l just got contacts this morning after suffering through 12 years of having glasses. My ophthalmologist told me that l should only wear them for 4 hours today, and then add an additional 2 hours each progressive day. Why is that?

Maybe because your eyes are not used to them. So if you gradually ''let your eyes know'' what they are and stuff..

Just a guess.

It takes some time to get used to having something against your eye. Your body just needs to get used to them and adjust tear production, etc. so your eyes do not feel dry and irritated.

It is probably because your eyes need to get used to you wearing contact lenses.

Do not mind me saying this but you could have asked your Doc the same question.

We want your eyes to slowly get used to contacts. If you start off by wearing 12 hours a day, your eyes are not used to it and they will get tired, irratated, and wo not be comfortable. Your eyes are not used to something being in them, you want to slowly get them used to the idea. It is like working out, your going to slowly work up the reps until you are able to do the amount you want without hurting yourself.

Since you've never worn contacts before they want your eyes to get used to them. They told me the same thing too.