7 Common Things That Happen When You Wear Contact Lenses for the First Time (And How to Handle Them)

If you’ve just opened your first pair of contact lenses, whether clear or beautifully tinted, you’re about to step into a whole new world of vision and style. Wearing contacts for the first time can feel both exciting and a little intimidating, especially if you’ve only ever worn glasses before. From mastering the art of inserting your contact lenses to adjusting to how they feel in your eyes, the experience is full of little discoveries that can make a big difference in comfort and confidence. Whether you’re switching to lenses for convenience or trying non-prescription colored contacts to enhance your look, knowing what to expect can make your first few days much easier (and far less nerve-wracking).

As a first-time wearer, it’s normal to experience a mix of curiosity and mild discomfort. Your eyes are incredibly sensitive organs, so even the tiniest piece of silicone hydrogel or color pigment can feel unfamiliar at first. But don’t worry, most new wearers quickly adapt once they understand what’s normal and how to properly care for their lenses. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the 7 most common things that happen when you wear contact lenses for the first time, from the initial sensations to tips that help you ease into daily lens wear safely. By the end, you’ll not only know what to expect but also how to keep your eyes healthy, hydrated, and ready to shine, especially if you’re exploring the world of colored contacts.

7 Common Things That Happen When You Wear Contact Lenses for the First Time

Wearing contact lenses for the first time is a mix of curiosity, excitement, and a touch of nervousness. Whether you’re switching from glasses for the convenience, or experimenting with non-prescription colored contacts to enhance your natural eye color, your first few hours with lenses can feel like stepping into something completely new. It’s not just about seeing clearly, it’s about getting used to the sensation of something resting on your eye, learning proper hygiene, and understanding how your eyes naturally respond to the change.

From minor watering and mild redness to adjusting to brightness and clarity, these sensations are usually part of the normal adaptation process. The key is to know which reactions are normal and temporary, and which ones may signal that something isn’t quite right. Understanding this early on not only makes your lens-wearing journey smoother and safer, but also helps you enjoy the comfort and beauty that contacts, especially colored ones, can bring. Below, we’ll walk through the seven most common things that happen when you wear contact lenses for the first time, what they mean, and how you can handle each with confidence and care.

1. You’ll Feel the Lens (a “Foreign Body” Sensation at First)

• It’s totally normal to feel the presence of a contact lens in your eye during your first few wears. Many new wearers describe it as a subtle “foreign body” sensation, like something resting on your eye surface.

• Over time (days to a couple of weeks), your eyelids and tear film adjust, and that sensation should fade into near-invisibility.

Tip: Use preservative-free rewetting drops made for contact lenses (if recommended by your eye care professional) to ease the adjustment. Avoid dropping plain solution directly into your eye.

2. Tearing or Excessive Blinking

• It’s common for your eyes to water or blink more often right after inserting your lenses. Your eyes use extra tears in the early adaptation phase.

• As your eyes adjust and the lens “settles,” tearing typically subsides.

Tip: Use preservative-free rewetting drops made for contact lenses (if recommended by your eye care professional) to ease the adjustment. Avoid dropping plain solution directly into your eye.

3. Blurred or Fluctuating Vision (Especially When Reading or Looking Down)

• A gentle reddening or irritation in your eyelids or eyes is often reported during the first few days as your eye adjusts.

• However, ongoing discomfort, stinging, burning, or sharp pain is not normal and may signal lens problem, poor fit, contamination, or even early infection.

Tip: Don’t push through pain. If irritation does not ease in 15–20 minutes, remove the lens and inspect both lens and eye. If symptoms persist, seek professional help.

4. Dryness / Grittiness

• Contact lenses can interfere with the eye’s natural tear film, especially if your eyes don’t produce enough moisture or if environmental factors (air conditioning, wind, screens) are present.

• New wearers are more susceptible to dryness as the tear-lens interface stabilizes.

Tip: Use lubricating eye drops that are labeled safe for contact lenses, blink often, take screen breaks, and avoid overly dry environments.

5. Sensitivity to Light (Especially Bright Lights)

• Some new users report increased light sensitivity, e.g. harsh sunlight, bright indoor lighting, as your eyes adapt to the new foreign element on the cornea.

• Usually, this sensitivity is mild and subsides with time.

Tip: Use lubricating eye drops that are labeled safe for contact lenses, blink often, take screen breaks, and avoid overly dry environments.

6. Dryness / Grittiness

• Contact lenses can interfere with the eye’s natural tear film, especially if your eyes don’t produce enough moisture or if environmental factors (air conditioning, wind, screens) are present.

• New wearers are more susceptible to dryness as the tear-lens interface stabilizes

Tip: Wear sunglasses outdoors, avoid staring at bright screens without breaks, and reduce direct glare while your eyes adjust.

7. Lens Movement, Slipping, or Feeling Off-Centre

• It’s natural for lenses to move a little on blink, but if they shift too much, decenter, or feel off-side, your vision will feel “off” or unstable.

• Sometimes, a lens may be inside-out or have dirt/debris, causing abnormal movement or discomfort.

Tip: Remove the lens, check it’s right-side, clean it gently, then reinsert it. If the movement continues, your lens parameters (diameter, curvature) may not be ideal, consult your fitter or eye doctor.

