If a soft lens wearer feels awareness of the lens in one eye only, what should be the first step?

When a soft lens wearer experiences awareness of the lens in one eye only, the first step should involve checking the fit and comfort of the lens in that specific eye. By putting a lens in the other eye—if it is assumed to be a baseline for comparison—it allows the wearer to ascertain whether the sensation is due to the lens itself or if there is another underlying issue at play with the affected eye. This initial test can provide valuable insight into whether the feeling of awareness is specific to the lens design, fit, or possibly an ocular health issue in that eye.

Moving forward with this option can also help rule out factors such as improper insertion or a problem with that particular lens, rather than immediately switching lenses or ordering new ones without further evaluation. It's a practical approach to determine if the problem is lens-related or if it is a different factor affecting that eye's comfort.