Daily disposable contact lenses are designed to be worn for a single day and then immediately thrown away. Their primary appeal is convenience, eliminating the need for cleaning solutions, storage cases, and the daily maintenance associated with reusable lenses. While this single-use design reduces the risk of contamination, proper habits remain necessary for protecting eye health. Understanding the correct procedure for handling these devices minimizes the risk of infection or injury.
Preparation and Insertion
Before touching the lenses or your eyes, thoroughly wash your hands using a mild, non-lotion soap. The residue from perfumed or moisturizing soaps can transfer to the lens surface, causing irritation or clouding upon insertion. After washing, dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of water or fabric fibers to the lens.
Establish a routine of always starting with the same eye, such as the right eye, to prevent accidentally mixing up lenses. After taking the lens from its blister pack, check its orientation by placing it on your fingertip. The lens should resemble a perfect bowl shape; if the edges appear flared outward, the lens is inside out and must be flipped.
Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull your upper eyelid up and the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid down. This action ensures the lens does not touch the eyelid margin and stays stable on the eye’s surface. Look straight ahead or slightly upward, and gently place the lens directly onto the center of the cornea or the white of the eye. Once the lens is placed, slowly release your eyelids and blink softly to settle the lens into position.
Safe Removal and Disposal
The removal process must begin with the same meticulous handwashing and drying procedure used for insertion to avoid introducing microbes to the eye. Stand over a clean, well-lit surface so any dropped lens can be easily located and discarded. Look upward and use the middle finger to pull the lower eyelid down, exposing more of the white of the eye.
Use your index finger to gently slide the lens downward from the cornea onto the less-sensitive white part of the eye (the sclera). Once the lens is on the sclera, gently pinch it between the pads of your thumb and index finger to lift it away from the eye. The lens should come off easily and without any discomfort.
Daily disposable lenses must be immediately discarded into a waste receptacle after removal. They are not designed to withstand cleaning or reuse. Attempting to clean or store them for another day significantly compromises their sterility and material integrity, increasing the risk of serious eye infections.
Essential Hygiene Rules
Exposure to water while wearing contact lenses poses a significant safety risk and must be strictly avoided. Water, including tap water, swimming pools, hot tubs, and lakes, can harbor a microscopic organism called Acanthamoeba. This protozoan can adhere to the lens surface and potentially cause a severe, sight-threatening eye infection known as Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Another safety rule is the prohibition of sleeping in daily disposable lenses, regardless of the lens material or how comfortable they feel. When the eyes are closed during sleep, the cornea receives significantly less oxygen, a condition known as hypoxia. This lack of oxygen increases the risk of inflammation, corneal swelling, and bacterial infection.
Lenses must be removed immediately if they cause discomfort, tearing, or noticeable redness, even if the prescribed wear time has not been completed. A lens should also be discarded prematurely if it appears torn, damaged, or feels gritty, as a compromised lens can scratch the delicate surface of the eye. If irritation or redness persists after removal, cease wear and consult an eye care professional.