The first experience of putting in contact lenses can feel overwhelming, but with a clear method and patience, the process quickly becomes routine. This guide walks you through each step, transforming initial anxiety into confident vision correction. Mastering this skill requires slow, deliberate movements and a relaxed approach, relying on proper preparation and understanding the physical mechanics of handling the lens.
Essential Pre-Insertion Steps
Ensuring hygienic conditions is paramount to protecting your eye health. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water, avoiding products with heavy oils, lotions, or fragrances that can transfer to the lens surface and cause irritation. Dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel, as residual moisture can cause the lens to cling to your finger instead of transferring smoothly to the eye.
Once your hands are clean and dry, remove one lens from its case or blister pack and place it on the tip of your dominant index finger. Inspect the lens to confirm it is not inside-out, a common beginner mistake that causes discomfort. The lens should resemble a perfect, shallow bowl with edges curving smoothly upward; if the edges flare out, it is inverted and must be gently flipped. Always start with the same eye (e.g., the right eye) to prevent accidentally mixing up lenses if your prescriptions are different.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contact Lens Insertion
With the lens oriented on your index finger, use your non-dominant hand to reach over your head and gently hold your upper eyelid near the lash line. Pull it upward against the brow bone to prevent involuntary blinking. Maintain this firm grip throughout the process to keep the eyelid stable and open.
Next, use the middle finger of your dominant hand—the same hand holding the lens—to pull down your lower eyelid, anchoring it close to the lash line. Holding both lids open ensures the largest possible opening, allowing you to gain control over the eye’s surface and bypass the natural blink reflex.
To place the lens, slowly bring your index finger toward your eye while looking straight ahead or slightly upward at a fixed point. Gently touch the lens directly onto the center of the iris, or onto the white of the eye just below the iris. The natural moisture of your eye will cause the lens to adhere to the surface. Once the lens is on the eye, slowly release the lower lid first, then the upper lid, and blink gently a few times. This blinking action helps the lens center itself precisely over the cornea for clear vision.
Safe Contact Lens Removal Techniques
Removing the lenses requires the same commitment to hygiene; wash and dry your hands with a lint-free towel before beginning. Most soft contact lenses are removed using the “pinch” method, which involves isolating the lens before gently grasping it.
To prepare for removal, look up toward the ceiling while using the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid down. Using the pad of your index finger, gently slide the lens down from the center of your eye onto the white part (sclera). Moving the lens off the sensitive cornea makes the subsequent pinch less startling.
With the lens resting on the white of the eye, use the pads of your thumb and index finger to lightly squeeze the lens together, causing it to fold slightly and lift away from the eye’s surface. Use only the force necessary to detach the flexible material. If you have long fingernails, an alternative is the “swipe” method: look up and use the pad of your index finger to slide the lens down and off the eye onto your lower lid.
Addressing First-Time Challenges
The most immediate challenge for new wearers is the involuntary blinking reflex, which can be overcome with patience. Focusing on holding your eyelids firmly open and looking away from the approaching finger helps suppress this reflex. Practicing the lid-holding technique without a lens first can help desensitize your eye to the sensation.
If you drop a lens onto a counter or sink, thoroughly rinse it with fresh contact lens solution before attempting insertion; never use tap water, as it contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections. If the lens feels scratchy, painful, or your vision remains blurred after blinking, remove it immediately. Inspect it for debris, tears, or an inverted orientation, and replace it with a fresh lens if necessary. If discomfort or redness continues after removal, switch back to glasses and contact your eye care professional.