If you have worn eyeglasses for so long, you are likely to consider switching to contact lenses. If you do, there are many factors to know about before making the transition. It is normal to have concerns because wearing contacts is an undertaking for a responsible individual. Here is information to ensure you get the best from switching to contact lenses.

Understand the Process

It is essential to understand what you are transitioning into to help you become prepared. Contact lenses are different from eyeglasses as they are thin pieces made from plastic that you will directly wear on your eyes. They are the best solution if you want to see clearly without glasses or corrective surgery.

Remember to carry your current prescription glasses to your appointment. Your doctor will ask you questions about your lifestyle as they examine your eyes. Doing so can help them determine what contact lenses suit you and if your eyes are healthy enough for contacts. They will then measure your eyes and put lenses on them. Your doctor will wait till they settle to analyze how comfortable you feel. 

Your eye doctor will check your vision, and once they establish the contacts are a proper fit, they will teach you how to wear them. You will also learn the best practices for cleaning and caring for them.

Types of Contacts 

There are two major types:

• Soft contact lenses

Soft contacts are comfortable and thin. They comprise spherical contact and contact lenses for astigmatism. Also, color contacts for cosmetics and contact lenses for presbyopia are soft contacts types.

• Rigid gas permeable contacts

They give clear and crisp vision. The rigid gas permeable contacts also last longer than soft contacts as they comprise durable materials. They also correct many vision issues.

Decide What Contacts Suit Your Lifestyle

Your eye doctor will pick a suitable material based on the examination done. They usually prefer daily disposable contacts for new wearers or people with active lifestyles. It helps people who are too occupied with daily activities to take time to clean their contact lenses daily.

Replacement Schedules

You should know when to replace your contacts. There are contacts you can wear and dispose of on the same day. On the other hand, there are others you wear for the entire day, remove, clean, disinfect, and store each night.

Soft contact lenses need replacement regularly. Rigid gas permeable lenses can last for many years if you care for them properly. Additionally, extended wear contact lenses are those that you can wear overnight for a whole week and then replace.

Do Not Take Off Your Contacts Immediately If You Sleep With Them

Accidentally sleeping with your contacts can happen regularly, especially when exhausted. You will wake up and be okay, but it is essential not to remove them immediately. Allow them to loosen first for some time by using lubricating drops before removing them.

Taking your contacts out in their dry form can lead to abrasion. It is ideal to seek medical help if you experience vision changes, eye redness, or severe eye pain after sleeping with your contact lenses.

For more about switching to contacts, visit Alpha Eye Group at our offices in Philadelphia, Wyomissing, Bethlehem Twp, or Doylestown, Pennsylvania. You can also call (215) 698-7760, (610) 376-7272, (610) 866-1000, (215) 878-7181, or (215) 230-4060 to book an appointment today.