The thought of inserting contact lenses into your eyeballs can be a daunting one. But unless your ultimate goal is to raise hairs with your killer Halloween costume, applying a contact lens shouldn’t be a scary process. Here are 4 things you need to know before you wear contacts for the first time.

Wash Wash Wash

Washing your hands before putting in any contact lens is absolutely necessary to being able to wear them successfully, and is critical for maintaining healthy eyes. Any small piece of dirt or debris, even tiny fabric fibers, can get stuck on your contact and irritate the eye. Begin by washing your hands with soap and drying them on a lint-free cloth. It’s always best to put on makeup after contacts are already in, as touching mascara or eye shadow with your fingers can transfer some of the makeup to your contact lens, causing irritation.

Allow Enough Time

Putting in contacts is typically not an easy thing for first timers, so be sure to allow yourself enough time in the mornings so you’re not rushed. Nothing makes putting in contacts more difficult than being in a hurry. Allow yourself an extra fifteen to twenty minutes in the morning just to be sure you have the time you need.

Work Up to a Full Day

You don’t have to jump into the deep end by wearing each contact lens for fifteen hours straight the first day. It’s okay if you can only last a few hours the first time you wear contacts. Take them out when they start to bother you, and try to increase the amount of time you wear them the next day. Your eyes will gradually adjust to the contacts and you’ll eventually be able to wear them all day with no problem.

Go Back to the Drawing Board

If you aren’t having much success with your contact lenses, don’t be afraid to go back to your eye doctor. That’s what they’re there for. Everyone’s eyes are different and there’s typically a solution for whatever problem you’re facing with regards to wearing contact lenses, whether it’s irritation, fatigue, or blurred vision. Some lenses are thinner, some are more breathable, some for astigmatism – if one type of lens doesn’t work, ask your eye doctor for suggestions. Your doctor may also check the fit of the lens on your eye. Work with your doctor to find a good solution.

The Contact Lens Skinny

Don’t be intimidated by wearing contacts. Practice makes perfect, and over time, putting in contacts will get much easier and you’ll soon have the success you’re looking for.