The decision to move from glasses to contact lenses often comes with apprehension, particularly regarding placing a foreign object onto the eye. This anxiety is common, as learning to insert contacts is a new physical skill that requires practice. Contact lenses are medical devices used to correct vision. While the thought of application can be intimidating, the procedure quickly becomes second nature for most wearers, transforming the initial challenge into a simple, daily routine.
Addressing the Initial Difficulty
The difficulty beginners experience is far more psychological than physical, stemming from the body’s innate protective mechanisms. The most significant barrier is overcoming the natural blink reflex, an involuntary response triggered when an object approaches the cornea. This reflex shields the eye from harm, making it challenging to hold the eyelids open long enough for successful insertion.
The initial awkwardness is a transient phase that most new wearers conquer rapidly. While it may take 10 to 15 minutes per eye during the first few attempts, the average beginner typically achieves proficiency within a week or two. Experienced users can often insert a lens in under ten seconds per eye, demonstrating that the initial struggle is merely a temporary phase of desensitization.
Step-by-Step Insertion Techniques
Hygiene and Preparation
A successful insertion begins with meticulous hygiene to prevent the introduction of microorganisms. Before touching the lenses, hands must be thoroughly washed with mild soap, avoiding oil-based or heavily fragranced varieties, and dried completely with a lint-free towel. This step ensures that no residual oils or microscopic towel fibers transfer to the lens surface, which could cause irritation.
Checking Orientation
The next action is to prepare the lens by checking its orientation, often called the “bowl test.” Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. If the lens forms a perfect hemisphere, like a small bowl with the edges pointing straight up, it is oriented correctly. If the edges flare out slightly, resembling a shallow soup plate or a “taco,” the lens is inside out and must be gently flipped before proceeding.
Insertion
To insert the lens, stability and control of the eyelids are paramount. Use the non-dominant hand to anchor the upper eyelid firmly against the brow bone, preventing the reflex blink. Simultaneously, use the middle finger of the dominant hand to pull the lower eyelid down toward the cheekbone. With the eye fully open, place the lens on the tip of the dominant hand’s index finger. Look straight ahead or slightly upward, avoiding direct focus on the approaching lens. Gently touch the lens to the center of the cornea, or onto the white part of the eye (the sclera), and then slide it into place. Once the lens adheres, slowly release the lower lid, then the upper lid, and blink softly to allow the lens to settle naturally into its correct position.
Essential Tips for Safe Removal
Safe contact lens removal requires a different technique than insertion, focusing on gently peeling the lens from the corneal surface. Always start by washing and drying your hands. If the lens feels dry or slightly “stuck,” applying a few drops of approved lubricating eye drops a minute or two before removal can rehydrate the lens and make the process smoother.
The most common technique is the “pinch” method, which involves using the index finger and thumb of the dominant hand. While holding the eyelids open, lightly touch the lens with the pads of both fingers. Do not use fingernails, as they can scratch the delicate surface of the lens or the cornea. Gently slide the lens down onto the white of the eye, where the cornea’s sensitivity is reduced, before lightly compressing the lens between the two fingers to fold and lift it away.
Another option is the “slide” technique, where the index finger slides the lens down to the lower white of the eye and then off the eye completely. With practice, the subtle movement becomes quick and intuitive.