Friday, August 10, 2012 12:46 PM

If you’re a specs-wearer, you’ll know there are times when glasses are just not practical.

Like on the rugby field or even when you’re learning how to snorkel!

A lot of people are put off trying contact lenses because they are afraid to touch their eye. But if you insert them properly, they should feel as natural as your own eyelid. In fact, once they’re in, you won’t be able to feel them at all.

The hardest part about putting contact lenses on is overcoming your blink reflex - eyes are designed to protect themselves from things like airborne dust particles, insects and flying objects like a tennis ball or your brother’s elbow.

Interestingly, it can be a lot easier for women to put contact lenses on for the first time because they may be used to wearing mascara and eye make-up and so have already learned to control their blink reflex.

If you’re interested in trying contact lenses, it’s worth getting your optometrist to help you the first time so you can experience what they feel like without having to worry about putting them on. The cost is also generally not as much as you would think.

If you decide to start wearing them regularly, follow these simple tips to make sure they stay comfortable and your eyes stay healthy:

- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses or your eyes. Bacteria on your hands can cause serious infections. If you drop a lens, wash it thoroughly in contact lens cleaning solution or discard it and start with a fresh one.

It can be hard to stop blinking if you try to put the lens directly onto the front of your eye. To make it easier “trick” your eye by looking off to the side, then pop the lens onto the white of your eye and slide it over your iris. Use a finger to hold your eyelid out
of the way. Never sleep in lenses that are not designed for overnight wear as the lens will dry out and you could injure your eye when you try to remove it. Always follow the cleaning and care directions specified for your type of contact lenses.

If you have any concerns about your eyes, be sure to ask your local optometrist. Even if you don’t wear glasses, it’s important to have your eyes tested every two years to make sure.