How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Wearing Contact Lenses?

If you’re new to contact lenses, it’s normal to wonder how long it will take before they feel comfortable and natural to wear. While many people adjust quickly, the transition period can vary based on the type of lenses you wear, your prescription, and your eye health. Understanding what to expect can help make the process smoother and more successful.

 

What to Expect During Your Contact Lens Exam and Fitting

Before you begin wearing contact lenses, your journey starts with a comprehensive contact lens exam and fitting at Clarity Advanced Optometry. During this visit, your optometrist will first evaluate your overall eye health to ensure that contact lenses are a safe option for you. Precise measurements are then taken to determine the exact size and curvature of your eyes, which is essential for selecting lenses that fit comfortably.

 

Next, you’ll be provided with trial lenses so you can experience how they feel before making a commitment. Your visit also includes in-office training, where you’ll learn how to properly insert, remove, and care for your lenses. This thorough fitting process is a crucial step in ensuring both comfort and eye health, while also helping to reduce your adjustment period as you transition to contact lens wear.

 

For most new wearers, contact lenses can take a few days to a couple of weeks to feel completely natural. Several factors can influence how quickly you adjust.

 

Type of Contact Lenses

The type of contact lenses you wear plays a major role in how quickly you adjust to them. Soft contact lenses are the most commonly prescribed and usually feel comfortable within a day or two. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses often take longer to get used to, sometimes requiring a week or more of gradual wear.

 

Your Prescription

Your prescription strength can also affect your adjustment period. Higher prescriptions may take a little more time as your eyes and brain adapt to the new visual input provided by the lenses. This is completely normal and usually improves with consistent wear.

 

Lens Wear Schedule

How you wear your lenses is another key factor in the transition process. Your optometrist will recommend a gradual wearing schedule, starting with just a few hours each day and increasing over time. Following this schedule closely helps your eyes adapt without unnecessary strain or irritation, making the transition to contact lens wear smoother and more comfortable.

 

When to See Your Doctor

Mild discomfort is normal during the adjustment period, but you should contact your optometrist right away if you experience:

• Persistent pain or discomfort

• Redness or swelling

• Blurred or worsening vision

• Sensitivity to light or excessive tearing

 

These symptoms could indicate that your lenses need to be refitted or that an eye condition requires attention.

 

Schedule Your Contact Lens Exam Today

Adjusting to contact lenses is a process that varies from person to person. With the right lens type, proper care, and guidance from your optometrist, most people adapt within a couple of weeks. Following your recommended wear schedule and attending follow-up visits will ensure a smooth transition.

Schedule your contact lens exam with Clarity Advanced Optometry and get expert guidance on finding the lenses that fit your vision and lifestyle. Contact our office in Arcadia or Pasadena, by calling (626) 445-2717 (Arcadia) or (626) 463-1314 (Pasadena) to book an appointment today.