How to Get Contact Lenses?
Getting a new pair of contact lenses is a relatively easy process. If you are seriously considering the switch to contact lenses, our contact lens buying guide will help you navigate through the steps of buying the right contact lenses to meet your vision needs.
Before Buying Contact Lenses
Get an Eye Test
You might think that since you already have a prescription for eyeglasses, you don’t need to get a separate eye test for contact lenses; but this is not the case. Eye tests for contact lenses are distinct from regular eye exams. When you go in for an eye test with your Optometrist, make sure to specify that you are planning to switch to contact lenses.
Contact Lens Fitting
During the contact lens fitting, your Optometrist will assess your eye health and take measurements of your eye including its size, shape and curvature. You can also utilize this time to learn about proper lens usage and how to put in and take off your contact lenses.
Choose the Type of Contact Lenses
The type of contact lenses that will be prescribed to you by your Optometrist will depend on a range of factors including your specific vision needs and your general lifestyle or routine. For example, if you are prone to eye infections or don’t want to spend time cleaning your lenses everyday, daily disposable lenses might be a better option for you.
Additionally, size availability and comfort can vary from brand to brand so your Optometrist will suggest the most compatible lenses for your needs. We recommend sticking to the recommended brand and type while you are shopping for lenses.
Where to Buy Contact Lenses
Once you have your contact lens prescription, you are ready to buy your first pair(s) of lenses. To keep things simple, you can choose to purchase the prescribed lenses from your Optometrist. However, there are tons of different eyewear stores and online stores that will carry the contacts you need. If you find a better price online, it’s absolutely fine to shop there but always make sure that you are purchasing from a reputable website like adasat.com
After Buying Contact Lenses
Follow-Up Visit
After a week of wearing contact lenses, it is important to check in with your eye doctor to discuss your experience wearing contacts for the first time. While you will normally experience minor discomfort during the first few days, you should be able to get used to them within a week's time.
Your doctor will examine your eyes and confirm if the lenses are working well for you. During this follow up visit, you can also ask any questions or relay any concerns you may have regarding your contacts.
Yearly Eye Exams
Yearly eye exams are necessary, whether you are wearing glasses or contact lenses. Over time, your prescription can change and the yearly eye exam is a great time to check in with your doctor, discuss any concerns and update your prescription.
Tips for New Contact Lens Users
New contact lens users tend to get apprehensive about the small discomforts associated with wearing contacts for the first time. If you’d like to know which symptoms are harmless and which symptoms require urgent attention, read our blog post on 7 Tips on Getting Used to Your Contact Lenses.