Key Takeaways
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Contact lenses offer a convenient, comfortable alternative to glasses when properly used and maintained
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First-time users should learn proper insertion, removal, and cleaning techniques from the start
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Colored contact lenses can transform your look while maintaining eye health with proper care
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Always follow the recommended wearing schedule and replacement frequency
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Visit our colored contact lens collection to find the perfect lenses for your style
Are you considering contact lenses for the first time? Whether you're looking for vision correction or wanting to try colored lenses to transform your look, getting started with contact lenses can feel intimidating. The good news is that millions of people worldwide use contact lenses safely and comfortably every day—and with the right knowledge and techniques, you can too!
This comprehensive guide covers everything beginners need to know about contact lenses, from choosing the right type and learning proper insertion techniques to maintenance routines and safety considerations. By following these expert tips, you'll be well on your way to enjoying all the benefits contact lenses have to offer.
Understanding Different Types of Contact Lenses
Before diving into how to use contact lenses, it's important to understand the various types available and which might be best for your needs.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft contact lenses are made from flexible, water-containing materials that allow oxygen to pass through to your cornea. They're the most commonly prescribed type for several reasons:
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Comfort: Most first-time wearers adapt quickly to soft lenses
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Ease of use: Generally easier to insert and remove than rigid lenses
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Initial comfort: Less adaptation time compared to hard lenses
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Stability: Less likely to dislodge during physical activities
Soft lenses come in several wearing schedules:
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Daily disposables: Worn once and discarded
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Bi-weekly: Replaced every two weeks
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Monthly: Replaced monthly
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are made from durable materials that:
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Provide sharper vision than soft lenses in some cases
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Allow more oxygen to reach the eye
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Are more durable and longer-lasting
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May be better for certain eye conditions like astigmatism
Colored Contact Lenses
Colored contact lenses, like those offered by Bella Lenses, come in various types:
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Enhancement tints: Designed to enhance your natural eye color
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Opaque tints: Completely change your eye color
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Visibility tints: Slight tints to help you see the lens during handling (not for changing eye color)
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Special effect lenses: Create dramatic looks for costume or fashion purposes
Colored lenses can be prescription or non-prescription (plano) and follow the same wearing schedules as regular soft lenses.
Getting Started: Before You Wear Contact Lenses
Consultation with an Eye Care Professional
Before purchasing any contact lenses, including colored ones:
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Schedule a comprehensive eye examination
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Get a valid contact lens prescription, even for non-corrective colored lenses
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Discuss your lifestyle, preferences, and expectations with your optometrist
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Learn about the best lens options for your specific eyes and needs
Remember: In the UK, it's illegal to sell contact lenses without a valid prescription, as they are classified as medical devices.
Essential Supplies for Contact Lens Wearers
Before starting your contact lens journey, gather these supplies:
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Contact lens solution (multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide-based, as recommended)
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Contact lens case (if using non-daily disposables)
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Eye drops approved for use with contact lenses
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Clean towel for drying hands
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Mirror (preferably magnifying)
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Backup glasses for when you're not wearing lenses
How to Wear and Remove Contact Lens
Learning proper insertion and removal techniques is crucial for comfort and eye health. Let's break down the process step by step.
Preparing to Insert Your Contact Lenses
Prepare before wearing your lense can avoid risk of infections and keep your eye health
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Wash your hands thoroughly with fragrance-free soap and dry with a lint-free towel
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Work over a clean, flat surface preferably with a clean towel in case you drop a lens
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Always start with the same eye (right or left) to avoid mixing up lenses
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Check that your lens is clean and free from damage before insertion
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Make sure the lens is not inside-out (edges should form a smooth, bowl-like shape)
Wearing Steps
Follow the steps below to wear your contact lense properly
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Place the lens on the tip of your index finger (dominant hand)
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With your other hand, use your middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid
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Use the index or middle finger of your dominant hand to lift your upper eyelid
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Look straight ahead into a mirror and gently place the lens on your eye
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Slowly release your eyelids and blink gently
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The lens should center itself naturally
Removal Technique
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Wash and dry your hands thoroughly
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Look upward and pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger
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Touch the lower edge of the lens with your index finger
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Slide the lens down to the white part of your eye
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Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove
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For rigid lenses, use the special removal tool provided by your optometrist
Proper Care and Maintenance of Contact Lenses
The way you care for your lenses significantly impacts your comfort and eye health.
