The Proper Way to Insert a Soft Contact Lens

Putting in contacts can be frustrating for new users.

Wearing contact lenses is often much more convenient than wearing glasses, but it can be frustrating for new users to navigate the learning curve when it comes to properly inserting lenses. It might take you several attempts at inserting the contacts before they are in the eyes securely and feel comfortable, but once you get the hang of it, you will be able to quickly insert your contacts every morning without any trouble.

Things You'll Need

• Contact lens cleaning solution

Instructions

1. Gather your equipment in the area where you'll be inserting your contacts. This is most often done in the bathroom, in front of a mirror. Have your contact lens case and cleaning solution easily within reach.

2. Wash your hands with soap and dry them thoroughly because contacts tend to stick to wet or damp fingers. If you are wearing long sleeves, roll them up above the elbow so they won't get wet if any contact lens solution drips down your arm while you're inserting your lenses.

3. Open your contact lens case and remove the right lens by pouring the lens and solution from the case into the palm of your hand. Rinse off the lens with some fresh cleaning solution, and then place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Look at the lens from the side to check it's right side out; it should have a smooth, bowl-like shape. If the edges of the lens appear to stick slightly outward, the lens is inside-out and needs to be corrected before you insert it.

4. Use the hand that is not holding the lens to hold your upper eyelid open so you can't blink. Hold your lower eyelid with the middle finger of the hand that is holding the lens. Look upward and gently touch the lens to the lower white area of your eye. Remove your finger and release your eyelids so you can close your eyes; keep them closed for a second or two, then blink a few times to get the lens into its correct position on your eye.

5. Repeat the process on your other eye. If either of the lenses is irritating your eye after insertion, there may be a particle of dust trapped underneath the lens. Simply removing the lens, cleaning it and then reinserting it should eliminate the problem.

Tips & Warnings

• Many contact lens wearers get into the habit of always inserting the right lens first to avoid mixing them up.

• Use only fresh contact lens solution to clean your contacts. Do not clean them with tap water.

References

• CLE Contact Lenses: Contact Lens Wearer Guide
• TryonContacts.com: How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses
• Opti-Free.com: Inserting & Removing Contacts