Do you like the idea of ditching your glasses in favour of contacts, but the concept of placing a contact in your eye makes you nervous? You're not alone, so don't worry. This is a fear that many individuals share. It's critical to understand that you can overcome this.
There are a few strategies you might employ to overcome your anxiety of using contact lenses. Continue reading for 5 helpful hints to get you started!
1. Distinguish between fiction and fact
While some people have a genuine fear of touching their eyes, others are hesitant because of horror stories they've heard. Many of these tales are legends or, at the very least, once-in-a-lifetime occurrences. So, to set your mind at ease, let's debunk a few myths:
- Myth #1: A stuck contact lens will stay in my eye for the rest of my life.
- Myth #2: My Contact Lenses Can Become Misplaced Behind My Eye
- Myth #3: Contact Lenses Are Excruciatingly Painful and Inconvenient
It's true that using contact lenses for the first few times might be unpleasant. This is very normal. It will take some time to become acclimated to using contacts, as with anything new. You won't even know they're there after a few of times.
Consult your eye doctor if your contact lenses don't feel right after a few days.
It's possible they're not the correct size, shape, or brand for you.
It's possible they're not the correct size, shape, or brand for you.
2. Perform a Dry Run
A dry run is the greatest way for many people to overcome their fear of contacts.
This means you'll need to practice touching your eyes for a few days before you put your contacts in for the first time. Yes, it may appear strange to repeatedly touch your eye, but it works.
Make sure you've cleaned your hands before you begin.
Begin with your lashes, then your upper and lower eyelids, and finally the white portion of your eye.
This will assist to desensitize your eyes and acclimate your mind to the concept of touching your eyeball. It's a psychological technique that will teach you that touching your eye isn't such a big issue.
3. Make a habit of not blinking.
Blinking is a natural reaction as an item moves closer and closer to your eye.
Perform some exercises to assist you overcome this reaction.
By putting your index finger on the top eyelid, you may practice not blinking.
Then, with the same hand's thumb, place it on the lower eyelid. Finally, imagine you're inserting lenses into your eyes with your other hand. Ensure that the hand keeping the eyelid open remains stable. And don't imagine it as if your finger is touching your eye. Consider it as if you were putting a contact lens over your eye.
4. Avert Your Eyes
When most individuals put their contact lenses in, they stare directly at the finger that has the contact on it. This method may work for some people, but it is not for everyone. With little practice, you'll be able to put your contacts in without looking at them. But, if not at the finger, where do you look?
First and foremost, choose a mirror that you can sit near to. Place your face in front of the mirror. Then, rather of thinking about your finger contacting your eye, try to concentrate on the procedure of putting the contact lens.
Choose a location on the ceiling to concentrate on. The lens should then be placed on the white portion of the eye. It's fine if the lens doesn't immediately settle on your iris. Close your eyes and gaze about in different directions to adjust the lens.
5. Maintain a Clean Environment
Many individuals are afraid of germs, which is why they are afraid of contact lenses. This advice is for you if you're concerned about getting your eye filthy while inserting a lens. To overcome this phobia, keep the lens clean, as well as anything that comes into touch with it.
Hands should be washed with a light soap before putting a contact lens. Then, using a clean, lint-free towel, dry them. The lenses can then be applied to a clean face that is devoid of makeup, lotions, and fragrances.
When taking your contacts out at night, be sure to clean and store them using the suggested solution.
Last Thoughts
You can do a lot to get over your phobia of using contact lenses. The importance of cleanliness cannot be overstated! A clean face and spotless hands will keep any infection at away. Clean and sanitize your contacts according to the manufacturer's instructions or the advise of your doctor. You'll soon be laughing at yourself for ever being frightened to put contacts in!