How to Get Contact Lenses
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To get contact lenses, you need to start by scheduling an eye exam with an optometrist or eye doctor who will assess your eye health and vision to determine the best contact lens prescription for you. The process involves a comprehensive eye test, measuring the size and shape of your eyes, and trying out trial lenses to ensure a proper fit, after which you can purchase your contact lenses either from the optometrist’s office or online with a valid prescription.
Understanding the Process of Getting Contact Lenses
Getting contact lenses for the first time can seem like a daunting task, but understanding the process and what to expect can make it much simpler. The journey begins with an eye exam, which is crucial for determining your eye health and the correct prescription for your contact lenses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses
1. Do You Need a Prescription to Get Contact Lenses?
Yes, you need a prescription to get contact lenses. This prescription is different from an eyeglass prescription and requires a comprehensive eye exam.
2. How Do I Buy Contact Lenses for the First Time?
To buy contact lenses for the first time, you should schedule an eye test with an optometrist, who will then provide you with a prescription and possibly trial lenses to ensure the best fit.
3. Can I Convert My Glasses Prescription to Contacts?
No, you cannot directly convert your glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription. A separate contact lens fitting and exam are required.
4. How Long Does It Take to Get Contacts After an Eye Exam?
Contact lenses usually arrive within a week after ordering, but with trial lenses, you can start wearing them immediately after your eye exam.
5. Is It Painful to Wear Contact Lenses?
No, contact lenses should not hurt. If they do, you should consult your eye doctor as soon as possible.
6. Can You Sleep with Contacts In?
No, it is not safe to sleep while wearing contacts, even for a nap, as it increases the risk of infection.
7. How Long Do Contacts Last?
The duration contact lenses last varies; daily wear lenses can be replaced daily, weekly, or monthly, while extended-wear lenses can last up to a month.
8. Can Anyone Wear Contacts Instead of Glasses?
If you have healthy eyes but don’t have 20/20 vision, you can choose between glasses and contacts, depending on your lifestyle and preference.
9. How Long Should Beginners Wear Contacts?
Beginners should gradually increase the time they wear contacts each day, starting with a few hours and adding more time as their eyes adjust.
10. Are Contacts Blurry the First Day?
If your contacts are blurry, it might be because your eyes are adjusting to the new prescription, which can take up to 10-12 days.
11. Is It Uncomfortable to Wear Contacts for the First Time?
It’s normal to feel some discomfort when first wearing contacts, but this usually subsides after several uses.
12. How Much Do First Pair of Contacts Cost?
The cost of the first pair of contacts can vary widely, depending on the type, from about $100 per lens for RGP contacts to lower prices at discount retailers.
13. Can I Just Go Buy Contacts?
No, you cannot buy contacts without a prescription from a licensed optometrist or ophthalmologist.
14. What Happens During an Eye Exam for Contacts?
During the eye exam, the doctor will assess your eye health, measure your eye size, and possibly use eye drops with dye to check for any damage.
15. Can You Shower with Contacts?
No, it is recommended to remove contacts before showering to prevent infection or irritation, even with extended-wear contacts.