When Should You Visit an Eye Doctor for Contact Lenses?
You might be thinking about getting contact lenses, or you might already wear them but aren’t sure when to see your eye doctor again. People often guess their way through this, which isn’t a good idea when it comes to your eyes.
Let’s keep it simple. This is a simple guide to when you should really see an eye doctor for contact lenses, whether you’re new to them or have been wearing them for a long time.
- Before you put in your contacts
This one can’t be changed.
If you’ve never worn contacts before, the first thing you should do is get your eyes checked and fitted for contacts. You can’t just use your glasses prescription to order lenses online; that’s not how it works.
Your eye doctor will:
- Take measurements of the size and shape of your eyes
- Take care of your eyes
- Suggest the right kind of lenses
- Help you learn how to put them in and take them out.
Think of it as laying the groundwork. If you get this right, everything else will be easier.
- Once a year, even if everything seems fine
Yes, you still need to see the eye doctor once a year, even if your lenses feel good and your vision is perfect.
Why? Because your eyes can change without you even knowing it.
Your doctor will do the following during a yearly visit:
- If you need to, update your prescription.
- Look for dryness or pain
- Check to see if your lenses still fit well.
It’s like a regular health check-up, but for your eyes.
- If your lenses start to hurt
Say your lenses suddenly start to bother you. They might feel dry, itchy, or like something is stuck in your eye. That’s your sign.
Don’t ignore it or try to “power through.”
Things to look out for:
- Redness
- Stinging or burning
- Dryness that doesn’t go away
- The lens seems to be moving around too much.
These could mean that your lenses don’t fit right anymore or that your eyes need a different kind of lens.
- When Your Eyesight Isn’t as Clear
Are your contacts making your vision blurry? Not normal.
If you have to squint to read, or if your vision isn’t as sharp as it used to be, it’s time to see a doctor. Your prescription may have changed, or your current lenses may not be working as well as they used to.
- If your eyes are dry or you’re tired of looking at screens
A lot of us spend a lot of time on screens, which can make contact lenses feel uncomfortable.
If you see:
- Not wet after a few hours
- Having to blink a lot
- Eyes that are tired by the end of the day
An eye doctor can suggest lenses that are better for your lifestyle or that are made for dry eyes.
- If you accidentally sleep in your contacts or wear them too long
We’ve all done it: fallen asleep with our contacts in or worn them longer than we should have. Don’t ignore it if your eyes hurt afterward. It’s better to have them checked than to risk getting sick.
- When You Want to Change the Type of Lens
Are you thinking about switching from monthly lenses to daily disposables? Or are you interested in colored lenses? Don’t try things out on your own.
Based on your eye health and daily life, your eye doctor can help you find safer, more comfortable options.
- If You See Any Changes Right Away
This is the “don’t wait” group.
If you have any of the following, see your eye doctor right away:
- Vision loss or blurriness that happens suddenly
- Very red
- Eye pain
- Sensitivity to light
These could be signs of something bad and need to be looked at right away.
Key Takeaways
The main point is this: don’t wait until you have a problem to see your eye doctor.
Taking care of your eyes is important, whether you’re just starting out, due for a yearly check-up, or having trouble.
Contact lenses are great for your lifestyle and convenience, but only if you use them correctly. If you see your eye doctor as soon as you notice discomfort, you can avoid bigger problems later on.
If you haven’t had a check-up in a while, it might be time to make an appointment.