First Time Wearing Contact Lenses? Everything You Need to Know

If you're wearing contact lenses for the first time, you probably have a few questions. How do you put them in? Will they feel uncomfortable? How long can you wear them? And perhaps the part that worries most beginners: how do you get them back out?

It's completely normal for contact lenses to feel unfamiliar at first. You're learning a new routine, and touching your eye can take some getting used to. With clean hands, the right technique, and a little practice, inserting and removing lenses can become much easier.

Contact lenses can be a convenient alternative to glasses, whether you want them for everyday vision correction, sports, travel, special occasions or simply a different look.

This guide covers the basics you need to know about contact lenses for beginners, from choosing the right type to putting them in, taking them out, and caring for them properly.

If you're looking for contact lenses in Pakistan, you can explore the GABA Optical contact lenses collection.

What Should You Know Before Wearing Contact Lenses for the First Time?

Before buying your first pair, it's important to understand that contact lenses are not simply a smaller version of eyeglasses.

A contact lens sits directly on the eye, so the lens needs to be appropriate for your prescription and fit. Depending on the type of lens, specifications such as power, base curve and diameter may also matter. If you have astigmatism, you may need a toric lens with additional prescription details.

If you've never worn contacts before, an appropriate eye examination and fitting can help determine which lens is suitable for you.

Once you know which type of lens you need, learning how to handle it is the next step.

How to Put in Contact Lenses

Learning how to put in contact lenses can feel strange at first. Most of the difficulty comes from getting comfortable with the idea of touching your eye.

Take your time, especially during your first few attempts.

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands

Always begin with clean hands.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel.

Clean, dry hands make the lens easier to handle and help prevent dirt and other contaminants from getting onto the lens or eye.

Step 2: Check the Lens

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and look at its shape.

A soft contact lens should look like a smooth bowl when it is positioned correctly. If the edges flare outward, it may be inside out.

If you're unsure, check the instructions provided with your specific lenses.

Step 3: Hold Your Eyelids Open

Use your middle finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid.

With your other hand, hold the upper eyelid near the eyelashes.

This helps prevent blinking while you place the lens.

Step 4: Place the Lens on Your Eye

Look straight ahead and gently place the lens onto the eye.

There's no need to press hard. A light touch is enough.

Step 5: Blink Slowly

Release your eyelids and blink a few times slowly.

The lens should settle into position.

When you're wearing contact lenses for the first time, it may take a little while to become comfortable with the sensation. However, significant or persistent discomfort should not be ignored.

What Do Contact Lenses Feel Like for Beginners?

This is one of the most common concerns people have before trying contacts.

You may notice the lens when you first put it in. Your eyes are simply not used to having a lens on their surface yet.

The sensation should generally become less noticeable as you get used to wearing contacts.

A lens should not cause significant pain. If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, unusual sensitivity, or vision changes, remove the lens and seek professional advice.

Don't assume that you need to "get used to" a lens that continues to feel uncomfortable.

How Long Should Beginners Wear Contact Lenses?

When you're new to contacts, it can be tempting to wear them for as long as possible.

Instead, follow the wearing schedule recommended for your particular lens and by your eye-care professional.

Different contact lenses have different wearing and replacement instructions. Your eyes may also need time to adjust to wearing contacts.

If your eyes become uncomfortable, don't continue wearing the lenses simply because you planned to keep them in for the entire day.

Daily vs Monthly Contact Lenses for Beginners

One of the first choices you'll encounter is between daily and monthly lenses.

Daily Contact Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are designed to be worn once and then discarded.

They can be convenient for people who:

• Wear contacts occasionally
• Switch between glasses and contacts
• Travel regularly
• Prefer a simple routine
• Don't want to clean and store lenses
  

If you're considering this option, you can browse GABA Optical's clear daily contact lenses.

Monthly Contact Lenses

Monthly lenses are reusable during their specified replacement period. They require cleaning, disinfecting, and appropriate storage between uses.

They may suit people who wear contacts regularly and are comfortable maintaining a lens-care routine.

You can explore GABA Optical's clear monthly contact lenses.

When choosing between the two, think about how often you'll actually wear contacts and how much maintenance you want to handle.

How to Remove Contact Lenses

Learning how to take out contact lenses is just as important as learning how to put them in.

The process may feel awkward initially, but it becomes easier with practice.

Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water.

Dry them completely before touching your eyes or lenses.

Step 2: Hold Your Eyelids Open

Use one hand to gently hold your upper eyelid.

With the other hand, pull your lower eyelid down.

Step 3: Look Slightly Upward

Keep your head still and look slightly upward.

Step 4: Move the Lens Down

Use your index finger to gently slide the lens toward the lower white part of your eye.

Step 5: Gently Pinch the Lens

Use the soft pads of your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens.

Keep your fingernails away from the surface of your eye.

Step 6: Remove the Lens

Gently pull the lens away from the eye.

If it doesn't move easily, don't force it. Stop, reposition your fingers, and try again gently.

For a more detailed guide, read GABA Optical's How to Remove Contact Lenses Safely.

What If a Contact Lens Gets Stuck?

A lens that moves away from the centre of the eye can be difficult to see, which can be worrying for a beginner.

The first thing to do is stay calm.

Close your eye for a moment and blink several times. The lens may move back toward the centre.

A contact lens cannot pass behind the eyeball, although it can move underneath an eyelid and become difficult to locate.

Don't use tweezers, sharp objects or other tools to try to remove it. Avoid repeatedly rubbing your eye as well.

If you cannot remove the lens or your eye becomes increasingly uncomfortable, seek professional assistance.

Contact Lens Care: What Beginners Need to Know

Good contact lens care is particularly important when using reusable lenses.

