Inserting a contact lens for the first time requires placing a foreign object directly onto the eye’s surface. This process is a learned physical skill that quickly becomes a routine part of your morning with practice. This guide simplifies the technique and prepares you for the experience. Focusing on hygiene, proper lens preparation, and a steady technique will help you successfully begin wearing contact lenses.
Essential Preparation Steps
Meticulous hygiene is the most important step before handling any contact lens to prevent introducing bacteria or debris. Thoroughly wash your hands with mild soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Dry them completely using a clean, lint-free towel. Avoid using moisturizing or oil-based soaps, as residues can transfer to the lens surface, causing blurriness and discomfort.
Once your hands are clean and dry, inspect the lens to ensure it is correctly oriented before insertion. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and examine its profile from the side. When correctly oriented, the lens should form a shallow bowl shape with the edges curving smoothly upward.
If the edges of the lens appear flared outward, the lens is inside out and must be gently flipped. A simple check is the “taco test,” where you lightly fold the lens in half between your thumb and index finger. If the edges meet cleanly, like a taco shell, the lens is ready.
Establishing a routine of always starting with the same eye is helpful, especially if your prescription differs. For instance, always start with the right eye first to prevent accidental mix-ups.
Step-by-Step Guide to Insertion
Begin by placing the prepared lens on the index finger of your dominant hand; the finger must remain dry so the lens adheres to the eye. Position yourself in front of a mirror in a well-lit area for clear visual feedback. Use the middle finger of the same dominant hand to gently pull your lower eyelid down, applying slight pressure to keep it steady.
The crucial step is ensuring the upper eyelid cannot close, which requires the non-dominant hand. Use a finger from your non-dominant hand to firmly hold the upper eyelid against your eyebrow, pulling it up and back. Maintaining this firm grip on both the upper and lower lids prevents the natural blinking reflex from interfering with placement.
Next, bring your dominant hand steadily toward your eye, focusing your gaze straight ahead or slightly upward. This focus helps suppress the blink reflex by distracting you from the approaching finger. Gently touch the lens to the surface of your eye, either onto the cornea or onto the white part (sclera). Once the lens makes contact, it will adhere to the moist surface of the eye.
With the lens on the eye, slowly remove your dominant index finger and then gradually release the lower lid, followed by the upper lid. Do not blink immediately or forcefully, which can dislodge the lens. Instead, close your eye slowly and gently blink a few times, allowing the lens to settle naturally and center itself over your pupil.
Common First-Time Challenges
The most frequent obstacle for new wearers is the involuntary blink reflex, which is a natural protective response to an approaching object. A firm, steady grip on both the upper and lower eyelids is the most effective way to override this reflex. Some individuals find it helpful to practice gently touching the white of the eye with a clean finger a few times to desensitize the eye before attempting insertion.
Another common issue is when the lens folds onto itself or sticks to the finger rather than the eye. This often happens if the finger is wet or if the lens is not correctly oriented. If the lens folds or drops, wash your hands again, rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh contact solution, and then attempt the insertion process again.
After successful insertion, you might experience temporary stinging, mild blurriness, or a feeling of grittiness. If discomfort persists, gently remove the lens and inspect it immediately for any small tears, debris, or incorrect orientation. An inside-out lens will often feel uncomfortable or move excessively when you blink. Once the lens is verified as clean and correctly oriented, reinsert it and allow a few minutes for your eye to adjust before moving on to the second eye.