Contact Lenses for Beginners: Your Essential Guide

Are you beginning your journey with contact lenses for the first time? Once your optometrist has approved you for contact lenses, you may have several questions about what to expect before your fitting appointment.

Essential Tip: Begin with daily disposable lenses. These lenses remove the complexity of a cleaning routine that can be daunting for beginners. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses, and never use tap water on them. Be sure to book a fitting with your optometrist to confirm that you have the correct lenses for your prescription and eye health.

Your optometrist has determined that you are a great candidate for contact lenses, and it is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and slight apprehension at the thought of touching your eyes. These feelings are typical among first-time users.

We frequently support individuals new to contact lenses. In this guide, you will find crucial information to prepare for your fitting appointment, insights on comparing daily and monthly lenses, as well as essential routines to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Choosing Wisely: A Comparison of Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Choose daily lenses if you are a beginner, wear lenses infrequently, suffer from allergies, or often travel; they provide a fresh lens daily without cleaning. Monthly lenses suit regular users who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine and can offer a lower cost per day when managed correctly.

The decision between these two types is usually simpler than expected. A clear understanding of the advantages and disadvantages can greatly impact your experience.

Exploring the Advantages of Daily Disposable Lenses

With daily disposable lenses, you wear a new pair each morning and dispose of them at night. This eliminates the need for cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, freeing you from the worry of remembering your last usage.

Who benefits from daily disposables:

• First-time wearers looking for a straightforward experience
• Individuals using lenses occasionally for activities such as sports or social events
• People with allergies, as a fresh lens each day helps prevent the accumulation of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who value convenience
• Anyone wishing to skip a nightly cleaning routine

Considerations: While daily disposables may seem pricier on a daily basis, taking into account the costs of cleaning solutions, cases, and the risk of infections from poor hygiene can significantly reduce this perceived cost difference.

Understanding Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Advantages

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

Who should opt for monthly lenses:

• Regular users seeking the most economical long-term option
• Those who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine
• Individuals whose prescriptions are unavailable in daily disposable formats, including some complex or unique cases

Considerations: Regular nightly cleaning is essential. Neglecting this step can result in serious eye infections.

What to Know About Fortnightly Lenses

Some brands offer lenses with a two-week replacement cycle. They require the same cleaning steps as monthly lenses but need more frequent replacements.

Our advice for new wearers: Begin with daily disposables. They simplify the process, where many new wearers encounter challenges. Once you feel confident with inserting and removing lenses and can identify discomfort, consider switching to monthly lenses if cost becomes a major concern.

Mastering Contact Lens Insertion for Beginners

Quick tip: Always wash your hands, ensure the lens is not inside out, hold your eyelids open, look slightly upward, place the lens onto the white of your eye just below the iris, and then release and blink. Most people become comfortable with this process within a week, and your optometrist will assist you during your fitting.

At first, inserting a lens may feel unusual. Your body’s natural instinct is to protect your eyes, which may cause you to blink or flinch when something approaches. With practice, this reflex will diminish, and most individuals adapt within a week.

1. Thoroughly wash your hands. Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Any residue can transfer to the lens and subsequently to your eye.
2. Check the orientation of the lens. Place it on the tip of your index finger. It should resemble a smooth bowl with clean edges. If the edges flare outwards, it is inside out. Just 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 your other hand to lift the upper lid. This creates a clear pathway for the lens.
4. Look slightly upward. 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 allow the lens to settle.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will guide you through this entire process during your fitting. We ensure you feel confident in inserting and removing your lenses before you leave, which is the primary objective of the fitting session.

Proven Techniques for Removing Contact Lenses

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Look upward.
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, 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 while you develop the necessary muscle memory. Most users no longer need these tools after a month, but it’s perfectly acceptable to use them if they help.

Key Cleaning and Care Guidelines for Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Clean each lens with a multipurpose solution for about 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 the primary cause of serious 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 states “no rub,” rubbing helps eliminate more deposits.
• Rinse with fresh solution.
• Store it in a clean case filled with fresh solution (never top up old solution; always replace it entirely).
• Replace your lens case regularly, every one to three months.

Never use tap water on contact lenses. Tap water can contain microorganisms that lead to severe eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and potentially sight-threatening condition. This also means avoiding swimming or showering with your lenses unless you’re wearing sealed goggles. do not rinse your lens case with tap water.

These precautions are not excessive. We see numerous cases of contact lens-related infections each year, mainly due to patients cutting corners with water. Following this guideline will help you avoid such problems.

Commonly Prescribed Contact Lenses

Each prescription and eye condition is distinct. Your optometrist will recommend the most appropriate lens tailored to your specific requirements during your fitting. Here are some of the lenses we frequently fit and stock, along with their best uses.

Leading Choices for Daily Disposable Lenses

• Dailies Total 1: Utilises water gradient technology, resulting in an outer lens surface that is nearly entirely water. This is a popular choice for patients with mild dry eye.
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day: Provides excellent oxygen transmission and built-in UV protection, making it ideal for those who spend time outdoors or in bright environments.
• Precision 1: Features Alcon’s SmartSurface technology to create a thin moisture layer across the lens, ensuring all-day comfort.
• Miru 1Day Flatpack: Boasts 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 Lenses

• 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 for users whose current monthly lenses become uncomfortable as they age.

Tips for Managing Dry Eyes or Sensitivity While Wearing Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye, and experiencing dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. If you already have dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should focus on which lens type will work best for you and whether to incorporate any supportive treatments.

Feel free to share 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.

When to Contact Your Optometrist

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

Some issues can wait until your next appointment, while others require immediate attention. Contact us (or any optometrist) if you notice:

• Pain that does not lessen after removing the lens; pain indicates something is wrong.
• Redness that lasts for more than a few hours.
• Sudden blurred vision while wearing lenses.
• Discharge or excessive tearing.
• A sensation of something being stuck in your eye after removal.
• New light sensitivity that was not present before.

Any of these signs may indicate 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 serious complications.

Answers to Common Questions About Contact Lenses

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

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

Is it safe to sleep while wearing contact lenses?

No, unless they are specifically prescribed for overnight use. Standard daily and monthly lenses are designed for daytime wear only. Sleeping in regular lenses limits oxygen flow to your cornea and significantly 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 the choice of lens is more critical for individuals with dry eyes than for those without. Daily disposables with high water content are generally more comfortable for dry eye patients compared to 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 buying 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 considered 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 follow, not precede.
• If you wish to wear cosmetic lenses without a prescription. Avoid purchasing unregulated lenses online — this is illegal in Australia and may cause serious corneal injury.

Are You Prepared to Begin Your Contact Lens Journey?

Schedule your contact lens fitting at our Central Coast practice, where we will help you find the ideal 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.

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