There’s more that goes into wearing contact lenses than meets the eye. Popular prescribed lenses like Acuvue Oasys by Johnson & Johnson are a convenient solution for everyday use, but it’s natural to have a few questions about this type of vision correction. Here are some answers to those that are most asked.
General Questions
Q: Is a prescription really necessary to purchase contact lenses?
A: Yes, you need to visit an eye doctor and receive an examination before purchasing contact lenses. Although it’s easy to forget, lenses are actually a medical device so a prescription is required in order to receive them.
Q: Is it difficult to get used to the feeling of wearing lenses?
A: Getting used to the sensation of contact lenses on your eyes usually only takes a few days; however, it could take as long as a couple of weeks. If you are still having trouble with your lenses, you should get in touch with your eye doctor as you may need to be prescribed a different type of lens better suited for your eyes.
Q: Can I shower or swim with my contact lenses?
A: No, your lenses should be removed before entering water whether it is a pool, hot tub, or shower.
Insertion and Wear
Q: How often should I change my contact lenses?
A: It really depends on the type of lenses you are using. If you are prescribed daily disposable contact lenses, then they should be discarded and replaced daily. Disposable lenses also come with weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedules. Acuvue Oasys contact lenses are biweekly disposable contact lenses and are an excellent choice for contact lens wearers.
Q: When it comes to daily use, how long can I safely wear contact lenses before it becomes too much of a strain on my eyes?
A: Your lenses can be worn for as long as you are awake and active during a 24 hour period, but keep in mind that they should be removed a few hours before bedtime in order to give your eyes rest and avoid any potential strain. If you experience any discomfort when wearing your lenses during this period you should remove them immediately.
Q: I’m worried that I won’t be able to remove my contact lens. Is it possible for it to actually get stuck in my eye?
A: In a worst case scenario, your lens could get wedged underneath your eyelid if it were to move out of place. Do not worry about losing a lens behind your eye — its anatomy would not allow for that. If you are having extreme difficulty in dislodging a lens, call your eye doctor immediately and they will be able to assist with removal.
Safety and Care
Q: I haven’t been prescribed disposable contact lenses, so I’m wondering what are some things that I should keep in mind when caring for my lenses?
A: Before you do anything, wash your hands! Hand washing and drying with a clean towel is an important first step when handling your lenses. Contact solution is also critical to care. Your lenses should soak in the prescribed solution before insertion and after removal to disinfect them. Aside from following a daily cleaning regimen, you should also replace your lenses by the recommended schedule advised by your eye doctor and never wear contact lenses that are expired.
Q: Is water a good substitute for contact solution?
A: No, water cannot replace your contact solution as it will not disinfect the lenses. Water will actually increase the risk of bacteria that could potentially contaminate the lens, which would then cause infection after insertion. Always use contact solution to rinse, disinfect, and soak your lenses.
Q: Can I keep reusing my contact lens case?
A: Your contact lens case should be replaced about every three months in order to avoid any risk of infection.
While this is a good overview of lens care, these questions and answers just scratch the surface of what goes into being a responsible lens wearer. Use this as a guideline and quick reference, and always consult your eye doctor for any other questions not covered.
Top photo: lenore-m/Flickr
This is really good info for me! I don’t wear contact lenses or glasses, but my daughter is 12 and just got glasses. I know she will be interested in using contact lenses soon and I don’t have any experience with them. This info is really helpful!
I used to be able to wear contacts just fine but as I have become older I just can’t tolerate them. My daughter wears contacts and she needs to read this. I will send her your link. Thanks!
I could never use contact lenses. I am amazed at how people can put things in their eyes with ease. My sister uses them and has been trying to convince me to try them too. So far, I am still using my regular eyeglasses to see things clearly. LOL.
I would rather stick to my glasses, to be honest. I don’t like going through the hassle of maintaining contact lenses.
I had my contact lenses with grade, I don’t like glasses because when I’m wearing a glasses it looks like a circle in my way lol, that’s why I chose contact. I’ve been using it for two months and I’m happy with it.
I don’t wear glasses or contacts, I’m lucky enough to still have really good vision (for now, anyway!). But my husband wears glasses and has been considering a switch to contacts. I’m sure he’d benefit from reading this. I’ll be sure to pass it along!
These are great questions and answers for those interested in wearing contacts. It is best to learn about thinks before jumping into them for sure. Great post. Thanks for the information on contacts.