An estimated 56 million individuals in North America prefer contact lenses for vision correction. If you have recently begun using contact lenses, you are certainly not alone.

Guidance on Contact Lenses from Dr. Trey Gerdes, Waco Eye Doctor
Here are five essential tips to help you swiftly adapt to wearing and maintaining your new lenses, allowing you to fully benefit from their advantages.

Local Supplier of Contact Lenses in Waco, Texas

Identifying if Your Contact Lens Is Inside Out

A frequent error among newcomers is inserting soft contact lenses incorrectly. To check, place the lens on your index finger and examine its shape closely. The edge should curve upwards, resembling the rim of a teacup. If the edge flares outward like a flower in bloom, the lens is inside out.

Certain contact lenses feature small laser-etched numbers or letters. If these markings appear correctly when the lens is positioned on your fingertip, it indicates that the lens is oriented properly and ready for insertion.

Avoid Substituting Contact Lens Solution

Your eye care professional will suggest the most suitable contact lens solution for your specific eyes and lenses. Since individuals may have different sensitivities, not all solutions are interchangeable.

If you find yourself without contact lens solution, resist the urge to rinse your lenses with water or use saliva for moisture or cleaning.

Using anything other than the recommended contact lens solution can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes, potentially leading to serious infections. Therefore, it is advisable to remove your contacts before engaging in activities such as showering or swimming, where they may come into contact with water.

Eye Fashion Optical Eye Clinic: Contact Lenses, Eye Care, and Eye Doctors in Waco, Texas
Many eye conditions can be diagnosed quickly and easily during a thorough eye examination. If you have received a diagnosis of an eye condition such as cataracts, glaucoma, macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, or dry eye, you may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about the next steps.

If Your Contact Lenses Are Uncomfortable, Remove Them Immediately!
Many first-time users mistakenly believe that discomfort or a gritty sensation from their contact lenses is something they can simply acclimate to. However, contact lenses should be comfortable; persistent discomfort may indicate an issue.

Using clean hands, take out your lenses and rinse them thoroughly, both inside and out, with the solution or rewetting drops as advised by your eye care professional. Particles of dust or dirt may have become trapped between the lens and your eye, leading to irritation. Rinsing the lenses with contact lens solution can help eliminate these irritants.

If irritation persists, do not reinsert the contact lenses. Instead, wait until your eyes are no longer red or irritated before attempting to put them back in. Should the discomfort continue, consult your eye doctor.

Opt for Contact Lens-Compatible Makeup

Makeup applied around the eyes can lead to irritation and infections, regardless of whether you wear contact lenses. Here are some guidelines for using eye makeup while wearing contacts:

• Select hypoallergenic makeup products.
• When using cream-based cosmetics near your eyes, prefer water-based formulas over oil-based ones.
• Keep your eyes closed during application to prevent makeup particles from entering.
• Avoid applying eyeliner or eyeshadow to the inner rims of your eyelids.
• Replace eye makeup at least every three months to reduce the risk of bacterial growth and spread.
• Never share eye makeup with others.
• Always remove your contact lenses before taking off your makeup.