A Complete Guide: How to Put In Contact Lenses Safely and Comfortably
Master the art of safely and comfortably inserting contact lenses with step-by-step instructions and practical troubleshooting tips.
Wearing contact lenses can offer a convenient and discreet alternative to glasses, but many new users find the process of putting them in daunting. With clear instructions and a bit of practice, you can easily master this essential skill. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, safety tips, troubleshooting advice, and answers to frequently asked questions about inserting contact lenses.
Understanding Contact Lenses: The Basics
Contact lenses are thin, curved lenses placed directly on the surface of your eyes to correct vision. They come in various types—including daily disposables, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses—each with its own care routine. No matter the type, correct insertion and removal are essential for eye health.
Preparing to Insert Your Contact Lenses
Preparation is crucial to ensure comfort and prevent eye infections. Before handling your lenses, make hygiene your top priority.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with mild, unscented soap. Avoid soaps with oils or fragrances as they can leave residues on your hands and transfer to your lenses.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly to remove any traces of soap.
- Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. Moisture or lint can adhere to your lenses or eyes.
- Check your nails: Keep your fingernails short and smooth to avoid damaging the lens or scratching your eye.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Insert Contact Lenses
- Start with the same eye every time: This helps avoid accidentally switching your left and right lenses, which is especially important if each eye has a different prescription.
- Remove a lens from its case or blister pack: Use your fingertip—not your fingernail—to gently slide the lens out.
- Never use tap water to rinse lenses, as it can harbor harmful microorganisms. Only use recommended lens solution.
- Inspect the lens: Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and look at its shape.
- If the lens forms a perfect bowl with edges facing upward, it’s right side out and ready to insert.
- If the edges flare outward, like a soup bowl with a rim, the lens is inside out—gently flip it to correct this.
- Look for any tears, nicks, or debris. If damaged, use a new lens.
- Hold your eyelids open: Using your non-dominant hand, gently hold your upper eyelid to prevent blinking. With the middle finger of your dominant hand (the hand holding the lens), pull down your lower eyelid.
- Place the lens on your eye: You can either look straight ahead or upward, depending on what feels most natural.
- Gently place the lens directly on the colored part (iris) of your eye. Some find it easier to look up and place the lens on the lower white part of their eye, then slide it up.
- Release your eyelids and slowly close your eye. Blink several times to center the lens and help it settle.
- Check your comfort and vision: If the lens feels uncomfortable, there may be a tear, debris, or it may be inside out. Remove, inspect, clean, and try reinserting if necessary.
- Repeat the steps for the other eye.
Safety and Comfort Tips for First-Time Wearers
- Always start with the same eye: This habit minimizes confusion and reduces the risk of mixing up prescription lenses.
- Keep fingernails short and smooth: Long nails can transfer bacteria or accidentally tear lenses.
- Moisten dry eyes: Use appropriate lubricating drops approved by your optometrist before inserting your lenses, especially if you have dry eyes.
- Practice patience: The process may take longer at first but will soon become quick and routine with practice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Not washing hands properly: This is the leading cause of lens-related eye infections. Always wash and dry hands thoroughly.
- Using tap water: Never clean, rinse, or store your lenses in tap water.
- Putting the lens inside out: Always check the shape of your lens before inserting. A correct lens looks like a bowl with straight, upward edges.
- Blinking or squeezing eyes while inserting: Hold your lids open with a gentle grip until the lens is in place.
- Not checking for lens damage: Only use intact and clean lenses for each insertion.
Troubleshooting: If Your Lens Won’t Go In
- Lens won’t stay on your eye: Ensure your eyes aren’t too dry—use approved rewetting drops if needed.
- Lens folds or slips off your finger: Make sure your hands are completely dry and the lens is not too wet. Try balancing the lens on the very tip of your finger.
- Can’t keep your eye open: Use a mirror placed flat or at a low angle so you look down, reducing your instinct to blink.
- Lens feels uncomfortable: Remove, examine, rinse, and try again. Discard and use a new lens if the issue persists.
What others are reading
Additional Tips for Cleaning and Caring for Your Lenses
- Always use fresh lens solution: Never reuse old solution in your contact lens case.
- Clean your case regularly: Rinse your contact lens case with sterile solution—not water—and let it air-dry between uses.
- Replace your case every three months: Cases can harbor bacteria even with routine cleaning.
- Follow the replacement schedule: Don’t stretch the life of lenses beyond their intended use (daily, bi-weekly, monthly, etc.).
Table: Correct vs. Incorrect Contact Lens Handling
| Do | Don’t |
|---|---|
| Wash hands with mild soap | Use scented/antibacterial soaps |
| Dry hands with a lint-free towel | Handle lenses with wet or dirty hands |
| Check for lens damage and correct side | Insert damaged or inside-out lenses |
| Store lenses in recommended solution | Rinse or store lenses in tap water |
| Clean lens case regularly | Reuse solution or skip case cleaning |
What to Do After Inserting Your Lenses
- Check comfort and vision: Your lenses should feel barely noticeable, and your vision should be clear.
- If experiencing discomfort: Remove the lens, rinse it with solution, and check it for tears or debris. Replace if needed.
- Wait before applying makeup: Always insert your contacts before putting on any eye makeup to avoid contamination.
- Wash your hands: After the process, wash your hands again to eliminate any lingering residue from the lens solution.
When to Contact an Eye Care Professional
If you notice any of the following, remove your contact lenses immediately and contact your optometrist or ophthalmologist:
- Persistent redness, pain, or discomfort
- Blurred or fluctuating vision that does not improve after reinserting the lens
- Sudden light sensitivity (photophobia)
- Eye discharge or excessive tearing
- Sensation of something stuck in your eye that does not go away
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it take to get used to contact lenses?
Most people adapt within a few days to two weeks, although some may need more time for their eyes to adjust.
What should I do if I drop a contact lens?
Rinse it thoroughly with fresh lens solution (never water), inspect for damage, and reinsert if the lens is intact and clean.
Can I reuse daily disposable contact lenses?
No. Daily disposables are designed for single use only and must be discarded after one wear.
Is it okay to nap with contact lenses in?
Napping with contact lenses (unless prescribed by your doctor for extended use) increases the risk of infection and should be avoided.
What if my eye is red or irritated after inserting the lens?
Remove the lens immediately, rinse it, and check for tears or debris. If irritation continues, do not reinsert and contact your eye care professional.
Summary
Inserting contact lenses takes practice, but with proper hygiene, technique, and ongoing care, it quickly becomes a simple part of your daily routine. Always consult with your eye care provider for personalized advice and to address any ongoing discomfort. Stay consistent with your habits, and you’ll enjoy the freedom and clear vision contact lenses provide.
References
- https://coopervision.com/wearers/new-wearer
- https://www.nvisioncenters.com/contacts/put-in/
- https://www.aecentralcoast.com/blog/a-step-by-step-guide-to-wearing-and-caring-for-contact-lenses.html
- https://www.acuvue.com/en-us/new-wearer/new-wearer-guide/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90lhJjiYzpY
- https://www.healthline.com/health/how-to-take-out-contacts
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/10737-contacts
- https://www.2020onsite.com/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-contact-lens-care
- https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/glasses-vs-contacts
Similar Articles
Read full bio of medha deb
