How does it feel to wear contact lenses for the first time?
Your first time wearing contacts can be nerve-wracking. Maybe you've never worn contacts before, and this is the first time switching over from glasses. Maybe you've never had glasses at all, and this is the first vision correction you've ever gotten. Or maybe Halloween is coming up, you're going as Michael Jackson from "Thriller," and you're worried about how those yellow tiger eyes are going to feel. If you're wearing contacts for the first time, here's what to expect.
How does it feel to wear contact lenses for the first time?
You've gotten an eye exam, and the fitting is over. Once your new contacts arrive, it's time to pop those beauties in for the first time. Your first sensation when you put them in could be next to nothing. You could also feel a tingling or tickling feeling or experience the sensation of having a foreign object in your eye (you know, because you technically do).
Apart from the physical sensations, wearing contacts for the first time can be disappointing in terms of the limited vision correction they give out of the box. Some people have to let their eyes adjust to the contacts over a period of days or a week or so before the lenses perform as expected. During this period, it is normal for contacts to be blurry at first. 
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Common concerns for first-time wearers
It's normal to feel a little freaked out the first time wearing contacts because, you know, it's a new experience to put something in your eye on purpose for many people. In particular, people tend to worry about:
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Discomfort. It's common to experience some discomfort when first wearing contacts. This can be due to dryness, dust particles, or having an improper fit. Using lubricating eye drops and practicing Ye Olde Lens Hygiene between wearing sessions can help reduce discomfort the first time wearing contacts.
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Fear of insertion and removal. Many new wearers worry about inserting and removing their contacts. Proper technique and practice can help overcome this fear. Your eye care professional can provide guidance and tips for safe, comfortable contact lens insertion and removal.
What to expect in the first week wearing contacts
Getting new contacts is an exciting time (especially for those lucky few who save with great online coupons!). But there's almost always a first-time adjustment zone. Here's what to expect during that period:
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Gradual increase in wearing time. During the first week, it's a good idea to gradually increase your wearing time. So, how long to wear contacts during the first week? Start with a few hours a day and gradually increase as your eyes adjust. This helps prevent discomfort and allows your eyes to adapt gradually.
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Better vision and maybe some discomfort. Pay attention to how your eyes respond to wearing contacts. Signs of healthy adjustment include clear vision and minimal discomfort. If you're having persistent discomfort, redness, or irritation, consult an eye care professional, which you can book online these days.
Is it normal for contacts to be blurry at first?
Yep. But this should go away in a few days to the first week. If it doesn't, reach out to a professional. You might have to have a new fitting done. Other reasons you might have a bit of extra blur with new contacts include:
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Bad fit
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Tear film adaptation
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Wrong prescription/brand
Tips for new contact lens wearers
After the first new set of contacts arrives, there are a few tricks to getting things right off the bat. First, make sure you have clean hands and a clean lens. Second, always follow your eye care professional's instructions for inserting and removing lenses. Over the long term, make sure to clean and replace lenses as recommended. Also don't sleep with the lenses in. Everybody makes that mistake once, and it's unforgettable.
Your first time wearing contacts
If you're new to the world of contact lenses, there's really nothing to worry about. Contacts can be a great alternative to glasses, and over time, nearly everybody gets used to them. This is even easier to do if you're getting your contacts delivered fresh, which you should totally do right now.
Everything you need to know about contact lenses
FAQ
How long does it take to get used to wearing contacts?
Most people adjust to their new contacts in the first week or so.
What if they're still uncomfortable?
If your contacts aren't feeling right after a week, check with your eye care professional. You might need an adjustment.
Can wearing contacts affect eye health long term?
Wearing contacts doesn't usually cause noticeable effects over the long term. All the same, make sure you're getting annual checkups from an eye care professional. Oh, and don't sleep with them in. Seriously, just don't.