Special Considerations When Wearing Colored Contacts For First Timers

1. Even if your lenses are “non-prescription” (just for color), they are still medical devices and require proper fitting. Unfitted or poorly made color lenses carry higher risks of corneal abrasion, infection, and vision damage

2. Never purchase them from unverified sellers, street shops, or costume stores without requiring a valid prescription and verification.

3. Start wearing them gradually (e.g. 1–2 hours on the first day) before increasing wear time, to allow your eyes to adjust

4. Clean, disinfect, and store color lenses exactly as you would with regular contacts. Don’t skip hygiene steps, color lenses often have extra pigment or layer structures.

Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Contact Lens Wearers

What are the common risks of wearing contact lenses for the first time?

Wearing contact lenses is generally safe when done correctly, but improper use or hygiene can lead to problems such as eye irritation, corneal abrasions, or even infections like keratitis. These issues often stem from poor cleaning habits, sleeping in lenses that aren’t approved for overnight wear, or using tap water or saliva to clean them, all of which can introduce harmful bacteria to your eyes. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), new wearers should always follow their eye care provider’s cleaning and wearing schedule strictly, as over-wearing lenses or skipping disinfection steps increases the risk of eye damage. For colored contact lens users, the risk is slightly higher if lenses are purchased from unverified sources or not properly fitted to the eye’s curvature. Always ensure your lenses are from FDA-approved and CE-marked brands and follow the care instructions provided.

How long should I wear my contact lenses on the first day?

It’s best to start slow and build up wear time gradually. On your first day, aim for about 2–4 hours, then increase by an hour or two each day as your eyes adjust. Over-wearing lenses too soon can cause dryness, redness, or discomfort because your corneal surface and tear film need time to adapt. If you experience persistent irritation or blurry vision, it’s a sign to remove them and rest your eyes. Always follow the recommended wearing schedule provided by your optometrist or the manufacturer. For colored contact lenses, especially those with cosmetic tints, wearing time should be even shorter at the beginning since the lens material may differ slightly from clear lenses in oxygen permeability.

What are the biggest “don’ts” every first-time contact lens wearer should know?

There are a few important don’ts to remember that can make all the difference in protecting your eye health:

• Don’t sleep with your lenses on (unless specifically prescribed as extended-wear). This can reduce oxygen flow to your cornea and increase the risk of infection.

• Don’t rinse or store lenses in tap water, it contains microorganisms that can cause serious infections like Acanthamoeba keratitis.

• Don’t share your lenses with anyone, even if they’re purely cosmetic. Sharing lenses can transfer bacteria or viruses.

• Don’t wear your lenses past their expiry date or use old lens solution. Replace your case every three months and always use fresh solution each time.

• Don’t wear contact lenses if your eyes are red, sore, or infected, this can worsen the condition and prolong healing.

What are the “do’s” that help ensure comfort and safety?

There are several small but powerful habits that help you adapt quickly and safely to your lenses:

• Do wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses. Avoid lotions or oily soaps that can coat your fingertips.

• Do use only sterile contact lens solution for cleaning, rinsing, and storing lenses, never tap water.

• Do clean your lenses by gently rubbing them with solution before placing them in the case (even if the solution says “no rub”).

• Do follow your replacement schedule, daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly, as indicated by the brand or your optometrist.

• Do carry a small lens kit when you’re out, including a case and rewetting drops. This ensures you can remove or refresh your lenses anytime discomfort occurs.

• Do give your eyes a break by having at least one lens-free day per week to let your eyes breathe naturally.

These habits are proven to reduce the likelihood of dryness, irritation, and infection, making lens wear a comfortable, everyday experience.

How do I know if something is wrong with my contact lenses?

Your eyes will often signal when something’s not right. If you notice persistent redness, light sensitivity, pain, blurry vision, or a sudden increase in tearing, it’s best to remove your lenses immediately. Check the lenses for debris, rips, or dryness before reinserting them. If symptoms continue after removal, avoid wearing them and contact your optometrist. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, symptoms that don’t resolve after lens removal could indicate corneal irritation or infection, which should never be ignored.

Are colored contact lenses safe for non-prescription users?

Yes, colored contacts are safe as long as they’re purchased from a licensed retailer and manufactured by an approved medical device brand. They should still be fitted to your eye’s shape and prescription by an optometrist, even if you have perfect vision. Poorly fitted or low-quality color lenses can restrict oxygen to the eye, cause dryness, or even scratch your cornea. For non-prescription users, the same rules apply: clean them properly, limit wear time at first, and replace them as recommended. Always verify that your lenses are labeled US FDA-approved or CE-marked before use.

What’s the best way to make my contact lens experience more comfortable?

Comfort is all about hydration, hygiene, and habit. Keep your lenses clean, use rewetting drops throughout the day, and avoid smoky or overly dry environments. Stay hydrated by drinking enough water, dehydration can affect your tear film and make lenses feel dry. If you use colored contacts, try to choose shades with advanced lens technology that combines high oxygen permeability and moisture retention, ensuring your eyes stay bright and comfortable all day. Finally, follow the “20-20-20 rule”, every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds, to reduce eye strain during screen use.

Final Tip for First-Time Lens Wearers

Think of your contact lenses as part of your daily self-care routine, not just a cosmetic accessory. Clean them, respect their wear limits, and listen to your eyes, they’ll always tell you what they need. With consistent hygiene and care, wearing contact lenses (especially colored ones) becomes effortless, safe, and confidence-boosting.