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

“My contacts feel weird in my eyes. Is this normal?”

“I can’t see clearly yet with these new lenses.”

“I thought contacts would be more comfortable by now.”
 

These are all things we hear every day from patients who are new to contact lenses or switching to a different type. Putting a lens on your eye is a new experience, and your eyes need time to adjust. But the good news is, this transition period is normal, and most patients get used to their contact lenses fairly quickly with the right guidance and care.
 

So, how long does it take to get used to new contact lenses?
 

The answer depends on a few key factors: your prescription, the type of lens you’re wearing, and whether or not you’ve worn contacts before. For most patients, initial discomfort or visual adjustment improves significantly within a few days to a week. However, it may take up to two weeks for your eyes and brain to fully adapt to seeing through the lenses and for your comfort level to feel second nature.
 

If you are wearing soft contact lenses, which are the most common, you might feel slightly aware of the lens for the first day or two. Your vision may seem a little off during this time as your eyes adjust to the lens positioning. Rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, on the other hand, often take a bit longer—sometimes up to two weeks—because they are smaller and firmer, and your eyelids need to adapt to blinking over them.
 

If your new lenses are a specialty type such as multifocal, or toric for astigmatism, you might experience a slightly longer adaptation period. That’s because these lenses offer more complex designs to correct multiple vision issues at once or to accommodate unique eye shapes. Your eyes and visual system need time to process how they focus through these lenses, but the result is usually worth the wait.
 

During your contact lens fitting and follow-up visits, we check several things: lens movement, fit, vision clarity, and how your eyes are responding to the material. It’s not just about what you see, it’s about how healthy your eyes remain while wearing contacts. We use tools like the slit lamp biomicroscope to examine the front surface of your eye and make sure the lenses are not causing dryness, irritation, or any corneal changes.
 

It’s also important to follow the wearing schedule and care instructions we give you. Sometimes, discomfort or blurry vision is a result of overwearing lenses too soon or not cleaning them properly. That’s why we walk you through the care process and make sure you’re confident before heading home with your new lenses.
 

At Eye See Vision Center, Dr. Kohm works closely with each patient to ensure your contact lenses are not just effective, but comfortable. Whether you are new to contacts or switching types, we are ready to guide you every step of the way.
 

Schedule your contact lens exam with Eye See Vision Center and let’s get your vision dialed in, comfortably and clearly. Visit our office in Crestwood, Missouri, or call (314) 788-6440 to book an appointment today.