Inserting a contact lens can be frustrating when it repeatedly pops out or sticks to your finger. This common struggle stems from mechanical, physical, or psychological barriers. Understanding why the lens resists placement is the first step toward finding an effective solution. This article provides practical guidance to overcome the most common hurdles during insertion.
Troubleshooting Insertion Technique
Successful lens placement depends heavily on establishing a stable platform and maintaining firm control over the eyelids. Before beginning, ensure your hands are clean and completely dry, as residual moisture on the fingertip will cause the lens to adhere to your skin instead of transferring to the eye. The primary mechanical error users make is failing to anchor the upper and lower eyelids securely against the orbital rim bone.
This anchoring technique is necessary to counteract the natural tension and involuntary squeeze reflex of the eyelids. You must use the fingers of your non-dominant hand to firmly hold the upper lid at the lash line and the lower lid down, exposing the entire ocular surface. If the lids are not held wide and stable, the slightest muscle movement or blink will push the lens out of the eye before it has a chance to settle in the tear film.
Place the contact lens on the pad of your dominant index finger, ensuring the lens is centered and stable. Instead of aiming directly for the highly sensitive central cornea, approach the eye from a lower angle while looking slightly upward toward the ceiling. This maneuver exposes more of the less sensitive white portion of the eye, known as the sclera.
Gently touch the lens onto the lower sclera or the exposed conjunctiva just below the pupil. Once the lens makes contact with the moist surface of the eye, slowly release the lower lid and then look straight ahead or slightly down. This movement allows the lens to glide and center itself naturally over the pupil without causing significant irritation or prompting a defensive blink.
Checking the Lens for Proper Condition
Even with perfect technique, the lens itself must be in the correct physical state to adhere properly. The most frequent lens-specific problem is attempting to insert the lens when it is inside out, which prevents it from correctly conforming to the curvature of the eye. A lens ready for insertion should resemble a perfect, smooth bowl with edges that curve gently upward without flaring.
If the edges appear slightly flared outward, like a shallow soup bowl, the lens is inside out and will not adhere correctly. To check the orientation, place the lens on your fingertip and gently squeeze the edges together. If it folds inward easily, it is oriented correctly; if it resists and tries to flop outward, it is inside out. Always check the lens surface against a light source before insertion to ensure there are no visible specks or tears.
Microscopic particles of dust, lint, or makeup residue can create a barrier that prevents the lens from settling flush against the corneal surface. A dirty or damaged lens will feel irritating immediately, prompting the eye to water excessively and reject the application. Similarly, a lens that has dried out slightly will stick stubbornly to the fingertip instead of transferring to the eye’s moist surface.
If the lens seems too sticky or resistant to transfer, place a single drop of sterile saline or rewetting solution into the bowl of the lens before insertion. This added surface tension and moisture ensures the lens is fully hydrated and promotes a clean, immediate transfer from the finger to the corneal tear film.
Overcoming Natural Eye Reflexes and Aversion
The most challenging barrier to successful insertion is the body’s involuntary protective mechanisms, particularly the blink reflex. The rapid, involuntary closure of the eyelid, known as the corneal reflex, is triggered when an object approaches the eye. To counteract this, focus your vision on a fixed point, such as a spot on the wall or mirror, throughout the entire process.
Maintaining a steady gaze helps to momentarily override the sensory input that initiates a protective blink. For the upper lid, use the non-dominant hand’s middle or ring finger to gently press the lashes upward against the bony ridge of the eyebrow. This simple anchoring technique immobilizes the primary blinking muscles and prevents the lashes from sweeping the lens away during placement.
Excessive eye watering, or epiphora, is another common physiological response to perceived irritation or foreign body entry. If the eye is already watering profusely, wait a few moments for the tear film to stabilize, or try applying the lens to the other, less irritated eye first. Conversely, if the eye is dry, applying a lubricating or rewetting drop five minutes prior can ensure the tear film is adequate for the lens to float and settle correctly.
Overcoming the psychological aversion to touching the eye requires practice and desensitization. The natural fear of contact exacerbates blinking and watering reflexes, creating a cycle of failed attempts. Try practicing the lid-anchoring technique without a lens first, simply touching the sclera with a clean, dry finger to normalize the sensation. Breathing slowly and evenly can lower the physiological anxiety response, making the eye less reactive during insertion.