Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to eyeglasses, providing clear vision without a frame on your face. While the initial process of putting them in can feel intimidating, it is a straightforward technique that quickly becomes routine. This guide walks first-time wearers through the necessary preparation, the physical insertion steps, and immediate comfort checks. With patience and a gentle approach, you can master the process of safely placing lenses on your eyes.
Essential Preparation Before Handling
Before a lens touches your eye, proper hygiene is mandatory to protect your ocular health. Always begin by washing your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-cosmetic soap that lacks oils, perfumes, or lotions. These substances can easily transfer to the lens surface, causing irritation or blurred vision once the lens is inserted.
Scrub your hands for a minimum of 20 seconds, paying particular attention to your fingertips and nails. Completely rinse off all soap residue and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. Water can harbor microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe eye infections, so ensuring your hands are fully dry is necessary.
Once your hands are clean and dry, check the lens for correct orientation and cleanliness. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and examine its profile from the side. If the lens forms a perfect, smooth half-bowl or cup shape, it is correctly oriented for insertion.
If the edges of the lens flare outward, resembling a soup bowl with a wide rim, the lens is inside out and must be gently flipped. An inside-out lens will feel instantly uncomfortable and may not stay centered. If the lens appears dirty or has debris, rinse it with fresh, approved contact lens solution before attempting insertion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Insertion
Begin the insertion process by placing the clean, correctly oriented lens on the tip of your dominant hand’s index or middle finger. The lens should rest securely on the pad of your finger, with the cup opening facing away from your palm. Adopt a consistent routine, always starting with the same eye first, to prevent mixing up lenses with different prescriptions.
Use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to firmly hold your upper eyelid near the lash line and pull it up toward your eyebrow. Simultaneously, use the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand (the one holding the lens) to pull your lower eyelid down. This action creates a wide opening and suppresses the natural blinking reflex.
To overcome the instinct to blink, focus your gaze on a fixed point, such as a spot on the ceiling or the mirror behind you. Looking up exposes the less-sensitive white part of your eye (the sclera), making the initial contact less startling. Maintain a steady hand and breathe normally.
Gently bring the finger holding the lens toward your eye until the lens makes contact with the cornea or the lower sclera. The lens will naturally adhere to the moist surface of your eye and transfer easily from your finger. If the lens resists leaving your finger, it may be too wet; try drying the finger pad slightly on your wrist and reattempt placement.
Once the lens is on the eye, slowly remove your lower eyelid-holding finger first, then slowly release your upper eyelid. Close your eye briefly and roll your eye in a full circle, or blink softly a few times. This movement helps the lens settle and center itself over the iris and pupil.
Immediate Troubleshooting and Comfort Checks
If the lens folds, wrinkles, or drops off your finger, it is usually because the finger was too damp or the lens was handled too roughly. If it folds, rinse the lens with fresh solution, flatten it in your palm, and try again, ensuring your application finger is drier. The lens should stay on the eye because the tear film provides a stronger attraction than a fingertip.
The most common sign of an immediate problem is discomfort, ranging from a scratchy sensation to blurry vision. If the lens feels scratchy, it likely means it is inside out or has debris trapped underneath. Remove the lens immediately, check the orientation using the cup test, rinse it thoroughly with solution, and reinsert it.
After the lens has been inserted and you have blinked, assess your vision and comfort. Your vision should be clear, and the lens should feel nearly imperceptible; a centered lens will move slightly with your eye but remain stable. If your vision is blurry or the lens feels noticeably off-center, gently slide it back into position using a clean fingertip on the lens or by closing your eye and massaging the eyelid lightly. If significant discomfort persists after reinsertion, remove the lens and contact your eye care professional for advice.