When should the first follow-up appointment be scheduled after moving to an extended wear contact lens?

The first follow-up appointment after transitioning to extended wear contact lenses should ideally be scheduled for the first morning after the patient has worn the lenses overnight. This timing is crucial because it allows the eye care professional to assess how the patient's eyes have reacted to the extended wear.

During this appointment, the practitioner can check for any signs of complications such as redness, discomfort, corneal swelling, or other adverse reactions that may not be apparent during shorter wear times. This initial follow-up after overnight wear is essential in ensuring the lenses fit well and that the patient's eyes remain healthy while adapting to the new contact lens regimen.

Other timing options, like a week, a month, or a year later, may miss early complications or issues that could arise from overnight wear, where the eyes are exposed to the lenses for an extended period without the opportunity to be free from contact lens wear, thus risking potential damage or infections. Therefore, scheduling the follow-up on the first morning after overnight wear is the most effective approach to ensuring the patient's ocular health.