Contact lenses offer an effective alternative to glasses, providing clear vision directly on the eye’s surface. This medical device requires consistent care and precise handling to remain safe and comfortable for daily wear. Establishing a routine for insertion, removal, and cleaning is necessary for maintaining eye health and preventing potential complications. This guide outlines the proper techniques and hygiene protocols for a smooth and safe experience.
Essential Preparation Before Handling
Meticulous hand hygiene is the first step in any contact lens procedure to prevent the transfer of microorganisms to the eye. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-moisturizing soap and water, ensuring all soap residue is rinsed away. Avoid oil-based or strongly scented soaps, as residues can adhere to the lens surface and cause irritation.
Dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel, as wet fingers make handling difficult and increase contamination risk. Before insertion, visually inspect the lens for damage like tears, chips, or debris, since a damaged lens can scratch the cornea.
You must also check the lens orientation. A correctly oriented lens has the shape of a smooth cup with edges curving upright. An inside-out lens looks like a bowl with a flared rim. The “taco test” confirms orientation: gently fold the lens between your index finger and thumb; the edges should fold inward. If the lens is inside out, gently flip it using your fingertips before proceeding.
Step-by-Step Guide to Insertion
Place the lens on the tip of your dominant hand’s index or middle finger, ensuring the cup-like side faces up. Keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching the lens or your eye. Always starting with the same eye, such as the right eye, helps prevent mixing up lenses if prescriptions differ.
Use your non-dominant hand to stabilize your eyelids and prevent blinking. With the index finger of your non-dominant hand, gently pull your upper eyelid upward. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid downward. This wide opening allows correct positioning on the eye’s surface.
Look directly ahead or slightly upward, and gently bring the lens toward your eye until it touches the cornea or the white part of the eye. Once the lens adheres, slowly remove your finger, then release the lower eyelid, followed by the upper eyelid. A gentle, slow blink helps the lens settle and center itself. If the lens feels uncomfortable or vision is blurred, remove it, rinse it with fresh solution, and check for debris before reinserting.
Safe Removal Techniques
The removal process must begin with washing and thoroughly drying your hands with a lint-free towel. If the lens feels dry or is sticking, look up and apply a few drops of rewetting drops to loosen it. This hydration makes the lens more pliable and easier to remove without irritation.
The most common technique is the pinch method. Look up and pull your lower eyelid down with a finger from your non-dominant hand. Use the pads of your dominant hand’s index finger and thumb to gently pinch the lens, slightly off-center, until it folds and lifts away. Use the soft pads of your fingertips, not your fingernails, to avoid scratching the lens or cornea.
The slide method is an alternative approach for beginners or those with longer nails, minimizing direct contact over the cornea. Look up and use your index finger to gently slide the lens down from the cornea onto the lower white part of the eye. Once positioned, gently pinch it between your thumb and index finger to lift it out. After removal, the lens should be immediately cleaned and stored or discarded based on its type.
Daily Care and Safety Guidelines
For non-daily disposable lenses, a consistent cleaning regimen is necessary to remove protein deposits, lipids, and debris that accumulate during wear. Eye care professionals recommend the “rub and rinse” technique for superior cleaning, even if a solution is labeled “no-rub.” Place the lens in your palm with fresh solution and gently rub both sides with your fingertip for 10 to 20 seconds.
Rinse the lens thoroughly with more fresh solution before placing it in its case, which must be filled with new disinfecting solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as its disinfecting power is compromised, increasing infection risk. The lens case must be cleaned daily by emptying the old solution, rinsing it with fresh contact lens solution, and allowing it to air dry with the caps off.
Replace the lens case every three months because a biofilm, a layer of microorganisms, can form on the plastic that resists routine cleaning. Adhere strictly to the prescribed replacement schedule (daily, two-week, or monthly), as overwearing can lead to deposits, blurred vision, and eye infections. If you experience persistent redness, blurred vision, pain, or discomfort, immediately remove the lenses and consult an eye care professional.