If you've decided to try wearing contact lenses, the prospect of putting them in your eyes can be a little intimidating. However, contacts are safe and comfortable and provide you with the freedom to engage in activities that may be difficult while wearing glasses. To help you get started, consider some of the following tips for first-time contact lens wearers. 

What to Know About Wearing Contacts for the First Time

1. Practice Good Hygiene

One of the most important aspects for first-time contact lens wearers to understand is that hygiene is extremely important. You need to wash your hands thoroughly before you handle your contacts and ensure that the lenses are kept clean. 

Many lenses come in single-use packages with a pre-measured solution that will reduce the need to clean them before use. If you have reusable contacts, you should rub and rinse them before placing them in a fresh solution after removal. 

2. Try to Stay Calm

The first time you put contact lenses in, you may be worried that you'll scratch your eye or put them in incorrectly. However, there's no reason to be afraid as long as you practice good hygiene and follow the manufacturer's instructions. 

While you may not feel comfortable putting contact lenses in the first few times, it will get easier. Keep practicing and, eventually, you'll be able to safely put in your contacts without a second thought. You can also ease into wearing them full-time by supplementing use with wearing your glasses.

3. Listen to Your Optometrist

Your optometrist will provide you with instructions and recommendations, especially regarding the type of solution you should use with contacts. If you have any questions or concerns, check in with your doctor first to get the proper guidance that will keep your eyes in the best condition possible. Only wear contacts for the amount of time your doctor deems as safe and replace all of your contact lenses accordingly.

If you're ready to give contact lenses a try, turn to the professionals at Medical Eye Center in Columbia, MD. Their team of optometrists proudly serves patients throughout Howard County and provides a variety of services to promote eye health. To learn more about their services, visit the website or call (410) 997-9900 to schedule an appointment.