Contact Lenses for Beginners: A Simple Starter Guide

Thinking about trying contact lenses for the first time? It is completely normal to feel a little unsure. Most people worry about touching their eyes, picking the right lenses, or keeping everything clean and safe. This friendly guide to contact lenses for beginners covers all of that, so the basics quickly become second nature.

This guide walks you through everything a beginner needs to know, from the different types of lenses to what happens at a fitting and how to look after your eyes day to day. If you are still deciding between lenses and glasses, our contact lenses versus glasses guide can help you weigh things up. By the end, you will feel ready to take the next step with confidence.

Are contact lenses right for you?

Almost anyone can wear contact lenses these days. That includes people with astigmatism, those who need both reading and distance correction, and children who would benefit from myopia management. Modern materials are more comfortable and breathable than ever, so even if you tried lenses years ago and found them tricky, it is well worth another look.

The only way to know for certain is a proper contact lens fitting. This is where an optometrist checks that your eyes are healthy, measures their shape, and matches you with lenses designed for your prescription and lifestyle. We explain exactly what a fitting involves further down the page. If you are due an eye test, our eye examination is the natural first step.

The main types of contact lenses, explained simply

There are more options than most beginners expect, but you do not need to memorise them all. Your optometrist will narrow things down for you. Here is a quick overview so the choices feel familiar when you arrive.

Soft lenses are the most popular choice and where most beginners start. They are flexible, comfortable, and available in daily, fortnightly, and monthly options. Most are now made from silicone hydrogel, a material that lets more oxygen reach your eye, which helps your eyes stay white and comfortable through a long day.

Daily disposable lenses are often the easiest starting point. You wear a fresh pair each morning and simply throw them away at night. There is nothing to clean and nothing to store, which keeps life simple and lowers the risk of infection. They are also ideal if you only want to wear lenses now and then, or if you are prone to allergies.

Toric lenses are made for people with astigmatism, where the eye is shaped a little more like a rugby ball than a football. They are weighted to sit in the right position so your vision stays steady and sharp.

Multifocal lenses help if you need clear vision both up close and far away, which becomes more common from your forties onwards. They let you read a menu and see across the room without reaching for a second pair of glasses.

Gas-permeable lenses are firmer than soft lenses and suit certain prescriptions and conditions. They take a little longer to get used to, but they reward you with very crisp vision and a long lifespan.

Contact lenses for children are increasingly popular, particularly for myopia management. Specialist myopia management lenses are designed to help slow the progression of short-sightedness in children, with the added freedom to take part in sport without glasses. Our paediatric experience means we can advise on whether your child is ready for lens wear. You can learn more on our children’s eye examinations page.

Choosing contact lenses for beginners: daily or monthly?

This is the most common question we hear, and there is no single right answer. It comes down to how often you plan to wear your lenses and what matters most to you.

Choose daily disposables if you want the simplest, lowest maintenance option, if you wear lenses occasionally, or if you are prone to eye allergies. There is no cleaning routine to remember, and a fresh pair every day.

Choose monthly or fortnightly lenses if you wear lenses most days and want better value over time. They cost less per wear, although you will need to clean and store them properly each night.

As a rough guide, daily disposables usually cost a little more per wear but need no extra kit, while monthly lenses tend to work out cheaper over time once you include the cost of cleaning solution. The right balance depends on how often you reach for them.

Many of our clients start with daily disposables while they build confidence, then review their options at a follow-up. There is no pressure to decide everything at once, and our pricing and FAQ page give a clear idea of what to expect in terms of cost.

What happens at a contact lens fitting

A fitting is a relaxed, step-by-step process designed to make sure your lenses are safe, comfortable, and right for you. Here is what to expect.