Daily Cleaning Routine (for Non-Daily Disposables)
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Clean lenses immediately after removal
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Place each lens in your palm with fresh solution
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Gently rub the lens with your finger for 20 seconds on each side
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Rinse thoroughly with fresh solution
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Place in a clean case with fresh solution
Contact Lens Case Care
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Empty and rinse your case with fresh solution daily
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Allow to air dry upside down on a clean tissue
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Replace your lens case every 3 months
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Never use tap water to clean your case or lenses
Solution Guidelines
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Always use the solution recommended by your eye care professional
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Never mix different types of solutions
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Don't "top off" old solution—always use fresh solution
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Keep the bottle tip clean and avoid touching it
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Close the bottle tightly after each use
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Check expiration dates regularly
Building Your Contact Lens Wearing Schedule
When first starting with contact lenses, follow a gradual adaptation schedule:
First Week
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Day 1-2: Wear lenses for 4-6 hours
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Day 3-4: Increase to 6-8 hours
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Day 5-7: Gradually increase to 8-10 hours
Second Week
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Aim for 12-14 hours of comfortable wear (if approved by your optometrist)
Important Guidelines
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Never sleep in your lenses unless specifically designed and approved for extended wear
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Remove lenses immediately if you experience discomfort, redness, or vision changes
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Take a break from lenses if your eyes feel tired
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Always have a pair of glasses available as a backup
Common Challenges and Solutions for New Contact Lens Wearers
It's normal to encounter some challenges when first using contact lenses. Here are solutions to common issues:
Discomfort or Awareness of Lenses
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Cause: Dry eyes, debris, inside-out lens, or improper fit
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Solution: Remove, clean, and reinsert the lens; use lubricating drops approved for contact lenses; check lens orientation
Difficulty Inserting Lenses
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Cause: Blinking reflex, dry lens, or improper technique
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Solution: Practice keeping your eye open; ensure the lens is moist; try looking away from the lens as you insert it
Lens Moving Too Much
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Cause: Improper fit or dry lens
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Solution: Consult your optometrist about fit; try lubricating drops; avoid rubbing your eyes
Red Eyes
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Cause: Irritation, allergies, or infection
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Solution: Remove lenses immediately and consult your eye care professional
Blurry Vision
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Cause: Dirty lenses, deposits, wrong prescription, or dry eyes
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Solution: Clean lenses thoroughly; check for damage; use rewetting drops; consult your optometrist if persistent
Choosing the Perfect Colored Contact Lenses
Bella Lenses offers a wide range of colored contact lenses to enhance or transform your look. Here's how to choose the right ones:
Consider Your Natural Eye Color
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Light eyes (blue, green, gray): Enhancement tints in similar colors create a vibrant, natural look
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Dark eyes (brown, hazel): Opaque lenses work best to change your eye color completely
Match Your Skin Tone
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Warm skin tones: Honey brown, hazel, or amber lenses complement your complexion
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Cool skin tones: Blue, gray, or violet shades can enhance your features
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Neutral skin tones: Most colors work well; choose based on the look you want to achieve
Think About the Occasion
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Everyday wear: Choose natural-looking colors that complement your features
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Special occasions: Consider more vibrant or dramatic colors
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Costume events: Explore special effects lenses for a completely transformed look
Browse our full collection of colored lenses to find your perfect match!
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Your eye health should always be the priority when wearing contact lenses.
Red Flags: When to Seek Help
Remove your lenses and contact an eye care professional immediately if you experience:
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Persistent redness or irritation
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Pain or discomfort that doesn't resolve
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Decreased or blurry vision
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Light sensitivity
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Discharge from the eye
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Swelling
Makeup Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
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Insert lenses before applying makeup
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Remove lenses before removing makeup
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Use oil-free, hypoallergenic products
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Avoid powder-based products that can get into your eyes
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Replace eye makeup regularly to prevent contamination
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Never apply eyeliner to your waterline while wearing contacts
Environmental Considerations
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Avoid wearing contacts while swimming unless wearing goggles
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Protect eyes from excessive wind and dust
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Take extra precautions in dry environments by using lubricating drops
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Remove lenses before entering saunas or steam rooms
Frequently Asked Questions About Contact Lenses
Can I sleep in my contact lenses?
No, you should not sleep in regular contact lenses. Only specific extended wear lenses approved by your optometrist should be worn overnight, and even then, not continuously.
How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?
Most people adapt to soft contact lenses within a few days. Complete adaptation usually occurs within 1-2 weeks of consistent wear.
Can I wear colored contact lenses if I don't need vision correction?
Yes, you can wear non-prescription (plano) colored lenses purely for cosmetic purposes. However, you still need a valid prescription and fitting from an eye care professional.
How often should I replace my contact lenses?
Follow the replacement schedule recommended for your specific lenses:
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Daily disposables: Discard after each use
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Bi-weekly lenses: Replace every two weeks
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Monthly lenses: Replace monthly
Can I clean my lenses with water?
Never use tap water, bottled water, or saliva to clean or store your lenses. These can contain microorganisms that may lead to serious eye infections.
What if I accidentally sleep in my daily wear lenses?
If you accidentally fall asleep wearing daily wear lenses, remove them as soon as you wake up. Give your eyes a break for at least several hours and use lubricating drops. If you experience any discomfort or redness that doesn't resolve quickly, consult your eye care professional.
Conclusion: Your Contact Lens Journey Begins
Starting your contact lens journey might seem challenging at first, but with consistent practice and proper techniques, it quickly becomes second nature. Remember that your eye health is paramount—always follow the care instructions provided by your eye care professional and the lens manufacturer.
At Bella Lenses, we're committed to helping you enjoy the freedom and confidence that contact lenses can provide. Whether you're looking for vision correction or wanting to transform your look with our stunning colored contact lenses, we're here to support you every step of the way.
Ready to explore the world of colored contact lenses? Browse our extensive collection to find the perfect lenses to enhance your natural beauty or create a bold new look!
