Contact lenses offer a widely adopted alternative to traditional eyeglasses for vision correction. New users may feel apprehensive about placing a thin, flexible device directly onto the eye. Mastering the handling of lenses is a skill acquired through practice. This guide provides detailed instructions for safely inserting and removing soft contact lenses.
Essential Hygiene and Lens Preparation
Safe contact lens wear requires meticulous hand hygiene to reduce the risk of introducing microbes to the eye. Before handling any lens, wash hands thoroughly with mild, non-fragranced soap and rinse completely with running water. Dry the hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel. This minimizes the transfer of bacteria, which can lead to serious eye infections like microbial keratitis.
After cleaning your hands, inspect the lens for correct orientation and integrity. Place the lens on the tip of the dominant index finger and hold it up to a light source to check its shape. A correctly oriented lens forms a smooth, perfect bowl shape with edges pointing straight up. If the edges flare outward, resembling a saucer, the lens is inside out and must be gently flipped before insertion.
The Insertion Technique
To begin the placement process, the clean, correctly oriented lens is balanced on the pad of the dominant index finger. Avoid contact with fingernails, which could scratch the delicate lens surface. Use the opposite hand to firmly hold the upper eyelid open near the lash line, preventing involuntary blinking. Simultaneously, use the middle finger of the dominant hand to pull the lower eyelid down, creating a wide opening for the lens.
Maintain a steady gaze, either looking straight ahead into a mirror or slightly upward. Slowly bring the index finger holding the lens toward the eye until the lens gently contacts the cornea or the lower white part of the eye (sclera). Once the lens adheres to the ocular surface, withdraw the index finger. Carefully release the eyelids and perform a slow, gentle blink to help the lens center and settle into the correct position.
Safe Removal Methods
Just as with insertion, the removal process begins with washing and drying hands completely. It is advisable to always begin with the same eye first to prevent mixing up lenses intended for different prescriptions. If the eye feels dry or the lens seems to be adhering strongly, applying a few rewetting drops beforehand can lubricate the lens and facilitate easier movement.
The widely used “pinch method” involves looking up while using the middle finger of the dominant hand to pull the lower eyelid down. Place the index finger on the lens surface and gently slide the lens downward onto the white part of the eye (sclera), away from the central cornea. Once positioned on the sclera, delicately grasp the lens between the pads of the thumb and index finger. Squeeze the lens into a soft fold and lift it away from the eye, ensuring fingernails do not cause a corneal abrasion.
Troubleshooting and Daily Care
If a lens folds upon itself or causes immediate discomfort upon insertion, it indicates debris or an improper fit. If the lens feels scratchy or irritating, remove it immediately, as rubbing the eye can damage the lens and the cornea. Rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh solution and inspect it for tears or foreign particles before reinsertion. If a lens seems stuck or difficult to remove, applying rewetting drops can rehydrate the material, allowing it to move more freely.
After removal, disinfect the lens using the recommended “rub and rinse” method, even with “no-rub” solutions. Mechanical rubbing with solution in the palm dislodges organic deposits like lipids and proteins that accumulate during wear. After rubbing for about 20 seconds, rinse the lens and place it in a clean case filled only with fresh solution; never top off old solution. Rinse the lens case with solution, air-dry it between uses, and replace it completely every three months to prevent microbial biofilm buildup.