When should the follow-up for a first-time extended wear contact lens user occur?

For a first-time extended wear contact lens user, the follow-up should occur the next morning after they begin wearing the lenses. This timing is critical because it allows the eye care practitioner to assess how the patient's eyes are responding to the lenses after an initial overnight wear.

During this follow-up visit, the practitioner can check for any signs of complications, such as discomfort, excessive redness, or any signs of corneal hypoxia, which can occur with longer wear times. It's also an opportunity to address any questions or concerns the patient might have after their first experience with extended wear lenses.

If the follow-up were to be scheduled the same day, there wouldn't be adequate time for the lenses to exert their effects during sleep, making it difficult to evaluate the lens performance. Waiting too long—such as two days or one week—could allow potential issues to exacerbate, leading to discomfort or complications that could affect the patient's eye health. Hence, the recommended follow-up timing the next morning is ideal for ensuring the safety and effectiveness of extended wear lens usage.