Your
Complete Guides
|
The Basics of Contact Lenses
Many people new to contact lenses have a lot of
questions: What's the first step? Aren't all contacts pretty much
the same? How can I tell if my contact lens is inside out? And
more. Read this article for information on these and other new-wearer
topics, then go to the articles in the rest of this section for
more in-depth discussion.
The First Step: See Your Eye Doctor
If you want to wear contact lenses, you must first see an
ophthalmologist, optometrist, or in some states, optician. This is
the case even if you don't normally wear glasses, and just want
contacts to change your eye color.
The reason? Contact lenses are medical devices that need to be
prescribed, just like medicines, and properly fitted by an eyecare
practitioner. In the United States, contacts can be legally
purchased only with a valid written prescription.
The eye doctor will check your eyes to make sure it's okay for
you to wear contacts; today, nearly everyone can, but there are a
rare few who can't. Then, he or she will determine your
prescription.
Once you have your Rx, you'll want to read our guide to
understanding your prescription and the article "Where's the Best
Place to Buy Contact Lenses?" |
| Contact Lenses |
| Eyeglasses |
| Sunglasses |
| Eye Exams |
| Vision Insurance |
| Low Vision |
| Computer Vision |
| Sports Vision |
| Nutrition & Eyes |
| Buy Smarter |
| Vision Over 40 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Which Way Is the Right Way?
|
|
|
The difference can be
subtle, but before placing a contact lens
on your eye, make sure it looks more like
half a ball than a soup bowl.
|
|
A question many newbie wearers have is, "How
will I know if my contact lens is inside out?" The
trick is to place the lens on your finger so it's
forming a cup, then hold it up directly in front
of your eyes so you're looking at the side of the
cup. If it's forming a "U" with the top edges
flared out, it's inside out; if it's forming just
a "U," it's correct.
Some contact lenses also have a laser marking,
such as the brand name, on the edge to help you (if
you can read it properly, the lens is not inside
out). Don't worry if you place a contact lens in
your eye inside out: it will feel uncomfortable,
but it can't do any damage.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
|
Getting makeup in your eye is annoying, but
it's even worse with contacts, because it can
stick to the lenses instead of flushing right
out. Follow these tips to keep your eyes
looking and feeling good:
- Put in your contact lenses before
applying makeup. And always wash your hands
thoroughly before touching your contacts, so
you won't transfer any oils, creams or
lotions to the lenses.
- Use only non-allergenic makeup. Almay
and Clinique have eye-friendly products, but
there are other brands as well.
- Cream eye shadow is less likely to get
in your eye than powder. However, creams can
also irritate your eyes more if they do make
it into your eyes. Choose water-based rather
than oil-based creams.
- If you prefer powder, follow these steps
to keep it out of your eyes: when you're
applying it, keep your eye closed; then,
brush off any excess powder before opening
your eye.
- Never apply eyeliner between your lashes
and your eye. Apply it above lashes on the
upper eyelid and below lashes on the lower
eyelid.
- To remove eye makeup, wash and dry your
hands, then remove your contacts, being
careful not to bump them into any makeup.
Finally, use your eye makeup remover. €” L.S.
|
|
|
|
| |
|
|
|
| |
![]() |
| |
Bifocal
Contact Lenses