1. A healthy eye check. We start with a thorough eye examination to confirm your eyes are healthy and to establish your prescription. A contact lens prescription is different from a glasses prescription, so this step matters even if you have had a recent test.
2. Measuring your eyes. We measure the curve and size of your cornea and assess your tear film, which tells us which lenses will fit well and stay comfortable.
3. A trial pair. You will try lenses on so we can check how they sit, move, and feel, and so you can see how clear and comfortable they are.
4. Learning the ropes. If you are new to lenses, we will teach you how to put them in, take them out, and care for them. Most people get the hang of it sooner than they expect, and we are with you until you feel confident.

Because our appointments are unhurried and optometrist-led from start to finish, you will never feel rushed through any of this. And with complimentary aftercare, our support does not stop the moment you leave the practice.

After your fitting, you will be given a contact lens specification. This includes an expiry date, and regular check-ups keep your prescription up to date and your eyes healthy.

Looking after your lenses and your eyes

Good habits protect your eyes and keep lens wear comfortable. The College of Optometrists offers clear guidance for wearers, and these are the golden rules worth remembering.

• Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses or your eyes. Research suggests many wearers skip this, and it is one of the simplest ways to avoid infection.
• Never use tap water to rinse or store your lenses or case. Water can carry microbes that cause serious eye infections.
• Stick to your replacement schedule. If your lenses are daily, do not stretch them to a second day. Reusable lenses should be cleaned with the solution your optometrist recommends.
• Replace your lens case regularly, ideally every three months, to keep bacteria at bay.
• Take your lenses out before bed, unless your optometrist has specifically advised otherwise. Sleeping in lenses raises the risk of infection.
• Avoid showering or swimming in your lenses, and keep a pair of glasses handy as a backup.

Staying safe and knowing when to ask for help

Modern contact lenses are very safe when you follow your optometrist’s advice and attend regular check-ups. Problems are uncommon, but it helps to know the signs to watch for so you can act early.

Mild dryness can happen, especially during long screen sessions, and lubricating drops recommended by your optometrist usually help. If you notice redness, pain, blurred vision, or unusual sensitivity to light, remove your lenses and contact us. These are signs your eyes need attention, and early advice almost always resolves things quickly.

It is also worth knowing one reassuring fact. A contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye. A thin membrane stops that from happening, so if a lens shifts out of place, a gentle blink or a clean fingertip will bring it back.

Frequently asked questions

Do contact lenses hurt?

No. A well-fitted lens should feel barely noticeable. You may sense it at first, but that settles quickly. If a lens feels painful or gritty, take it out and check it, as it may be inside out or have a speck of debris on it.

How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?

Most beginners feel comfortable within a few days to a couple of weeks. Putting lenses in and taking them out feels strange at first, then quickly becomes routine.

Can a contact lens get stuck behind my eye?

No. This is a common worry, but it is physically impossible. A thin membrane covers the white of your eye and connects to your eyelid, which keeps the lens at the front.

Can I sleep or shower in my contact lenses?

It is best not to. Sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection unless they are designed for it and your optometrist has approved it. Avoid showering and swimming in lenses too, as water can carry harmful microbes.

Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses?

Yes. A contact lens specification is different from a glasses prescription because lenses sit directly on your eye. That is why a contact lens fitting is an important first step.

How often do I need a contact lens check-up?

Your optometrist will recommend how often, usually at least once a year, depending on the lenses you wear and how you wear them. Regular check-ups keep your eyes healthy and your prescription valid, as a contact lens specification carries an expiry date.

Can children wear contact lenses?

Yes, many children wear lenses successfully, particularly for sport and for myopia management. We will assess whether your child is ready and guide you both through the process.

Start your contact lens journey with Perspective Optometrists

Switching to contact lenses opens up a new sense of freedom, whether you want clearer vision for sports, a break from glasses, or simply more options day to day. With the right fitting and a few good habits, lens wear soon becomes effortless.

Our optometrist-led team in Belsize Park takes the time to find lenses that genuinely suit you, and we are here for unhurried advice and aftercare whenever you need it. We welcome clients from across Hampstead, Primrose Hill, Camden, and beyond.