Contact lenses offer a convenient and discreet alternative to glasses. For many new users, the primary concern is not the comfort of wearing the lenses, but the practical challenge of inserting and removing them daily. The time required for this process, known as insertion and removal (I&R), changes dramatically as a user gains experience. What may start as a lengthy chore quickly becomes a seamless part of a morning routine.
Learning Curve and Routine Timeframes
The time investment needed to handle contact lenses is heavily front-loaded, meaning initial attempts require the most patience. During the first few sessions, a new wearer may spend between five and thirty minutes simply trying to place the first lens onto the eye. This extended period is often due to the natural reflex to blink or hesitation about touching the eye surface.
As technique develops, the time needed drops significantly. Within the first week, most users enter a transition period where they can insert both lenses in under five minutes total. By the end of the first month, the process usually feels routine and automatic.
With consistent practice, the time required to put in contact lenses eventually reaches a minimum. Experienced users often accomplish the entire I&R process for both eyes in less than one minute. This goal time is achieved through muscle memory and overcoming the initial psychological barriers.
Essential Steps for Insertion and Removal
Regardless of how fast the process becomes, the sequence of necessary steps ensures eye health and lens longevity. The first step involves hygiene, requiring a thorough hand wash with a non-fragranced soap and drying with a lint-free towel. This prevents the transfer of microorganisms, like Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections.
Once hands are clean, the lens must be inspected for proper orientation, ensuring it is not inside-out. A correctly oriented lens should resemble a shallow bowl with smooth, upward-curving edges, while an inside-out lens will have edges that flare slightly outward. Placing the lens on the tip of the dominant index finger allows for a clear check before proceeding.
Physical placement involves using the non-dominant hand to hold the upper eyelid open and a finger from the dominant hand to pull the lower lid down, creating a wide opening. The lens is then gently brought to the eye, often while looking upward or straight ahead, allowing it to adhere to the cornea. Removal typically involves sliding the lens down onto the white of the eye before gently pinching it off with the thumb and index finger.
Troubleshooting Insertion Challenges
Several common obstacles can extend the insertion time, but specific techniques can accelerate the learning process. The involuntary blinking reflex is one of the most frequent challenges, causing the eye to close just as the lens approaches. To counteract this, users should focus on holding the upper and lower eyelids firmly at the lash line to prevent them from slipping.
Another difficulty arises when the eye is too dry, causing the lens to stick to the finger instead of transferring smoothly. Using preservative-free lubricating drops before insertion can increase the eye’s moisture and allow for better adhesion. If the lens constantly falls off the finger, holding it on the eye for a full second before slowly moving the eyeball helps the corneal fluids secure the lens.
Anxiety and hesitation also contribute significantly to extended insertion times. Practicing in a well-lit, stable environment in front of a mirror can help build confidence and reduce fear. Taking a deep breath before the final placement can help relax the muscles and inhibit the blink reflex. Consistency in starting with the same eye each time establishes a predictable routine, reinforcing the necessary muscle memory for faster, more comfortable insertion.