How Long Do New Contacts Take to Settle?


If you’ve just switched to contact lenses or updated your prescription, you might wonder how long it will take for your eyes to fully adjust. While contact lenses offer convenience and improved vision without frames, your eyes need a bit of time to adapt. At Modern iCare Optometry, we want to make your transition as smooth as possible by sharing what to expect and when you should follow up with your optometrist.

How Long Does It Take to Adjust to New Contacts?

For most people, new contact lenses take between a few hours to a few days to feel comfortable. The adjustment period can vary based on a few key factors:
 

• Type of lenses (soft, rigid gas permeable, toric, multifocal)

• Your experience level with contacts

• Changes in prescription

• Eye sensitivity or dryness

For example, soft contact lenses typically settle faster, while rigid gas permeable lenses can take up to a week or more. If you’re trying toric lenses for astigmatism, it may take a few days for your vision to stabilize due to the lens needing to align properly on your eye.

Tips for a Smooth Transition

• Follow your wearing schedule: Your optometrist will usually recommend a gradual wearing schedule, especially if you’re new to contacts. Start with a few hours per day and increase wear time gradually.

• Keep your lenses clean: Proper hygiene and cleaning routines can prevent irritation and help your eyes adapt faster. Always use the lens solution recommended by your eye doctor.

• Use rewetting drops if needed: If your eyes feel dry or irritated during the adjustment phase, lubricating eye drops can help. Make sure they are approved for use with contact lenses.

• Avoid over-wearing: Don’t push through discomfort. If your lenses still feel uncomfortable after several hours, give your eyes a break and try again the next day.

• Be patient: It’s normal to experience slight blurriness, discomfort, or awareness of the lenses at first. These sensations should subside within a few days.

When to See Your Doctor

While mild discomfort and blurred vision are common during the initial adjustment, there are signs that something might not be right:
 

• Persistent redness or pain

• Vision that doesn't stabilize after a few days

• A gritty or burning feeling

• Excessive tearing or dryness

• A feeling that the lens is always shifting

If you experience any of these symptoms, schedule an appointment with your optometrist at Modern iCare Optometry. We’ll check your fit, evaluate for dryness or irritation, and make any necessary adjustments.

Schedule Your Contact Lens Follow-Up

Getting used to new contacts can take a little time, but with the right care and expectations, the transition is usually smooth. Every pair of eyes is different, so trust how yours are feeling and don’t hesitate to ask for help.
 

Whether you're a first-time wearer or updating your prescription, the team at Modern iCare Optometry is here to support you every step of the way. If you're having trouble adjusting or just need a check-up, contact our office in Palm Desert, California, or call (760) 674-7272 to book an appointment today.