The concept of wearing lenses in the human eye was considered as far back as the 1400s by Leonardo da Vinci. Dr. Gary Heiting, writing for All About Vision, states that the first glass contact lenses were produced in 1887 or 1888. Since the introduction of the first hydrogel soft contact lens in 1959, soft contact lenses are more comfortable, fit better and are healthier for the eye. Ninety percent of all contacts worn are soft lenses. Familiarize yourself with the care and wearing process so you will feel comfortable and confident in your decision to switch to soft contacts.
Step 1
Make an appointment with your eye doctor. Bring your glasses with you to the appointment. Your doctor will perform a thorough examination of your eye health and vision. He will prescribe contact lenses based on your health, eye configuration and vision abilities. Your doctor may have a pair of contacts in your prescription in stock, or he may order the lenses.
Step 2
Follow the directions of the technician on how to insert your lenses during your fitting appointment. When you get home, remove the lenses after wearing them for as long as your doctor recommended for the first day.
Step 3
Practice inserting your lenses. Be patient with yourself. This is a new process and takes practice. Wash your hands and dry them on a thin, lint-free towel. Open the right or left contact case lid. Begin with the same side every time to avoid putting your right contact in your left eye or vice versa. Put your index finger in the well of the solution-filled container and slide your finger along the inside of the well. Pull your finger out -- the contact will cling to your finger.
Step 4
Observe whether the contact is right-side-out or inside-out by putting the contact lens on the tip of your dominant hand index finger so the contact looks like a bowl on the edge of your finger. Hold your finger at eye level. If the sides are straight and not flared, the lens is right-side-out.
Step 5
Look in a mirror and hold your eyelid open with your non-dominant hand. Guide the contact lens to your eyeball and gently touch the contact to your eye. The wet lens will cling to your eye. Avoid the temptation to immediately blink, but instead look down, and then slowly close your eye. Open your eye and make sure the lens is comfortable.
Step 6
Call your doctor if you have any concerns or problems. Use the same solution your doctor gave you during your first fitting and watch for any signs of irritation from the solution. Store your lenses in fresh solution every evening, and do not wear your lenses longer than your doctor recommends. Return for your follow-up appointment as required by your doctor.
Tips and Warnings
- Carry a small bottle of solution in your purse or briefcase in case you need to rinse your lenses during the day. Have your glasses with you in case you need to remove your lenses. Ask your doctor about cosmetic recommendations.
- Remove your lenses immediately if they feel uncomfortable. Do not wear a torn lens. Never put the lens in your mouth.
Things You'll Need
- Glasses
- Thin, lint-free towel
- Contact lens case
- Contact lenses
- Mirror
- Contact lens solution