Make these habits part of your routine:

• Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.
• Use the recommended contact-lens solution.
• Clean and disinfect reusable lenses according to the product instructions.
• Store lenses in fresh solution.
• Keep your lens case clean.
• Follow the replacement schedule for your lenses.
• Never use tap water to clean or store contact lenses.
• Never share contact lenses with another person.

GABA Optical also offers a lens-care collection with solutions and other care products.

Can You Sleep While Wearing Contact Lenses?

Don't assume that contact lenses are suitable for overnight wear simply because they feel comfortable.

Whether a particular lens can be worn overnight depends on the lens and the instructions provided for it.

If your lenses aren't approved for overnight wear, remove them before sleeping.

If you accidentally sleep while wearing your contacts, remove them when you wake up. If you experience significant redness, pain, discharge, or vision changes, seek professional advice.

Can Beginners Wear Coloured Contact Lenses?

Coloured contact lenses can be an option if you want to enhance or change your eye colour.

However, choosing coloured lenses should involve more than selecting a shade you like.

GABA Optical offers a range of coloured contact lenses in different colours, brands and replacement schedules.

Some coloured lenses are available without vision correction, while others are available with prescription powers. Check the individual product details before ordering because prescription availability varies between products.

The same basic handling and care principles apply to coloured soft lenses as clear lenses.

Contact Lens Mistakes Beginners Should Avoid

Your first few days with contacts are a learning period. Avoiding some common mistakes can make the experience much easier.

Touching Lenses With Unwashed Hands

Always wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.

This simple habit should become automatic.

Using Fingernails

Your fingertips give you better control than your fingernails.

If you have long nails, take extra care when inserting or removing lenses.

Rushing the Process

If a lens isn't going in or coming out immediately, don't panic.

Take a moment, relax, and try again gently.

Wearing Lenses for Too Long

Follow the wearing schedule recommended for your specific lens.

Don't extend wearing time simply because your eyes still feel fine.

Reusing Daily Disposable Lenses

Daily disposable lenses are designed for one use. They should not be cleaned and stored for another day.

Using Tap Water

Do not clean or store contact lenses in tap water.

Reusable lenses should be handled using the appropriate contact-lens solution.

Can You Wear Contact Lenses If You Have Glasses?

Yes. Many people use both glasses and contact lenses and switch between them depending on the situation.

You might prefer glasses at home and contacts when exercising, travelling or attending an event.

The important thing is to use contact lenses that are appropriate for your prescription and fit rather than assuming your glasses prescription can simply be transferred to a contact-lens order.

Signs That You Should Stop Wearing Your Contact Lenses

Contact lenses should not cause significant or persistent discomfort.

Remove your lenses and seek professional advice if you experience:

• Significant eye pain
• Persistent or severe redness
• Sudden changes in vision
• Unusual sensitivity to light
• Discharge
• Increasing irritation

Don't continue wearing a lens in the hope that the problem will disappear on its own.

How to Make Your First Contact Lens Experience Easier

The first few attempts may take longer than you expect. That's normal.

You are learning a new movement and getting comfortable with handling something that sits directly on your eye.

A few habits can help:

Practice in Good Lighting

A well-lit mirror can make inserting and removing lenses much easier.

Keep Your Routine Simple

Try to put your lenses in and remove them at roughly the same time while you're learning.

Keep Your Supplies Together

If you're using reusable lenses, keep your case and solution somewhere convenient.

Keep Your Glasses Nearby

You don't have to choose between glasses and contacts permanently. Many people use both.

Give Yourself Time

Your first attempt may take several minutes. With practice, the process can become much quicker.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are contact lenses difficult for beginners?

They can feel awkward initially because you're learning a new way to handle vision correction. With practice and the correct technique, inserting and removing lenses usually becomes easier.

Do contact lenses hurt when you first put them in?

You may notice a lens when you first put it in, but significant or persistent pain isn't something to ignore. Remove the lens and seek professional advice if discomfort continues.

How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?

It varies from person to person and depends on the lens and wearing schedule. Follow the instructions for your particular lenses and any advice from your eye-care professional.

Can I wear contact lenses every day?

Some lenses are designed for regular daily wear, while others have different schedules. Follow the instructions for your specific product.

Can I wear contact lenses instead of glasses all the time?

Some people wear contacts regularly, while others switch between contacts and glasses. Your routine will depend on your comfort, lens type, and individual needs.

Can I wear coloured contact lenses if I don't need glasses?

Some coloured lenses are available without corrective power. They should still be suitable for your eyes and handled and cared for correctly.

What should I do if I can't remove my contact lens?

Don't force the lens or repeatedly rub your eye. Blink and try again gently. If you cannot remove it or your eye becomes uncomfortable, seek professional assistance.

Ready to Try Contact Lenses?

Wearing contact lenses for the first time can seem intimidating, but it doesn't have to be complicated.

Start with clean hands, learn the correct way to insert and remove your lenses, follow the recommended wearing schedule and make proper lens care part of your routine.

The type of lens you choose also matters. Daily disposable lenses can be convenient for occasional wear, while monthly lenses may suit people who prefer a reusable routine. Coloured lenses offer additional style options, while specialised lenses such as toric lenses are available for suitable prescriptions.

If you're searching for contact lenses in Pakistan, explore GABA Optical's complete contact lenses collection, clear daily contact lenses, clear monthly contact lenses or coloured contact lenses.

For more practical information, read our guide on How to Remove Contact Lenses Safely.

Product availability, specifications and prices may change. Always check the individual product page for the latest information.

Author Bio

GABA Optical Editorial Team

The GABA Optical Editorial Team creates practical content covering contact lenses, eyeglasses, sunglasses, and everyday eye care. Our guides are designed to make eyewear information easier to understand and help customers make informed choices based on their vision needs, lifestyle, and everyday routines.