How Long Will It Take to Get Used to New Specialty Contact Lenses?

Adjusting to new specialty contact lenses can be a different experience for everyone, depending on the type of lens and your individual eye health. Whether you’ve been prescribed scleral lenses, hybrid lenses, or another specialty option, it’s normal to have questions about what to expect during the adaptation process.

Understanding Specialty Contact Lenses

Specialty contact lenses are designed for individuals with unique vision needs that cannot be fully corrected by traditional soft lenses. These lenses can help manage conditions such as keratoconus, dry eye, post-surgical complications, and high astigmatism. Because of their custom design and fit, they often require a longer adjustment period than standard lenses.
 

What Affects the Adaptation Period?

Several factors can influence how quickly you get used to your specialty contact lenses. One major factor is the type of lens you're wearing. For example, scleral lenses often feel more comfortable from the start because they vault over the cornea and rest on the less-sensitive white part of the eye. In contrast, hybrid lenses (which feature a rigid center surrounded by a soft outer ring) may take longer to adjust to due to their combination of materials and design.

Your wearing schedule also plays an important role. Gradually increasing the amount of time you wear your lenses each day can help ease the transition and prevent discomfort.

Another consideration is your underlying eye condition. Individuals with more complex corneal irregularities or eye diseases may require a longer adaptation period as their eyes adjust to the new lens design and fit.

Finally, your experience level with contact lenses can affect how quickly you adapt. If you're new to contacts altogether, you’ll need time not only to get used to the feel of the lenses but also to develop confidence in inserting, removing, and caring for them properly.
 

The Typical Adjustment Timeline

For most patients, it takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks to fully adjust to specialty contact lenses. Here’s what the timeline might look like:

• Day 1-3: Some discomfort or a sensation of having something in your eye is normal. Vision may be slightly blurry or unstable as your eyes adapt.

• Week 1: You’ll likely notice gradual improvements in comfort and clarity. It's important to follow your eye doctor’s recommended wearing schedule to allow your eyes time to adapt safely.

• Week 2-4: Most patients begin to experience consistent comfort and sharp vision. By this point, inserting, removing, and caring for the lenses becomes easier with practice.
 

Tips to Ease the Transition

• Always follow your optometrist’s guidance on wearing time and lens care.

• Use prescribed lubricating drops to maintain comfort.

• Don’t skip follow-up visits; these allow your doctor to make necessary adjustments for the best fit and vision.
 

When to Contact Your Eye Doctor

While some discomfort is expected early on, prolonged pain, redness, excessive tearing, or sudden changes in vision should be reported to your optometrist right away. These could be signs that the lenses need to be adjusted or replaced.
 

Ready to Get Started with Specialty Contact Lenses?

Getting used to specialty contact lenses takes time, but the benefits such as improved vision, greater comfort, and better eye health are well worth the effort. With the right guidance and a little patience, your new lenses can become a smooth and natural part of your daily routine.

Schedule your eye exam with JR Optometry to find the ideal specialty contact lens for your unique vision and lifestyle needs. Visit our office in West Mobile, Alabama, or call (251) 308-7045 to book an appointment today.