A patient came in excited to try contacts for the first time. They’d grown tired of foggy glasses during workouts and constant smudges on lenses. But as soon as they heard the phrase "touching your eye," the excitement turned into hesitation. That moment is common—and temporary.
At Pacific Rims Optometry, we’ve guided patients of all ages in San Francisco through their first lens fitting and long-term wear with comfort, safety, and confidence at the center of the experience.
Contact Lens Comfort Starts with the Right Fit
Every eye is unique. That’s why contact lenses aren’t one-size-fits-all. Comfort begins with a professional contact lens exam and fitting. During your fitting at Pacific Rims Optometry, we assess your corneal shape, tear film quality, and visual needs to match you with the most comfortable lens type—whether that’s daily disposables, multifocals, toric lenses for astigmatism, or something else.
Skipping a proper fitting can lead to dry eyes, irritation, or blurry vision—so even if you’ve worn lenses for years, it’s worth checking in regularly to make sure your lenses still suit you.
What Affects Long-Term Lens Comfort?
Many patients wear contacts comfortably for years—but only when they follow good habits and make adjustments as their eyes change with age or lifestyle. Here’s what matters most:
- Lens type: Daily disposables tend to offer the highest comfort due to fresh lenses every day. Monthly and bi-weekly lenses require proper care to stay clean and moist.
- Wearing time: Overwearing contacts (especially past the recommended schedule) can dry out your eyes and damage your cornea.
- Environment: Dry air, wind, screen time, and seasonal allergies can all affect lens comfort.
- Hydration and blinking: Not blinking enough (common with screen use) can reduce tear film and cause dryness.
- Age-related changes: As we get older, tear production decreases—so you may need lenses with built-in moisture or added lubrication over time.
Tips for All-Day Lens Comfort
Whether you’re new to contacts or have been wearing them for years, these tips will help you stay comfortable:
- Wash your hands before handling your lenses—every time.
- Stick to your replacement schedule—daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Use lens solution recommended by your eye doctor, not generic substitutes.
- Keep your lenses and case clean (or skip the case altogether with daily lenses).
- Give your eyes a break—especially on long screen days.
- Use rewetting drops if your eyes feel dry, gritty, or tired.
If you ever notice pain, redness, or changes in vision, remove your lenses and call us right away. Discomfort should never be ignored.
Adjusting Over Time
It’s normal for your lens preferences to shift. For example, someone in their 20s might love monthly lenses, but as they reach their 40s and start experiencing presbyopia, daily multifocal lenses may become a better fit. At Pacific Rims Optometry, we help you adjust your lens type based on your lifestyle and evolving vision needs.
Make Comfort Part of Your Contact Lens Journey with Pacific Rims Optometry in San Francisco, CA
Whether you’re just getting started or looking to improve your lens-wearing experience, schedule a contact lens exam at Pacific Rims Optometry. We’ll help you find the perfect lens for your lifestyle, protect your eye health, and make comfort a priority—now and for years to come.