Am scared to use contact lenses but surgery dependant on me using them

[Lolodizzyone]

Just that really, can't even watch someone put contacts in but have been told have to wear them prior to eye surgery :(
Eventually replacement lens will be stitched into right eye and will then have excellent vision in that eye.
But after previous eye surgery have been told vision can only be improved with contacts not glasses.
Am phobic and feel faint and sick whilst trying to put them in and out.

Maybe you could watch some videos about it and get used to the idea? How much time do you have to prepare yourself?

I felt like that about contacts in February. It's taken six months of perseverance, but I've gone from making a sharp exit from my first appointment after the optician showed me how to insert lenses, to being able to put them in and take them out routinely.

I had three failed trials at different opticians. In the end I ordered online (and yes I know this is most definitely not recommended by professionals) and practiced at home at my leisure.

At first I could not look at my eye or hold both lids open as recommended (my mother said she only ever pulled one lid down and without the optician watching over me I was able to develop my own method).

Eventually I could look in a mirror and improve my speed.

I've never taken them out the conventional way. I use this method, which means not having to touch my eye.

Good luck with the surgery. I hope you can master lenses - it may seem impossible, but if I can do it anybody can.

Thank you, I've got the lenses now. I've got low vision in my right eye so really need to start using lenses. Am just so scared, which is irrational as was awake for initial surgery which took over an hour. Need to man up but fear sweeps over me :(

Aww thank you Handsoffmyrights! You have given me hope x

The fact that you went through surgery shows you shouldn't underestimate what you are capable.

Lots of people do put them in without using a mirror.
Initially I would lie on my bed and stare at a fixed point (so I wasn't looking at the lens and blinking).
Then I would sit propped up doing it (always with a dark towel to hand so not to lose the lens)
Some people look up and slide it on to the white of their eye.

This is another video that I've found helpful.

Give yourself lots of time to practice without making your eyes sore.