Vision Care Insights & Updates | Long Beach Family Optometry Blog

Switching from glasses to contact lenses is a big step for many people seeking clear, comfortable vision. While contacts offer freedom and convenience, it’s natural to wonder how long it takes to adjust to this new way of seeing the world. If you’re considering contact lenses or have just started wearing them, here’s what you can expect during the adjustment period.

Factors That Affect Adjustment Time

The time it takes to get used to contact lenses can vary from person to person, and several factors play a role in this adjustment period. One key factor is the type of lens you choose. Soft contact lenses are typically easier and faster to adapt to, while rigid gas-permeable (hard) lenses can require a longer adjustment period as your eyes get used to the firmer material.

Another important consideration is your wearing schedule. Starting off by wearing your lenses for just a few hours each day and gradually increasing the wear time allows your eyes to adapt comfortably without becoming irritated. This gradual approach is especially helpful for new wearers.

Proper insertion and removal techniques also have a big impact on how quickly you adjust. Learning the correct way to put in and take out your lenses makes the process smoother and helps avoid unnecessary discomfort.

Finally, personal sensitivity plays a role. Some people naturally have more sensitive eyes and may need a few extra days to fully adjust to wearing contact lenses. Being patient and following your optometrist’s guidance can make the transition easier for everyone.

The Initial Adjustment

Most people need a short period to get comfortable with contact lenses. During your first few days, you may notice:

A Sensation of Something in Your Eye: It’s normal to feel the lens initially, but this usually fades as your eyes adjust.
Mild Blurry Vision: Your vision might not feel as sharp as with glasses on the first day. This improves quickly as your eyes settle.
Tearing or Slight Redness: Your eyes may water more than usual or look a little red at first.

For many new contact lens wearers, these sensations resolve within a week or less. Daily wear and gradual increase in wear time help your eyes adapt.

Typical Timeline for Adapting to Contacts

Most people who start with soft contact lenses feel comfortable wearing them within just a few days. For the majority of wearers, any initial discomfort quickly fades, and almost everyone adapts fully to soft lenses within two weeks.

Rigid gas-permeable lenses, often called hard lenses, can take a bit longer to get used to. Because these lenses are made from a firmer material, your eyes may need additional time to adjust. It’s not uncommon for the adaptation process to take up to a month for some individuals.

If you’re prescribed specialty lenses such as multifocal or toric contacts, you might need to be a little more patient during the adjustment phase. These lenses are designed to address specific vision needs and can require a slightly longer adaptation period. However, most people still find they are comfortable with these specialty lenses within two weeks.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

Follow Your Optometrist’s Instructions: Wear your lenses for the recommended number of hours and always clean them properly.
Don’t Sleep in Lenses Unless Approved: Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear can increase irritation.
Give Your Eyes a Break: If you feel discomfort, remove your lenses and give your eyes some rest.
Reach Out with Questions: Don’t hesitate to call your optometrist if you have ongoing discomfort, blurred vision, or redness.

Start Your Contact Lens Journey with Us

Getting used to contact lenses is a process that usually takes just a few days to a couple of weeks. With a little patience and the right guidance, most people find contacts to be a comfortable and convenient choice for clear vision. We’re here to help you every step of the way, from your initial fitting to answering any questions you might have.

Schedule a contact lens exam with Long Beach Family Optometry and discover how easy the transition can be. Visit our office in Long Beach, California, or call (562) 553-6600 to book an appointment today.