What to Know Before Switching to Contact Lenses

Glasses get the job done. They’re simple, dependable, and don’t require much more than an occasional cleaning cloth. Still, a lot of people eventually start thinking about contacts. Maybe it’s the fogged-up frames in winter. Maybe it’s the hassle of playing sports with glasses sliding down your nose. Or maybe you just don’t want frames on your face all the time.

The truth is, contact lenses can be a great option, but only if you know what you’re signing up for. They’re not just “pop them in and forget about it.” There’s a routine, some responsibility, and a bit of adjustment at the start.

First Things First: You Need a Prescription

You can’t just walk into a store and grab contacts like you would a pair of sunglasses. They’re considered medical devices, which means you’ll need a prescription from an optician. That exam isn’t just about checking your vision strength. It’s about measuring the shape of your cornea, seeing how well your eyes handle moisture, and figuring out if lenses are actually safe for you.

Skipping that step can lead to lenses that don’t fit right, and that can cause anything from constant irritation to real damage.

Not All Lenses Are the Same

When people say “contacts,” it sounds like there’s only one kind. Not true. There are several, and the best one depends on how you plan to use them.

• Soft lenses: flexible and usually comfortable from the start.
• Rigid gas permeable lenses: firmer, often giving sharper vision, but take some time to get used to.
• Daily wear: put them in during the day, remove them before bed.
• Extended wear: some can stay in overnight, though they carry more risk.
• Daily disposables: fresh pair each morning, tossed out at night, convenient and hygienic, but cost adds up.

Most people work with their provider to figure out which style actually fits their life, not just their prescription.

Clean Hands, Healthy Eyes

If there’s one golden rule with contacts, it’s this: keep them clean. Lenses go directly on your eye, which means germs have a front-row seat if you’re careless.

That means washing and drying your hands before handling them, using the right solutions (never water, never saliva), and replacing storage cases often. And yes, replacing lenses on schedule even if they “still feel fine.” Overwearing them cuts down oxygen to your cornea, and that’s when problems start.

A lot of new wearers make the mistake of topping off old solution instead of refilling the case with fresh liquid. It seems harmless, but it lets bacteria build up. Another common slip is falling asleep with lenses that aren’t meant for overnight use. Even a short nap can trap bacteria and reduce oxygen to the eye.

Getting Used to the Feel

Nobody puts in their first contact lens and immediately forgets it’s there. At the beginning, you’ll feel it. With soft lenses, that sensation fades quickly. Rigid ones take longer to get comfortable with.

Mild awareness is normal. Pain, burning, or stubborn redness is not. If you run into that, remove them and get checked. Don’t try to tough it out.

The adjustment isn’t only physical, some people need a week or two to feel confident inserting and removing lenses without stress. It’s a skill that gets easier with practice. Many providers recommend practicing at home when you’re not in a rush, so you don’t build anxiety around the process.

Day-to-Day Realities

Contacts are great for activities where glasses get in the way. No more fogging in humid weather. No slipping when you run. But they aren’t perfect in every situation.

• Water: swimming or showering with lenses increases infection risk. Goggles or taking them out is safer.
• Dry air: air-conditioned or heated spaces can make your eyes feel scratchy. Special rewetting drops help.
• Allergies: on bad pollen days, glasses might actually feel more comfortable.

A lot of people end up switching between contacts and glasses depending on what their day looks like. Think of contacts as one tool in your vision toolbox, not the only one.

Ongoing Checkups

You’ll need regular checkups if you’re wearing contacts. Most people go yearly, though sometimes more often. These visits catch problems you might not notice, like subtle changes in the cornea or reduced oxygen flow.

Watch for red flags in between appointments too: redness that lingers, blurred vision that doesn’t clear, sudden sensitivity to light, or unusual tearing. If any of that shows up, take out the lenses and call your provider.

Cost and Commitment

Many people forget that contacts are an ongoing expense. You’re buying lenses on a regular schedule, plus cleaning solution, plus storage cases. Glasses, in comparison, can last years. For many, the best balance is having both.

There’s also a personal commitment involved. Forgetting to clean or replace lenses may not bite you right away, but it can cause long-term harm. If your routine is hectic and you know you’ll cut corners, contacts may cause more trouble than they solve.

Final Thoughts

Contacts can make life easier and more flexible, they can give you clear vision without frames in the way, but they also come with rules that you can’t ignore. If you’re thinking about switching, start with a visit to your eye doctor, with the right guidance and habits, you can enjoy the convenience of contacts while keeping your eyes healthy.