Contact lenses offer a convenient and discreet way to correct vision for millions of people worldwide. While placing a small piece of material directly onto the eye might seem daunting, the procedure quickly becomes second nature with practice. This guide provides the necessary techniques to safely handle, insert, and remove contact lenses, ensuring comfort and promoting ocular health. Proper technique is essential, as improper handling can lead to irritation or contamination.
Essential Pre-Insertion Preparation
Proper hygiene is the fundamental step before handling any contact lens. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-cosmetic soap that lacks heavy perfumes or moisturizers. Residue from these ingredients can transfer to the lens surface, leading to discomfort or vision obstruction. After washing, dry your hands completely using a lint-free towel or cloth to ensure no small fibers adhere to your fingertips.
Once your hands are clean and dry, inspect the lens itself for correct orientation and cleanliness. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and examine its profile from the side. The lens should look like a perfect bowl, with edges curving smoothly upward in a “U” shape. If the edges flare slightly outward, resembling a saucer, the lens is inside out and must be flipped carefully before use.
Step-by-Step Guide to Contact Lens Insertion
Place the clean, correctly oriented lens on the pad of your dominant hand’s index finger. Use the middle finger of the same hand to gently pull down the lower eyelid. Simultaneously, use the index or middle finger of your non-dominant hand to firmly hold the upper eyelid open, lifting it near the lash line to prevent reflex blinking.
Holding both lids open maintains a clear path to the cornea. Gently bring the lens straight toward the center of your eye. You may find it helpful to look straight ahead or slightly upward during this step, which can make the initial contact less startling. The lens should lightly and smoothly touch the front surface of the eye, known as the cornea.
After the lens makes contact, slowly remove your dominant hand’s finger from the lower lid first. Then, release the upper lid held by your non-dominant hand. Close your eye briefly and blink slowly a few times to help the lens center itself and settle into place. You should immediately feel comfortable and experience clear vision.
Safe Contact Lens Removal
If your lenses feel dry, apply a couple of drops of a lubricating or rewetting solution a few minutes beforehand. This helps prevent the lens from adhering too tightly to the cornea. Look upward and use your middle finger to pull down the lower eyelid.
Use the index finger and thumb of the same hand to touch the lens lightly. One common method involves gently pinching the lens off the eye, ensuring you only touch the lens material. An alternative technique is the slide method, where you use your index finger to slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye before pinching it off.
Once the lens is safely removed, immediately place it into a case filled with fresh disinfecting solution if it is reusable. Never reuse old solution or attempt to clean lenses with tap water, as this introduces harmful microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections. If the lens is a daily disposable type, discard it immediately.
Troubleshooting Common Insertion Issues
New lens wearers often encounter minor setbacks, such as the lens folding over on the fingertip. If this happens, gently rinse the lens with fresh solution to restore its shape and try again. Should the lens drop onto a surface, it must be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected in solution for the recommended time before re-insertion.
A common source of immediate discomfort or stinging is inserting a lens that is inside out. If your eye stings immediately upon placement, remove the lens, check its orientation for the proper bowl shape, and re-insert it after cleaning. Some lenses include a faint laser marking, such as a small number sequence, which appears correctly only when the lens is oriented properly.
If the lens slides under the upper or lower eyelid, do not panic, as it cannot get lost behind the eye. Look in the direction opposite to where you feel the lens, such as looking down if it is under the upper lid, and gently massage the eyelid. Applying a drop of lubricating solution can assist in floating the lens back toward the center of the cornea for easier removal or repositioning.
Trapped Debris and Discomfort
A persistent air bubble or continuing discomfort after re-insertion often signals trapped debris or a poor initial fit. If this occurs, remove the lens for another thorough rinse with solution.