How do you get contact lenses?

Are you tired of relying on glasses that fog up when you walk into a warm room? Sick of the constant struggle of keeping them clean from fingerprints and smudges? Maybe it’s time for a change. It’s time to consider getting contact lenses – but how do you go about doing that?

Don’t worry, folks. I’ve got your back. In this article, we’ll go through all the steps involved in getting yourself some contacts without losing your mind or breaking the bank.

Step 1: Finding an eye doctor who can prescribe contacts

So you’ve decided to take the plunge and attempt living “lens first”. First things first- let’s find someone who can help. You’ll need an eye doctor or optometrist who actually specializes in prescribing contact lenses – aka someone more specialized than Dr.McDreamy at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital unless he has an Ophthalmology Degree.

But where do you start looking for someone like that? Don’t just search online, ask around too! Word-of-mouth recommendations from your friends or family can also lead to finding some pretty great optometrists who deal with contact lenses.

What should you be looking out for?

Here is what makes a good Optometry Doctor

  • Years of experience

    • You don’t want anyone fumbling around as they try and fit those tiny little things in your eyes.
  • Competence

  • Look no further than reviews left by previous patients; are people raving about their expertise?

  • Friendliness

  • Getting comfortable with someone when they have tweezers close to our eyeballs seems like a basic requirement.

Step 2: Eye Exam Time!

Once you choose a doctor,(and if insurance doesn’t cover it) expect to pay anywhere between $50-$200 (USD) for an eye exam, because just like that checkup where the doc checks your ear holes and asks you to say “AHH”, it is mandatory.

If you show up and expect them to give you a prescription for whatever contact lenses tickle your fancy, think again! Get ready for some poking and prodding in the name of science.

They will examine each of your eyes separately using high powered lens(es) to determine the exact surface(s) curvature, perhaps even taking measurements on certain points on one or both sides. This helps them figure out what type of contact lens will be best suited to each individual’s unique set-up.

Can anyone wear contacts?

While most people with healthy eyes are candidates since they’ve never had any surgeries before; however sometimes external conditions like astigmatism may make it complicated (but not impossible!) so don’t get discouraged!

Fun fact: those who are very farsighted -aka “hyperopic,” by this point should have asked their optometrist-their distance vision issues can be corrected with “+glasses”.

Step 3: Fitting Matters

Just as no two fingerprints are alike likewise no two eyeballs fit into contact lenses perfectly without adjustments-which is why getting fitted remains highly important.

Optical centers normally stock large numbers of “trial”contact lenses-Both disposable or reusable ones which come in different power (strengths), base curves(radii), diameters etc., which would comfortably suit YOU depending on their findings from step 2!”Trial contacts?” Sounds like free samples…bring sheet masks too while we’re at it…

Once fitting commences, now comes instruction time & excitement simultaneously – this involves actually teaching how-to insert/removing care/maintaining etc.-because let’s face it NOBODY knows these things straight outta womb.

Step 4: Purchasing Your Contact Lenses

Finally! You’ve made it through the uncomfortable exam, you feel like a pro with putting them on and taking them off ….and most importantly: your doctor has prescribed which contact lens brand is suited for your vision. Now what?

You have 2 options here:

1- Buy from optometrists directly, they often carry yearly or bi-yearly supplies

OR……

2-Shop online! Online retailers are notorious for being cheaper than brick-and-mortar stores… cough Warby Parker cough. But can our trusty ol’ internet really be trusted when we need to buy something more delicate than a pair of shoes? Absolutely – as aforementioned in step one, always validate an e-retailer’s authenticity first.

So how much do actual lenses cost anyway?

I hate to be that person but sorry folks no set answer exists…values vary
based on factors including where you live (Eyepatch anyone?), type/brand of contacts preferred etc…but keyword search queries bring up exhaustive lists/prices. Opting between daily/weekly/bi-weekly/monthly is another choice question mark since Daily disposables would definitely hurt friend’s pockets compared with monthly ones, but choose wisely as everyone deserves eye comfort.

Step 5: Maintaining Your Contact Lenses

Congratulations! You are now a certified ‘Contact-Lenser’. While In Real Life Mode (IRL), don’t forget there’s care/maintenance involved in owning these “baby-plastic-little disks”; wrong cleaning procedures can lead to infections & other such nastiness although they’re known to last over two years sometimes!.

Fear not buckle-up people(more instructions incoming!) Here’s a quick guide on basic maintenance:

CLEANING!

Maintain regularity by streaming this song while doing so(you may amuse everyone in the process)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qG7EwuztqTw

Or you can follow these basic steps;

1- Get 2 separate bottles of contact lens solution (some need a rub wand)

2- Take one of the lenses out and place in hand

3- Drop some solution on the palm with the lens.

4-Rub gently for around 15 seconds, rinse under water and do it again for the other side

5-Time to store;try watching this video(can’t hurt right?) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IyLBIASyBm0

REMEMBER TO CHANGE THEM!

Following your doctor’s given schedule when it comes to using new ones is quite important because hygiene. Moreover replacing as consistent usage wears them down is necessary not just health-wise but also at preventing discomfort.

Fun Fact: The average lifespan of contact lenses is actually about two weeks…Who knew?

Conclusion

Well there you have it folks! I hope this guide made everyone (whoever has gotten here) laugh and learn something useful. For related questions such as “can animals wear contact lenses too?” or if you wanna know where spectacles(eyeglasses) originated from, feel free to use our buddy Mr.Google OR even better -ask your optometrist next time!.

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