If you’ve been wearing glasses for years, making the switch to contact lenses may seem intimidating. With a little help from your optometrist, though, it will actually be easier than you think—as long as you follow these steps.

3 Tips for Replacing Your Glasses With Contact Lenses 

1. Remove Them Before Bed 

It’s unwise to sleep in contacts. Even extended-wear lenses can dry out or irritate your eyes while you sleep. For this reason, eye doctors recommend taking them out every six days or so, even if they're approved for 30 days of continuous wear.

Removing your glasses before bed was probably second nature, but you may have to leave a post-it note on the bathroom mirror to remind you to take out your contacts every night until it becomes part of your routine. 

2. Prioritize Cleanliness

To prevent complications like conjunctivitis and keratitis, wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contacts. Unless you wear daily disposable lenses, you’ll have to get in the habit of washing your contacts, too. Your eye doctor will show you how to clean, rinse, disinfect, and store your lenses properly so they don't serve as a haven for bacteria, viruses, or foreign bodies. 

3. Discard as Instructed 

People who wear glasses might get a new pair every two years. If you wear contact lenses, though, you’ll have to replace them more frequently. Because contacts degrade over time—and accumulate debris in the process—they shouldn’t be worn for longer than the recommended period, which may be a day, two weeks, a month, or a year. You might be tempted to overwear your lenses to save money, but doing so could end up costing you in the long run if you damage your eyes or develop an infection. 

When you’re ready to be fitted for contact lenses, turn to Eric G. Stocker, OD in Amherst, OH. For nearly three decades, this friendly eye doctor has been providing comprehensive vision care for patients throughout Lorain County. In addition to providing corrective eyewear, Dr. Stocker offers complete eye exams, including all kinds of screenings and tests. Additionally, his friendly team is equipped to treat everything from dry eye to glaucoma. To browse all his services, visit his website. To make an appointment, call (440) 988-4419.