Essential Tips for Beginners on Contact Lenses

Are you preparing to embark on your contact lens journey for the first time? Once you have received the green light from your optometrist, it’s perfectly normal to have questions about what to expect before your fitting appointment.

Essential Tip: Start with daily disposable lenses. These lenses eliminate the hassle of a cleaning routine, which can be overwhelming for beginners. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses, and avoid using tap water on them. Book a fitting session with your optometrist to ensure you select the right lens that aligns with your prescription and eye health.

Your optometrist believes you are an excellent candidate for contact lenses, and it’s entirely natural to feel a blend of excitement and apprehension about touching your eyes. Many first-time users share these feelings.

We frequently assist new contact lens users, and this guide provides essential information to consider prior to your fitting appointment. You’ll also find tips for comparing daily and monthly lenses, along with vital routines to maintain healthy and comfortable eyes.

Making an Informed Choice: Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Opt for daily lenses if you are a beginner, wear lenses occasionally, suffer from allergies, or travel often; they provide a fresh lens each day without the need for cleaning. Monthly lenses are ideal for regular users who can manage a nightly cleaning routine and may offer a lower overall cost when maintained properly.

Choosing between these two options is often simpler than many assume. Knowing the benefits and drawbacks can significantly impact your experience.

Discovering the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable lenses allow you to wear a new pair every day, discarding them at night. This means no need for cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, freeing you from keeping track of when you last wore your current pair.

Who benefits from daily disposables:

• First-time users seeking a straightforward experience
• Occasional wearers for activities like sports, special events, or weekends
• Individuals with allergies, as daily fresh lenses prevent the buildup of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who appreciate convenience
• Anyone wishing to avoid a nightly cleaning routine

The downside: While daily disposables may appear more expensive initially, factoring in the costs of cleaning solutions, storage cases, and the risk of eye infections due to inadequate hygiene can considerably narrow this cost gap.

Understanding Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Advantages

Monthly lenses can last up to 30 days. Each night, you need to remove, clean, and store them in fresh solution to preserve their quality and comfort.

Who are monthly lenses suitable for:

• Regular wearers aiming for the most economical long-term option
• Individuals comfortable with a nightly cleaning regimen
• Those with prescriptions not available in daily disposable forms, including some complex or unique prescriptions

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

Essential Information About Fortnightly Lenses

Some brands offer a two-week replacement cycle. They share the same cleaning requirements as monthly lenses but need to be replaced more frequently.

Standard advice for new users: Start with daily disposables. They eliminate the cleaning routine, a common challenge for many new users. Once you feel comfortable inserting and removing lenses and can identify signs of discomfort, you might consider switching to monthly lenses if cost becomes a significant concern.

Perfecting Contact Lens Insertion Techniques for New Users

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 of your eye just below the iris, and then release and blink. Most individuals become comfortable with this process within a week, and your optometrist will support you during your fitting.

At first, inserting a lens may feel strange. Your body instinctively protects your eyes, which might cause you to blink or flinch when something approaches. With practice, this reflex diminishes, and most people adjust within a week.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands. 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 out, it is inside out; simply flip it.
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, creating a clear path 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.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will guide you through this entire process during your fitting. We ensure you can confidently insert and remove your lenses before you leave, which is the primary objective of the fitting session.

Effective Techniques for Safely Removing Contact Lenses

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
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, store them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

If you find removal difficult during 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 tools after about a month, but it’s perfectly acceptable to use them if they aid you.

Essential Cleaning and Care Practices for Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Clean each lens with a multipurpose solution for approximately 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 a leading cause of severe contact lens infections.

If you are using daily disposables, you can skip this section since cleaning is not necessary.

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 indicates “no rub,” rubbing helps eliminate more deposits.
• Rinse with fresh solution.
• Place 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 may contain microorganisms that can lead to severe eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful condition that could jeopardise your vision. This also 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 see numerous cases of contact lens-related infections each year, primarily due to patients taking shortcuts with water. Following this guideline will help you avoid such issues.

Frequently Prescribed Contact Lenses

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

Top Choices for Daily Disposable Lenses

• Dailies Total 1: Features water gradient technology, resulting in an outer lens surface that is nearly entirely water. This option is popular for patients with mild dry eye.
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day: Offers excellent oxygen transmission and built-in UV protection, making it a preferred choice for those who spend time outdoors or in bright conditions.
• Precision 1: Utilises Alcon’s SmartSurface technology to create a thin moisture layer across the lens, ensuring all-day comfort.
• Miru 1Day Flatpack: Features the world’s thinnest contact lens packaging. The lens sits on a flat pack, ensuring it’s oriented correctly when picked up, eliminating guesswork for new wearers.

Popular Monthly Contact Lens Selections

• Biofinity: A well-regarded monthly lens with high oxygen permeability, available in a wide prescription range, including complex prescriptions.
• Air Optix Plus HydraGlyde: Utilises SmartShield surface technology to resist protein and lipid deposits that can cause discomfort towards the end of the month. Ideal if your current monthlies become uncomfortable as they age.

Addressing Dry Eyes or Sensitivity When Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye, and experiencing dry eye can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. If you already have dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should focus on which type of lens will be most suitable and whether any supportive treatments should be incorporated.

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

Recognising When to Contact Your Optometrist

Quick tip: If you experience pain, persistent redness, sudden blurriness, discharge, a lingering sensation of “something in my eye” after removal, or new light sensitivity — reach out to us immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to improve. Prompt care can prevent serious complications.

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

• Pain that does not lessen after removing the lens; 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 present before.

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

FAQs About Contact Lenses

How long does it typically take to adjust to wearing contact lenses?

Most new wearers adapt to inserting and removing their lenses within a week. Physical comfort—meaning not feeling the lens in your eye—usually improves within the first two to three days. If you continue to struggle with insertion after two weeks, schedule a follow-up appointment. Sometimes, a different lens material or a handling tool can significantly enhance your experience.

Is it safe to sleep while wearing contact lenses?

No, unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight use. Regular daily and monthly lenses are designed for daytime wear only. Sleeping in standard lenses restricts oxygen flow to your cornea and greatly increases the risk of infection. If you need to wear lenses overnight, consult your optometrist about 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 usually shifts to the side or folds 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 doesn’t 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 selecting the right lens becomes more critical for individuals with dry eyes compared to those without. Daily disposables with high water content generally provide more comfort 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 choose the appropriate lens based on your tear film during your fitting.

What are the typical costs of contact lenses in Australia?

Prices vary based on the brand, lens technology, and whether you’re purchasing 30 or 90 packs. Daily disposables fall into one price range, 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 can be found on its product page. We also offer discounted rates for ongoing subscriptions, so be sure to inquire during your fitting.

Do I need 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 Apply to You

• If you are under 16 years old — fitting contact lenses for children requires a separate discussion with parents or guardians. Please book a consult.
• If you have not had a recent eye exam — obtain your prescription and corneal health check first. Lenses should come after, not before.
• 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 Prepared to Start Your Contact Lens Journey?

Book your contact lens fitting at our Central Coast practice, and we will guide 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.

Discover Contact Lenses at Eyes By Design · Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today