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Tips for getting used to wearing contact lenses

by Janet Farricelli CPDT-KA

When it comes to contact lenses it almost seems as if most people belong either to a love or hate category. There are those who cannot imagine a day of their life without them, whereas there are others that have tried them once and gave them up all together after feeling how uncomfortable they were. Yet, it does not have to always be this way. If you seem to have a hard time adjusting to your new contact lenses rest assured, you are not alone.

Just as some people have sensitive skin,  some people may also have sensitive eyes. If you were equipped with a pair of eye that easily get irritate from the effects of the sun and wind, then very likely your eyes may not tolerate well contact lenses. But this does not mean you must have to give up the idea of no longer wearing eye glasses again. There are many options for people with sensitive eyes just like you.

Tips for Getting Used to Contact Lenses

If you cannot stand another day wearing those old pair of eyeglasses, yet mother nature has gifted you with an extra sensitive pair of eyes there is still hope for you. While most people eventually get accustomed to contact lenses, a very small percentage may never get a hang of them. Yet, this is rare, so no need to despair as of yet. Following are some tips that may help you out in making an ultimate decision.

• Give It Time

Contact lenses are ultimately foreign objects in your eye. It is normal for them to feel abnormal the very first days you wear them.  Give it some time. It helps to wear them often during the very first days so you can get accustomed to them. If however, you feel you may no longer tolerate them let your eye doctor know. He may advise you to just keep them for about four to six hours a day and then increase the usage as you adjust to them.

• Remember to Blink

One main drawback of contact lenses is that they eventually dry up your eyes. It helps therefore to blink often so to encourage your eyes to produce tears. Tears will humidify your eye and make you tolerate better your new pair of contacts.  So put some effort in reminding yourself to blink a bit more than what you are normally used to; your eyes  will be lubricated more and will thank you.

• Use Eye Drops

If blinking does not help and you feel like you are wearing two pieces of plastic rather than soft lenses, you may want to consult with your eye doctor. He or she may recommend you some eye drops to help you sooth your dry eyes. Many of these eye drops can be found over the counter in the contact lenses aisle of your local pharmacy.

Generally, you should feel some signs of improvement within two weeks of wearing the contact lenses on a routine basis. If you still feel you cannot tolerate eye drops consult with your eye doctor on what options are left.  Some times switching to a different type or brand of contacts may help. 

Disclaimer: this article should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are having trouble wearing contact lenses please report to your opthamologist.




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