Contact Lenses: Essential Tips for New Users

Are you preparing to start your journey with contact lenses? Once your optometrist has given you the go-ahead, you may have several questions about what to expect before your fitting appointment.

Essential Advice: Begin with daily disposable lenses. These lenses eliminate the need for a cleaning routine, which can feel daunting for newcomers. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses, and steer clear of using tap water on them. It’s crucial to book a fitting with your optometrist to ensure that the appropriate lens matches your prescription and eye health.

Your optometrist has assessed that you are an ideal candidate for contact lenses, and it’s completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and apprehension about touching your eyes. These feelings are common among first-time users.

We often support individuals new to contact lenses. Here, you’ll find essential information to prepare you for your fitting appointment, insights on how to compare daily versus monthly lenses, and key routines to keep your eyes healthy and comfortable.

Choosing Wisely: Daily vs. Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Select daily lenses if you are a beginner, wear lenses occasionally, suffer from allergies, or travel frequently; they provide a fresh lens daily without the need for cleaning. Monthly lenses are suitable for regular users comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine and can offer a lower daily cost when maintained properly.

Deciding between these options is often simpler than many think. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages can greatly impact your overall 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 convenience means you don’t need to worry about cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, allowing you to forget about when you last used your current pair.

Who benefits from daily disposables:

• First-time users seeking a hassle-free experience
• Individuals who wear lenses sporadically, such as for sports, events, or weekends
• People with allergies, as a fresh lens daily helps prevent the accumulation of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who value convenience
• Anyone wanting to bypass a nightly cleaning routine

Considerations: While daily disposables may seem pricier at first glance, when you take into account the costs of cleaning solutions, cases, and the risk of eye infections due to inadequate hygiene, the cost difference can diminish significantly.

A Closer Look at Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Advantages

Monthly lenses can be worn for up to 30 days. Each night, you’ll need to remove, clean, and store them in fresh solution to keep them comfortable and effective.

Who are monthly lenses best for:

• Regular wearers looking for the most cost-effective long-term solution
• Individuals who are comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine
• Those with prescriptions that aren’t available in daily disposable formats, including some complex or unique prescriptions

Considerations: Regular cleaning every night is crucial. Neglecting this step can result in serious eye infections.

Important Information About Fortnightly Lenses

Certain brands provide a two-week replacement cycle. They require the same cleaning protocol as monthly lenses but demand more frequent replacements.

Our common recommendation for new wearers: Begin with daily disposables. They remove the cleaning hassle, which many new wearers find challenging. Once you are comfortable with inserting and removing lenses and can identify signs of discomfort, consider switching to monthly lenses if cost becomes an important factor.

Mastering Contact Lens Insertion for First-Time Users

Quick tip: Always wash your hands, verify that the lens isn’t inside out, hold your eyelids open, look slightly upward, place the lens on the white part of your eye just below the iris, and then release and blink. Most individuals feel comfortable with this process within a week, and your optometrist will assist you during your fitting.

Initially, inserting a lens may feel unusual. Your body instinctively protects your eyes, leading you to blink or flinch when something approaches. With practice, this reflex will diminish, and most people adapt 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 then to your eye.
2. Check the lens orientation. Place it on the tip of your index finger. It should appear as a smooth bowl with clean edges. If the edges flare outwards, 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. 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. Let go of your eyelids gently and blink several times to help the lens settle into place.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will guide you through this entire process during your fitting. We ensure that you can confidently insert and remove your lenses before you leave, which is the main goal of your 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 after use. For monthly lenses, place them in a clean case filled with fresh solution.

If you find removal difficult in the first week or two, consider using a soft contact lens handler or tweezers. These can simplify the process while you develop the necessary muscle memory. Most users no longer need these tools after a month, but using them is perfectly acceptable if they assist you.

Essential Care and Cleaning Tips 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 a leading cause of serious contact lens infections.

If you are using daily disposables, you can skip this section, as cleaning is unnecessary.

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 remove 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).
• 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 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 problems.

Commonly Prescribed Contact Lenses

Every prescription and eye condition is unique. Your optometrist will suggest the most suitable lens tailored to your specific needs during your fitting. Here are some lenses we frequently fit and stock, along with their recommended uses.

Top Recommendations 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 a preferred option 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 in a flat pack, ensuring it’s oriented correctly when picked up, eliminating guesswork for new wearers.

Popular Monthly Contact Lenses

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

Managing Dry Eyes and Sensitivity While Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can exacerbate dry eye, while experiencing dry eye can make contact lens wear uncomfortable. If you have dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should focus on which type of lens will work best for you and whether to combine them with any supportive treatments.

Feel free to raise any concerns during your fitting. Contact lens wear and dry eye can coexist, but the approach must be tailored to your specific situation.

When Should You 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 right away. Don’t wait for symptoms to improve. Prompt care can prevent serious complications.

Some concerns 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 more than a few hours.
• Sudden blurred vision while wearing lenses.
• Discharge or excessive tearing.
• A sensation of something lodged 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 on its own. Early intervention can prevent genuinely serious complications.

Common Questions About Contact Lenses

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

Most new users become comfortable with inserting and removing their lenses within a week. The physical sensation of not feeling the lens in your eye usually settles within the first two to three days. If you continue to struggle with insertion after two weeks, schedule a follow-up appointment. A different lens material or a handling tool might 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 moves 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 is even more critical for individuals with dry eyes. Daily disposables with high water content tend to offer 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 category, 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 ask us 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 schedule a consultation.
• 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 Begin Your Contact Lens Journey?

Schedule your contact lens fitting at our Central Coast practice, and 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.

Explore Contact Lenses at Eyes By Design · Book Your Contact Lens Fitting Today