How long does it take to get used to contacts

Medically reviewed by Alastair Lockwood on 17 December 2020

Switching to  contact lenses can be daunting at first, as many people expect a lengthy adjustment period when they move from glasses to contacts.

The adjustment period for new contacts varies from person to person. It also depends on the type of prescription and contact lenses prescribed. You'll find that most soft contact lenses only take a few days for your eyes to adjust to. Whether they’re made from hydrogel or  silicone hydrogel, soft contact lenses allow for a smooth and seamless transition.

If you already wear contacts adjusting to a new type of contact may also take some time. You may find that you experience a crisper and clearer vision by swapping to a new type of lens. There are a huge selection of new contact lenses on the market. Don't be afraid to try these as they could offer you a more comfortable wear.

Does it take longer to get used to rigid gas permeable contact lenses than soft contact lenses?

Yes, most rigid gas permeable contact lenses can take a few weeks to get used to. Some might never find these contact lenses to be comfortable, hence the growing popularity of soft contact lenses. The adjustment period for rigid gas permeable contacts is usually around two weeks. We recommend that you ease into these contacts slowly.

How long does it take to get used to contacts for astigmatism?

Wearing  contact lenses for astigmatism is no different from wearing normal contact lenses. The only difference is that they are positioned differently.

Some contact lens wearers may encounter the problem of the lenses rotating out of focus. Wearing toric lenses from a reputable brand such as  Johnson & Johnson, Bausch & Lomb or CooperVision should decrease the chances of this happening. Having a consultation with an eye doctor can help you choose a brand of contact lenses best suited to your eyes.

How long does it take to get used to multifocal contacts?

Multifocal contacts, also known as varifocal contact lenses offer lens wear for distances and close up objects. These lenses are great, however, they usually take a little longer to get used to. Whilst adapting to these lenses, the wearer may see glare at night or experience blurry vision. A four to six week wearing period is the time it may take for adjustment.

Should contacts be blurry at first?

When you first wear contacts, it may take a few seconds for the lens to settle into the right place. This can cause blurred vision for a short moment in time.

If your new contacts are blurry, this could also indicate that you are wearing the wrong prescription. You should make sure you have your eyes examined by an eye doctor before you start wearing contacts lenses.

Dryness of the contact lenses or the eyes?

Blurry vision can also be caused if your contacts are dry. Using rewetting drops can help to get rid of blurred vision. At Feel Good Contacts we have a wide selection of rewetting drops designed for a range of lens materials.

Cleaning your contact lenses thoroughly with contact lens solution can also prevent dryness. Daily disposables are a popular choice for those who get dry eyes. These lenses are thrown away at the end of the day and are therefore less likely to dry out as a result of ineffective cleaning.

Having dry eyes can cause blurred vision too and some lenses are better suited for dry eyes. If you have dry eyes consider wearing soft lenses made of a silicon hydrogel material. These lenses are designed to let more oxygen reach the eye, reducing the chances of dryness.

Are contact lenses difficult to look after?

No, contact lenses are not difficult to look after. However, if you’re new to monthly contact lenses or weeklies, you may think that the cleaning and storing of your lenses could be time-consuming and challenging. There's no need to worry, after a few weeks your contact lens care routine will be second nature to you.

Follow our step-by-step guide on how to care for your monthly or two weekly contact lenses.

Alternatively, if you want to forego a contact lens cleaning routine entirely, you can always try daily contact lenses. These are ideal for those with an active lifestyle, just apply a fresh pair in the morning and remove them before you go to bed.

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