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With developments and improvements happening all the time, many long term spectacles wearers are choosing to switch over to contact lenses. For correcting a vision problem, they can give you back clear sight, plus the freedom to pursue an active lifestyle. As the lens moves with the natural movement of your eye, you can achieve clear vision wherever you look, plus enhance your looks with tinted lenses that amplify or even change your eye colour.

However, it is important to remember that contact lenses are medical devices which need proper fitting and care. Your vision is too much of an important asset not to take the greatest care with, so don't be tempted to order from an unknown website without a proper fitting and a current prescription from an optician. The right choices have the potential to really enhance your life, so here's what you need to know before trying lenses for the first time:

Try To Relax

Although the idea of lenses is appealing, a lot of people have a slight fear of putting them in to begin with or do not like the idea of having to touch their eye. You may have fears that the lense will scratch your eye or somehow get lost and stuck behind your eye. Try to relax before inserting your contact lenses - you are much more likely to make a mistake if you're tense. Wash your hands thoroughly so as not introduce any germs. As long as your hands are clean, you don't need to worry about touching your eye. Or if you prefer you can get a tool for putting them in. Be patient as inserting lenses takes a bit of practise and you may need several attempts to get it right. Make sure that you have plenty of time the first occasion you try - you don't want to be running late for something and panicking, as this will make it even harder.

Keep It Clean

Your vision is a precious asset so make sure that you take proper time with your lens care and cleaning and never be tempted to cut corners. There are many different types of lenses available, and each type may need to be cared for properly. Follow the instructions given to you by your optician, as these will be specific to the type of lenses you have. Stock up on multipurpose solution and clean and rinse your lenses after each removal, before storing in a properly sealed contact lens case with fresh solution - never reuse what is already in there. When you're ready to wear them again, empty out your lens case, rinse it out with more solution, and leave it upside down with the cap off to air dry. You can also get single use lenses. These come in sealed pods that are sterile and can be disposed off at the end of each day, meaning you don't have to worry about cleaning and storing them. These can be a good choice if you wear glasses some days and lenses others.

Top Up Your H2O

Wearing lenses can leave your eyes drier than normal, so get into the habit of carrying eyedrops or a hydrating spray on eye mist to help alleviate any discomfort. This can be especially important if you use a Visual Display Unit (VDU) all day at work or are working in an air conditioned environment. Also try to keep your hydration levels up in general, perhaps by purchasing a metal water bottle to take around with you. Speak to your optician again to make sure that the drops you're using are compatible with the new lenses you have chosen.

Follow The Right Guidance

Don't rip up the rule book when it comes to your lenses - follow the guidance you've been given at the time of your fitting. You shouldn't swap or cut out any of the products that you have been recommended to use. If you do want to make any variations, it's best to check with your optician first to make sure that there will be no negative impact on the lenses you have been given. Don't skip any scheduled follow up sessions or change the type of solution you are using without speaking to your optician first. Never be tempted to reseat lenses, always replace them as you have been directed rather than trying to stretch out the life of them. Most importantly, never be tempted to sleep in your lenses, no matter how late a night it's been - there are some continuous wear versions but these have to be specifically prescribed.