Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses for correcting vision, providing wearers with a wide field of view and freedom from frames. While the process of placing a contact lens onto the eye may seem difficult at first, it is a simple procedure that can be quickly mastered. Learning the correct technique for insertion is important for comfort and maintaining good eye health. This guide provides a step-by-step method for safely and effectively putting contact lenses into your eyes.
Essential Prep Before Touching Your Eye
Before handling any lens, hygiene is essential to prevent introducing microorganisms into the eye. Hands must be thoroughly washed with mild soap and water, avoiding soaps that contain perfumes, oils, or lotions, as these residues can transfer to the lens and cause irritation or blurred vision. After washing, dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel to ensure no fibers or excess moisture remain.
Once your hands are clean and dry, remove the first lens from its case and place it onto the tip of your dominant hand’s index finger. Always begin with the same eye, such as the right eye, to prevent mixing up lenses that may have different prescriptions. Inspect the lens to confirm it is correctly oriented and undamaged, checking for any nicks, tears, or debris before insertion.
A properly oriented lens should resemble a perfect bowl with the edges curving smoothly upward, often described as the “U” or “taco” shape. If the edges flare outward, the lens is inside out and must be flipped. Some lenses have laser-etched markings, such as the number “123,” which should read correctly when the lens is right-side out on your fingertip.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contact Lens Insertion
With the lens correctly positioned on your index finger, use your non-dominant hand to prepare the upper eyelid. Place a finger, typically the index or middle finger, close to the upper lash line and pull the eyelid firmly upward toward the brow bone. This ensures the lashes are held out of the way, preventing the upper lid from blinking and keeping the eye exposed for insertion.
Next, use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull the lower eyelid down toward the cheekbone, gripping close to the lash line for stability. Holding both lids overrides the blink reflex and creates a clear opening for the lens. Keeping both eyes open and looking straight ahead into a mirror helps stabilize the eye and makes the approach easier.
Slowly bring the lens toward your eye, aiming to place it directly onto the cornea. Some wearers find it easier to look slightly upward while placing the lens onto the white part of the eye (the sclera) just below the cornea. The lens will naturally adhere to the moist surface.
Once the lens makes contact with the eye, slowly remove your index finger, keeping the lower lid held down for a moment longer. The lens may feel slightly out of place, but the eye’s natural moisture will begin to center it. Release the lower lid first, then the upper lid, and allow the eye to close slowly.
Gently rolling the eye in a full circle with the eyelid closed or blinking a few times helps the lens settle fully onto the cornea and center itself. If the lens is centered correctly, vision should be immediately clear and the lens should feel unnoticeable. If discomfort or blurred vision persists, the lens needs to be checked and reinserted.
Troubleshooting Common Insertion Issues
Immediate discomfort upon insertion often indicates that a small piece of debris, such as dust or a lash, is trapped beneath the lens. If the eye stings or feels scratchy, promptly remove the lens, rinse it thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, and re-check its orientation before attempting to reinsert it. Never use tap water for rinsing, as it contains microorganisms that can cause eye infections.
If the lens keeps folding or sticking to your index finger instead of transferring to the eye, the lens surface may be too dry or your finger may be too wet. Gently shake off any excess solution from the lens before placing it on your finger, and ensure your insertion finger is fully dry to facilitate the transfer. If the lens is too wet, the surface tension will cause it to cling to your finger rather than the eye’s surface.
Excessive blinking or tearing is a common, involuntary response, especially for new wearers. If you struggle to keep your eye open, continue to firmly hold both eyelids open using the method described, which is the most effective way to temporarily disable the blink reflex. If the lens lands on the white of the eye but fails to cover the pupil, look toward the lens to help it slide into the correct position, then blink gently to allow it to center.