by Jenny Barnett

Created on: August 10, 2010

Wearing contact lenses for the first time can seem quite daunting but once your eyes get used to them you will soon wonder how you coped without them. Contact lenses can give the wearer so much more freedom than spectacles and there are none of the concerns about your image that you get with glasses. Getting used to wearing contact lenses generally takes between one to four weeks depending on the type of lenses you have been prescribed. Hard lenses are the most the difficult type to become accustomed to and they may make your eyes water on the first few occasions. Soft lenses are a little easier to wear but they too can still feel a little strange and uncomfortable at first.

Here are a few tips to help you get used to wearing your new contact lenses and to ensure that both you and your eyes are happy.

* Only wear your contact lenses when you are at home to begin with. You will be reassured by the knowledge that should a problem develop you will be able to deal with it instantly, rather than having to excuse yourself at an inopportune moment.

* Start off slowly and only wear your contact lenses for a short while at first. Begin with just 1-2 hrs a day and increase the number of hours gradually until you are wearing them for the desired maximum length of time.

* Always keep your glasses with you, along with your lens case and solutions just in case you want to take your lenses out. If you wear daily disposable lenses always carry a spare pair with you.

* Try out different activities with your lenses in to help build your confidence. Watch the television, go shopping, play ball sports, go for a walk, drive your car. It will help you take your mind off your lenses as well as helping you to overcome your fears.

* Get yourself into a good routine with your contact lenses. If you use solutions ensure that you always have plenty in stock to avoid running out and always find time to clean your lenses thoroughly. It is also a good idea to have a spare pair of lenses in case you lose or damage them.

* If you wear soft contact lenses consider paying that little bit extra for daily disposable ones. They are thinner than other lenses and so are more comfortable to wear. You don't need to clean them, which will save you time and having fresh, new lenses each day will ensure your lenses are always clear and hygienic. Also, you will not need to worry should you drop one of your lenses. There's no need to crawl around on the floor hunting, simply get another one from the packet.

Within a few weeks you should feel very comfortable wearing your new contact lenses but if you are having problems always discuss them with your optician at the earliest opportunity. They will be happy to help you and will have come across most problems many times before.

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