Contact lenses are thin, medical devices placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision. Mastering the technique for handling them is fundamental for both clear sight and ocular health. Soft contact lenses are flexible and require careful manipulation to prevent tearing, contamination, and discomfort. Learning the correct insertion and removal methods protects the delicate corneal surface and ensures the lenses function as intended.
Essential Preparation
Before touching the lenses, thorough hand hygiene is the most important step to prevent introducing microorganisms to the eye. Hands should be washed completely with soap and water, avoiding oil-based or heavily fragranced soaps which can leave a film on the lens surface. After washing, drying the hands with a clean, lint-free towel is necessary because residual fibers from standard towels can transfer to the lens, causing significant irritation.
The lens must be inspected before it is placed on the eye. Position the lens on the tip of your index or middle finger so that it forms a perfect bowl shape. If the edges flare outward, resembling a saucer, the lens is inside out and must be gently flipped to the correct orientation. A quick check, sometimes called the “taco test,” involves gently folding the lens between the thumb and forefinger; if the edges meet to form a taco shape, it is right-side out.
Detailed Steps for Insertion
To begin the insertion process, place the lens on the tip of the dominant hand’s index finger, ensuring your finger is dry so the lens adheres to the moist eye surface instead of your finger. Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull down the lower eyelid, securing it near the lash line. The non-dominant hand is then used to hold the upper eyelid open by placing a finger near the upper lash line and lifting it upward.
Holding both lids taut helps prevent blinking and provides a clear path to the eye. While looking straight ahead or slightly upward, slowly bring the lens toward the eye and gently touch it to the surface of the iris or the white of the eye. Once the lens is on the eye, slowly release the lower eyelid first, followed by the upper eyelid, and gently blink a few times to allow the lens to settle and center itself naturally.
Detailed Steps for Removal
Proper removal begins with the same meticulous handwashing, followed by preparing a clean lens case with fresh solution for reusable lenses.
The most common technique is the “pinch method,” which requires looking upward while using the middle finger of the dominant hand to pull the lower eyelid down. With the index finger of the same hand, gently slide the lens down to the white part of the eye, which is less sensitive than the central cornea.
Once the lens is positioned on the sclera, gently use the pad of the thumb and index finger to grasp the lens at its edge in a gentle pinching motion. It is important to use the finger pads, not the fingernails, to avoid scratching the eye or damaging the lens.
Alternatively, the “slide method” involves using the index finger to slide the lens all the way down until it wrinkles at the lower eyelid margin, allowing it to be lifted off without direct pinching on the cornea.
Troubleshooting Common Handling Problems
If a soft lens folds on your finger before insertion, it often happens because the finger is too wet or the lens is too dry. Re-wetting the lens with sterile saline or contact lens solution, then gently sliding it between the thumb and index finger, can safely unfold it. If the lens has been severely crimped or creased, it may be permanently damaged and should be discarded to prevent corneal irritation.
Experiencing scratchiness or discomfort immediately upon insertion usually indicates the presence of debris, a tear in the lens, or that the lens is inside out. If this occurs, immediately remove the lens, rinse it thoroughly with solution, and inspect it closely for any tiny foreign particles or damage before attempting re-insertion.
If a lens moves off-center or feels stuck under the eyelid, apply a few drops of rewetting solution to lubricate the eye. Then, gently massage the closed eyelid to encourage the lens to move back to the center for easy removal.