Inserting contact lenses can feel overwhelming, especially for new wearers attempting to touch the eye’s surface. However, this process quickly transforms into a seamless part of a daily routine. Millions of people successfully wear contact lenses, demonstrating that the technique is easily mastered with clear instruction and practice. This guide provides step-by-step direction to help you confidently place a contact lens onto your eye.
Preparation Before Handling Lenses
The first step is to establish a routine of hand hygiene to avoid introducing contaminants to the eye. Thoroughly wash your hands with non-cosmetic soap and water, paying close attention to scrubbing under the fingernails. Residue from lotions, perfumes, or oils can transfer to the lens surface, causing irritation and blurred vision upon insertion. Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent fibers from adhering to the lens.
Before the lens touches your eye, verify its condition and orientation. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and hold it up to the light to check for tears, chips, or debris. A damaged lens must be discarded immediately, as insertion risks scratching the corneal surface. Confirm the lens is not inside out by examining its side profile, which should look like a smooth bowl or a “U” shape. If the edges flare outward, the lens is inverted and needs to be gently flipped over.
The Contact Lens Insertion Technique
Place the correctly oriented lens on the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand, ensuring your fingernail does not touch the lens surface. The lens should sit stable and centered on the fingertip, ready for application. Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull down the lower eyelid, exposing the lower conjunctiva.
Use the index or middle finger of your non-dominant hand to firmly hold the upper lid against the brow bone. This action prevents blinking and keeps the upper eyelid out of the way. Keeping the eye wide open is necessary for a successful application, as this overrides the natural blink reflex. Some people find it helpful to look straight ahead into a mirror, while others prefer to look slightly upward to place the lens on the white part of the eye, below the iris.
Slowly bring the lens toward your eye until it makes gentle contact with the cornea or the white sclera. You do not need to press the lens; the moisture on your eye’s surface will attract the lens, causing it to transfer from your finger. Once the lens adheres, slowly remove your insertion finger, then release the lower lid, followed by the upper lid. Close your eye briefly and blink gently a few times to allow the lens to center itself naturally.
Solving Common Insertion Problems
If the lens folds or sticks to your finger during application, your finger or the lens is likely too wet. Place the lens back in your palm, dry your insertion finger, and rinse the lens with solution before trying again. If the lens falls out or shifts excessively immediately after insertion, the cause is likely that it was inserted inside out, which prevents it from conforming correctly to the eye’s curvature.
Immediate discomfort, burning, or a gritty sensation signals that the lens is dirty or has debris trapped underneath it. Remove the lens, thoroughly clean it with fresh contact lens solution, and re-examine it for any micro-tears or foreign particles before reinserting it. If your vision remains blurry after insertion, and you have confirmed the lens is right-side out, it may be a residue issue. Remove the lens, rinse it with solution, and reinsert it after a brief pause. Persistent discomfort, even with a clean lens, requires immediate removal and consultation with your eye care professional.