How to Insert a Contact Lens

Inserting soft contact lenses can be exasperating for new users. Just when they think they are done, the lens pops out because it is too dry or inside out. By following a few simple steps, new users will be inserting and enjoying their contact lenses just like long time contact lens wearers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soft contact lenses
• Contact lens case
• Contact lens solutions

1. Prepare the work area. Most people insert contact lenses in the bathroom. Be sure to use a cleaner to sanitize the bathroom counter or vanity. Arrange the lens case and solutions for easy reach.

2. Ready yourself. Push up long sleeves. Contact lens solutions can roll down the hands and arms. Wash your hands thoroughly and dry with a clean towel. Plan to spend a little time. New users typically need 5 to 10 minutes until the procedure is learned.

3. Open the contact lens case. Remove one lens using the index finger. Apply a few drops of rinsing solution. Balance the lens on the fingertip.

4. Examine the edges of the contact lens. They should point upward as if ready to cup the eye. If the edges are flat, the lens is inside out. Flip it over.

5. Control blinking. Raise and hold the upper eyelid using one finger from the free hand. With the other hand, extend the index finger that holds the lens. Use the middle finger next to it to draw down the lower lid.

6. Look directly into the contact lens. Carefully place it on the center of the eye. For an alternative method, look upward toward the ceiling. Lightly touch the lens to the white of the eye.

7. Remove the fingertip. Gently let go of the lower eyelid followed by the upper lid. Close the eye. Count to 5. If the lens feels dry, insert a few drops of rewetting solution. Insert the other contact lens using the same procedure.

Tips & Warnings

• After inserting contact lenses, wash the case and let it air dry.
• Never place a contact lens in the mouth.
• Don't use saliva or tap water to rewet a contact lens. Only use sterile saline or contact lens solutions.
• Never share contact lenses.

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Resources

• For more information on contact lens insertion and safety go to the following website.

[amodkumar]

on 4/24/2008 DONT SLEEP WEARING YOUR CONTACT LENSES,BY DOING THIS YOUR CHANCE OF GETTING VIRUS INFECTION INCREASES 10 TIMES.

[ashna]

on 4/22/2008 use tissue to wipe hands and eyes instead of cotton

[Clem-Media]

on 4/21/2008 When I wore soft lenses, the method I used that worked 10 out of 10 times. I pulled the lower lid away from the eye, placed a clean, moist lens within it, beneath the iris.

Then, by letting the lid go, it--and the lens-- go right back to the eye. If it doesn't put the lens right into place, it is only one blink away from the target.

No worries about long nails, stabbing the eye, staring up or away, having to wipe the eyeball at all--or any of the other flaws with lenses.

[amylaine]

on 4/21/2008 Great Instructions, I have worn contact lens' for years and would never go back to glasses.

[torque63]

on 4/21/2008 I aways used my right middle finger (as I am right handed) to place the lens on my cornea and using my left hand to hold my eyelid open using my thumb and index finger. Some prefer to use a mirror but I found out the sooner you can get rid of the mirror the quicker you can get your lens inserted.