Soft contact lenses correct vision and are made from soft, flexible plastics that allow oxygen to pass through to the cornea, contributing to comfort and eye health. Inserting soft contact lenses safely requires a consistent, systematic approach, as improper technique can introduce microbes or cause corneal irritation. This guide provides a step-by-step process to ensure comfortable lens application.
Essential Hygiene and Preparation Steps
Before touching your lens case or the lenses themselves, thoroughly wash your hands with non-cosmetic soap and water, ensuring you scrub all surfaces for at least 20 seconds. It is important to dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel, as tap water can harbor microorganisms that are harmful to the eye.
Once your hands are clean and dry, remove the first lens from its storage case using only your fingertip; avoid using fingernails, which can damage the lens or scratch the eye. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and inspect it for any debris, tears, or damage. Check the lens orientation: a correctly-positioned lens forms a perfect cup shape with edges curving smoothly upward, while an inside-out lens flares outward like a rimmed bowl. If the lens appears inside-out, gently reverse it before attempting insertion.
Step-by-Step Guide to Lens Insertion
To maintain consistency, always begin insertion with the same eye, such as the right eye. Place the correctly oriented lens on the pad of your dominant hand’s index or middle finger. Your finger should be dry so the lens releases easily onto the eye.
Use the middle finger of the same hand holding the lens to gently pull down your lower eyelid, anchoring it near the lash line. With your opposite hand, use your index or middle finger to lift and hold your upper eyelid open, ensuring the lashes are kept out of the way to prevent blinking. This two-finger technique keeps the opening wide enough for smooth insertion.
Bring the lens slowly toward your eye while looking straight ahead or slightly upward. Gently touch the lens to the surface of your eye, either directly onto the cornea or the white part (sclera). Once the lens makes contact, look down or slowly move your eye to help settle the lens onto the center of the cornea.
After the lens is seated, slowly release your lower eyelid, then your upper eyelid. Avoid rapid blinking immediately after placement. Instead, close your eye slowly or gently blink a few times to allow the lens to center itself properly on the eye’s surface. Repeat this entire process for the second eye.
Post-Insertion Confirmation and Comfort Check
Following insertion, blink slowly and gently several times to help the lens settle and smooth out any trapped air bubbles beneath the surface. Cover one eye to check visual acuity; your vision should be clear and sharp.
The lens should feel comfortable, without any sensation of burning or stinging. If your vision remains blurry or if the lens feels uncomfortable, it may indicate that the lens is inside out, has a small tear, or has debris trapped underneath. In such a case, remove the lens immediately, rinse it thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, and re-examine it before reinserting it.