I got contacts today!!!! *Need advice*

[Twinkles6892]

I'm so happy, I got my contacts today!!! They still kind of feel weird but I'm getting used to them, I went from tiny glasses with a weak prescription to being able to see out of my whole eye with a strong prescription. Any advice from older contact users???

 

[Simba's Mom]

So how do they feel now? Are they hard or soft? I've worn contact lenses for over 30 years, when "hard" lenses really were hard, a material that's not even used today. Did you get disposable ones? The first few days sometimes can be so frustrating, it can take soo long to put them in and take them out. I remember when DS got lenses it took him a good 5 minutes to put them in at first. But once you get the hang of it after a few days, it takes about 5 seconds. If you have hard lenses and lose one when you're putting it in, you know it dropped SOMEWHERE, here's a tip-put a nylon stocking over the hose of your vacuum cleaner, then turn on the vacuum and wave it all around the area. Your contact lens will be sucked up but stick to the nylon. Just make sure you cover the whole hose opening with the nylon, or you'll lose the lens into the vacuum.

 

[Disney845]

I started wearing glasses in the 1st grade and didn't get contacts till I was about 18. My eyesight is pretty bad! I actually wear my glasses much more often than conacts though. I just have never really gotten used to them in all the years I have had them! They get sticky and dry no matter how much I use rewetting drops, and by the end of a long day wearing them I get a bad headache. I only wear them when going swimming, to the beach, a theme park, or at some other venue that they would be more practical.

Some advice...clean them well, it will prevent nasty buildup that can be bad for your eyes. Don't get perfume or other such things on your fingers before putting them in or taking them out....OUCH! Don't fall asleep with them in (unless you have the 24 hour ones). I see that you are still a teenager. I assume you might be going to school homecoming and prom dances soon. Keep in mind that if you get acrylic nails put on that it might be more difficult for you to put the contacts in and take them out without some practice.

Good luck, and happy seeing!!!

 

[Twinkles6892]

Can I shower with them in? I know I can't swim with them

 

[oogieboogie]

You can definitely shower with them on. You can do pretty much anything with them on. I know you're not supposed to swim with them, but what I do is get cheap disposable ones just for swimming. That way if they pop out, no big loss. Plus if you wear goggles, you should be ok swimming with them.

Gas permeable lenses do take longer to get used to them. I'm sure your optometrist/opthamologist gave you a training schedule to get your eyes used to them.

Take them off every night. This prolongs the life of the contacts, and gives your eyes plenty of rest.

Don't rub your eyes. You could tear the contacts, or worse move it under your eyelids. Plus you could get stuff in your eyes.

Don't pop your contacts in your mouth to moisten them. Gross!

In a couple days, you won't even feel you've got them on and you'll wonder how you ever lived without them.

 

[Cinders]

Can I shower with them in? I know I can't swim with them

What type of contacts are they? My son (14) and I both swim and waterski with our disposables. Rewetting drops can be $$$ but sometimes in the travel sections you can find a small bottle of saline solution.....this is the same as the rewetting drops but much cheaper. Don't sleep in them!! That is the fastest way to dry them out. And always wash your hands before putting them in or taking them out.

 

[Fire14]

I have soft contacts and I swim, Shower etc. with mine in. I also suggest not sleeping with them in it's not pleasant in the morning. I also use store brand of contact solution to save money.

 

[Twinkles6892]

First 24 hours have gone smothely, although, if I sit in front of the computer too long, I get sick. Definately going to cut back on the AIM time. My left eye hates having the contact being put in, and the right eye is more tender when you take it out. I think I'm going to get used to it though. I was doing my hair today and I could see myself, and I didn't have to worry about taking my glasses off!!!!! :thewave:

 

[disneyangel7488]

I just got contacts about 2 months ago and I love them! At first, it would take me as long as a half hour to get them in! But now, it takes me a few seconds. In a few days, you won't even feel them at all, which is a great change from glasses.

Just follow what everyone else here has said about contact lenses. As for the rewetting drops, I've only had to use them a few times during the first 2 or 3 weeks, but everyone's eyes are different.

I was doing my hair today and I could see myself, and I didn't have to worry about taking my glasses off!!!!!

That's one of the best things about contacts, you don't have to take your glasses off for anything! I wear mine when I'm showering, swimming, etc. When I was in Florida about a month ago, I was soooo happy that I didn't have to take my glasses of for rides, and for the first time I could actually "see" what was in the rides such as Space Mtn., RnRC, and Test Track and all the other fast rides.

 

[browneyes]

Yawning will be your eyes best friend. Especially when you first start wearing contacts and your eyes seem to need more moistsure.

 

[Missy1961]

I've been wearing contacts on and off for the last 20 years. Just got back on them for the latest trip to Disney--I love them when I'm at the parks.

I never thought about wearing my disposables when I swim--I'm going to do that! I will be taking care of my 2 nieces in a few weeks. They have a pool in their backyard and I thought I'd wear my glasses when I was with them, but I'll wear my contacts instead.

The first time you get a haircut, you'll love it too! You'll be able to watch the stylest do everything as he/she is doing it!

 

[HOGFAN]

Use multipurpose solution. that way you dont have to heat disinfect.