Contact Lenses: Key Tips Every Beginner Should Know

Are you preparing to embark on your first experience with contact lenses? Once you have received the green light from your optometrist, it is completely normal to have questions about what to expect prior to your fitting appointment.

Key Advice: Start with daily disposable lenses. They eliminate the need for a cleaning routine, which can often seem overwhelming for newcomers. Always ensure your hands are clean before handling your contact lenses, and avoid using tap water on them. Book a fitting with your optometrist to confirm that you have the correct lens for your prescription and eye health.

Your optometrist has determined that you are a suitable candidate for contact lenses, and it is perfectly normal to feel a blend of excitement and apprehension about touching your eyes. Many first-time wearers share these feelings.

We frequently assist new contact lens users, and this guide contains essential information to prepare you for your fitting appointment, advice on comparing daily and monthly lenses, and crucial routines to maintain eye health and comfort.

Making Informed Choices: Comparing Daily and Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Opt for daily lenses if you are new to contact lenses, wear them occasionally, suffer from allergies, or travel often; they provide a fresh lens each day without the hassle of cleaning. Monthly lenses are better suited for frequent users who can manage a nightly cleaning routine and may offer a lower overall cost when properly maintained.

Choosing between these two options is often easier than many believe. Understanding their respective benefits and drawbacks can significantly enhance your experience.

Understanding the Benefits of Daily Disposable Lenses

With daily disposable lenses, you wear a new pair each day and dispose of them at night. This eliminates the need for cleaning, storage cases, or solutions, allowing you to avoid worrying about when you last used your current pair.

Who benefits from daily disposables:

• First-time users looking for a hassle-free experience
• Occasional wearers, such as those who wear lenses for sports, special events, or weekends
• Individuals with allergies, as daily fresh lenses help prevent the build-up of pollen and other irritants
• Frequent travellers who appreciate the convenience
• Anyone wanting to avoid a nightly cleaning routine

The downside: While daily disposables may initially appear more expensive, considering the costs of cleaning solutions, storage cases, and the potential for eye infections due to poor hygiene can significantly offset this price difference.

Getting Acquainted with Monthly Contact Lenses and Their Advantages

Monthly lenses are designed to last up to 30 days. You must remove, clean, and store them each night in fresh solution to ensure their quality and comfort.

Who are monthly lenses ideal for:

• Regular wearers seeking the most cost-effective long-term solution
• Individuals comfortable with a nightly cleaning routine
• Those with prescriptions that are not available in daily disposable forms, including some complex or unique prescriptions

The downside: Consistent nightly cleaning is crucial. Failing to do so can lead to serious eye infections.

Essential Information about Fortnightly Lenses

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

Our standard recommendation for new users: Begin with daily disposables. This approach eliminates the cleaning routine, where many beginners face challenges. Once you feel confident in inserting and removing lenses and can recognise when your eyes feel uncomfortable, you can consider transitioning to monthly lenses if cost becomes a significant concern.

Mastering the Art of Inserting Contact Lenses for New Users

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

At first, inserting a lens may feel strange. Your body instinctively protects your eyes, which could 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 on your hands can transfer to the lens and subsequently to your eye.
2. Check the lens orientation. Place it on the tip of your index finger. It should resemble a smooth bowl with clean edges. If the edges flare out, 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, creating a clear path 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 help the lens settle.
6. Repeat for your other eye.

Your optometrist will assist you throughout this entire process during your fitting. We ensure you can confidently insert and remove your lenses before you leave, which is the primary goal of the fitting session.

Effective Techniques for Safely Removing Contact Lenses

1. Wash your hands thoroughly.
2. Look upward.
3. Slide the lens down onto the white part of your eye with your index finger.
4. Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to lift it out.

For daily lenses, simply dispose of them. For monthly lenses, place 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 ease the process as you build the necessary muscle memory. Most users no longer require these tools after about a month, but it’s perfectly fine to use them if they help.

Essential Cleaning and Care Practices for Monthly Contact Lenses

Quick tip: Clean each lens with a multipurpose solution for approximately 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 severe 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 indicates “no rub,” rubbing helps eliminate more deposits.
• Rinse with fresh solution.
• Place it in a clean case filled with fresh solution (never top up old solution; always replace it completely).
• Regularly replace your lens case every one to three months.

Never use tap water on contact lenses. Tap water may contain microorganisms that can lead to serious eye infections, including Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful condition that could jeopardise your vision. 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 every year, primarily due to patients taking shortcuts with water. Adhering to this guideline will help you avoid such issues.

Frequently Prescribed Contact Lenses

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

Top Daily Disposable Lens Recommendations

• Dailies Total 1: Features water gradient technology, resulting in an outer lens surface that is nearly entirely made of water. This is a popular choice for patients with mild dry eye.
• Acuvue Oasys 1 Day: Offers excellent oxygen transmission and built-in UV protection, making it a preferred option for those who spend time outdoors or in bright conditions.
• Precision 1: Utilises 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 Lens Choices

• Biofinity: A well-regarded monthly lens with high oxygen permeability, available in a broad 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 if your current monthlies become uncomfortable as they age.

Managing Dry Eyes or Sensitivity When Wearing Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses can contribute to dry eye, and experiencing dry eye can make wearing contact lenses uncomfortable. If you already have dry eye symptoms, your fitting discussion should focus on which type of lens will be most suitable and whether to incorporate any supportive treatments.

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

When to Reach Out to Your Optometrist

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

Some issues can wait until your next appointment, while others cannot. Reach out to us (or any optometrist) if you notice:

• Pain that does not diminish after removing the lens; pain indicates something is wrong.
• Redness that does not resolve within a few hours.
• Sudden blurred vision while wearing lenses.
• Discharge or excessive tearing.
• A sensation of something stuck in your eye after removal.
• New light sensitivity that was absent before.

Any of these symptoms may indicate an infection, a damaged lens, or a corneal issue. Do not hesitate to seek help, and avoid assuming that the problem will resolve on its own. Early intervention can prevent genuinely serious complications.

Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses

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

Most new wearers adapt to inserting and removing their lenses within a week. Physical comfort—meaning not feeling the lens in your eye—usually settles within the first two to three days. If you continue to have difficulties with insertion after two weeks, book a follow-up appointment. Sometimes, a different lens material or a handling tool can greatly improve 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 intended for daytime wear only. Sleeping in standard lenses restricts 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 typically moves 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 compared to those without. Daily disposables with high water content tend to provide more comfort for dry eye patients than older monthly materials. Implementing a dry eye management routine (heat therapy, lid hygiene, supplements) can improve 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 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 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 Be Suitable for 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 follow, not precede.
• 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?

Book your contact lens fitting at our Central Coast practice, and we will assist you in finding the perfect 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.

Discover Contact Lenses at Eyes By Design · Schedule Your Contact Lens Fitting Today