From Thick Glasses to Clear Vision: My Journey to Contact Lenses

Sometimes life can be tough, especially when you're a teenager and faced with the pressure of fitting in. I vividly remember being teased mercilessly in school for having thick, ugly glasses. It's a story that many can relate to, and it's why I begged my parents to get me contact lenses.

My Decision to Try Contact Lenses

The journey to wearing contact lenses began at the age of 11, when I started wearing them. It wasn't just about the appearance; it was also about proving to my parents that I could take care of them and wear them safely. At the time, RGP lenses were just starting to come into the mainstream, and yearly soft contact lenses were the norm.

By now, I've been a contact lens wearer for over 55 years, and I've never had any eye issues. Maintaining my contacts is a daily routine, and I take great care in keeping them clean. I never wear them to sleep, and I always make it a point to get an eye checkup every year to ensure my eyes are healthy and my lenses fit well.

A Key Conversation with My Family

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey to contact lenses was when my mom, my brother Anthony, and I were in the car on the way to the eye doctor's three consecutive appointments. It was clear that the thought of contact lenses had crossed my mind for several years. However, I had never imagined getting them until I was older.

My mom casually mentioned that if I were to get contact lenses, they could potentially be cheaper than glasses and would save her and dad a lot of money. Initially, I was only willing to try them, but the idea really excited me. My brother, however, was much more skeptical. Despite his hesitation, my mom ended up ordering my first set of contacts, which turned out to be more cost-effective than glasses.

Advice for Teenagers Considering Contact Lenses

If you're a teenager who wishes to get contact lenses, here's what I'd recommend:

Talk to your parents about the potential cost savings and how contact lenses can be a more comfortable and convenient alternative to glasses. Find a time to go to the eye doctor. It's important to ensure that you can safely and comfortably wear them.

One thing to note is that contact lenses can be challenging to adjust to. When I first got mine, my mom helped me for the first week, and I spent 10 minutes each morning practicing. While it's tough, it gets easier over time. Sometimes they can also hurt, especially when you're putting them in the morning. If this happens, take a break, rinse the lenses, and try again. Using a hot washcloth to wash your face after putting the contacts in can also be helpful.

Important Precautions

Here are a few more precautions to keep in mind:

Avoid wearing contact lenses in the shower or swimming. If they get wet, they can fall out and dry out. Never wear your contacts while sleeping. This can lead to infections and other complications. Be prepared for days when you might not enjoy wearing them. That was certainly the case for me during a 4-H event in Kentucky, where I had sawdust in my eye and couldn't stand having the contact in.

Despite the challenges, I've found that wearing contact lenses makes my life a lot easier and boosts my confidence. They are not for the faint of heart, but they are worth the effort.

I hope this helps! If you're considering contact lenses, just remember that it's a journey, and it might take some time to get used to them, but the benefits are well worth it.