fit? Bring them to Pugliese Family Eye Care. Request an appointment in Smithfield to discuss your contact lenses and get guidance suited to your vision, comfort, and daily routine.