How To Put In Contact Lenses The Safe Way

Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, but learning to insert them properly can be challenging for beginners. This guide provides step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting tips, and best practices to help you master the art of inserting contact lenses safely and comfortably.

Before attempting to insert your contact lenses, proper preparation is crucial to prevent eye infections and ensure comfort.

Thorough hand hygiene is the first and most critical step in the contact lens insertion process:

• Wash your hands with mild, fragrance-free soap that doesn’t contain oils or moisturisers that can transfer to the lens.
• Dry your hands completely with a lint-free towel to prevent the lens from sticking to wet fingers.
• Keep fingernails short when first learning to prevent accidentally scratching your eye.

Creating the right environment makes insertion easier and reduces the risk of lost lenses:

• Work in front of a mirror in a well-lit area.
• Place a clean towel on the counter to catch any dropped lenses.
• Always start with the same eye (right if right-handed, left if left-handed) to maintain consistency and avoid mixing up lenses designed for specific eyes.

Proper inspection and preparation of the lens before insertion is essential for comfort and eye health.

• Gently shake the lens case if the lens is sticking to the container.
• Use your fingertip (not your nails) to slide the lens carefully into your hand.
• For new lenses, open the blister pack and slide the lens onto your finger.

Before placing a lens in your eye, proper inspection is crucial:

• Check for any tears, damage, or debris on the lens.
• Ensure the lens is not inside out by examining its shape.
• A properly oriented lens forms a bowl shape with edges turning upward.
• If the edges flare outward, the lens is inside out and needs to be flipped.

• Place the lens in your palm and apply a few drops of contact lens solution.
• Gently rub the lens in a circular motion for 10-15 seconds on each side.
• Rinse thoroughly with fresh contact solution to remove any debris.
• Never use tap water to rinse contact lenses.

The following step-by-step process works for most people and can be adapted as you become more comfortable.

• Place the properly oriented lens on the tip of your index finger of your dominant hand.
• Ensure the lens forms a bowl shape with minimal contact between the lens and your finger.
• Some find it helpful to add a single drop of saline solution to the lens to help it adhere to the eye more easily.

• With your non-dominant hand, use your index finger to hold your upper eyelid open and away from your eyelashes.
• Use the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
• Keep both eyes open to reduce your blinking reflex.

• Look straight ahead into the mirror or slightly upward toward the ceiling.
• Gently place the lens directly onto your eye.
• Some experts recommend placing the lens on the white part of your eye first, then letting it settle onto the cornea.
• Think of the contact lens as “cupping” the eyeball, with the bottom edge touching first.

• Slowly release your lower eyelid first, then your upper eyelid.
• Close your eye slowly and gently roll your eye in a full circle to help the lens settle.
• Alternatively, blink gently a few times to center the lens.
• If the lens feels uncomfortable or your vision is blurry, the lens may be misaligned or inside out.

Different techniques work better for different people. Here are three common alternatives that may be easier for some users.

• Place the lens directly on the cornea (colored part of your eye) while looking straight ahead.
• This method works well for those with steady hands and less sensitivity to eye touching.

• Look up toward the ceiling and place the lens on the white part (sclera) of your eye.
• Gently close your eye and look down to allow the lens to center itself on the cornea.
• This method is often easier for beginners who find direct corneal placement uncomfortable.

• Look up and place just the bottom edge of the lens onto your eye first.
• Gently “pop” the rest of the lens onto your eye from that anchored position.
• This can help prevent the lens from flipping during insertion.

Even experienced contact lens wearers occasionally encounter issues. Here are solutions to common problems:

• Ensure your finger is slightly moist but not wet.
• Try drying your finger more if the lens keeps sliding off.
• Only let the tip of the lens touch your finger to make it easier for the lens to transfer to your eye.

• Make sure your finger is dry enough for the lens to adhere properly.
• Try using the bottom-edge first method to prevent flipping.
• Add a single drop of saline solution to the lens to help it stick to your eye instead of your finger.

If the lens feels uncomfortable after insertion:

• Don’t rub your eye, as this may damage the lens or irritate your eye further.
• Remove the lens, rinse thoroughly with contact solution, and inspect for damage.
• If undamaged, try reinserting the lens.
• If discomfort persists, the lens may be inside out or damaged.

• Practice holding your eyelids further away from your eye to avoid triggering the blink reflex.
• Try looking in a different direction (away from the lens) as you insert it.
• Keep both eyes open during insertion to reduce the urge to blink.

Adapting to contact lenses takes time and practice. These tips can help make the transition smoother:

• Initial awareness of the lens in your eye is normal and will diminish with time.
• Similar to adapting to new glasses, your eyes will quickly adjust to the presence of contact lenses.
• It can take several months to become fully comfortable with insertion and removal.

• Allow plenty of time for insertion when first learning, never rush the process.
• Practice in a calm environment without distractions.
• Work over a clean, flat surface to catch any dropped lenses.
• Remember that up to 50% of contact lens wearers initially struggle with insertion and removal, so persistence is key.

• Keep your eyes moist and healthy by using rewetting drops as recommended by your optometrist.
• Drink plenty of water to maintain overall hydration.
• Remember to blink regularly, especially when using digital devices.
• Never sleep in your contact lenses unless specifically designed and prescribed for overnight wear.

Proper care of your contact lenses is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing infections.

• Always wash hands before handling contact lenses.
• Clean and disinfect reusable lenses after each removal.
• Replace your lens case every three months.
• Never reuse or “top off” old contact solution.

Several dangerous practices can lead to eye infections or injury:

• Sleeping in contact lenses not designed for extended wear.
• Using tap water to clean or store lenses.
• Wearing contact lenses while swimming or showering.
• Touching lenses with dirty hands.
• Reusing daily disposable lenses.
• Wearing makeup or false lashes during contact lens fitting.

Learning to put in contact lenses properly is a skill that requires patience and practice. By following the steps outlined in this guide and implementing the troubleshooting tips, most people can master the technique within a short period. Remember that proper hygiene and lens care are just as important as correct insertion technique for maintaining eye health. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to contact the team at Eyespire Optometry who will be happy to help.