How To Put Contacts In: 3 Easy Steps
Before you can start wearing contacts, you need to know how to put them in properly. Generally, the process is pretty straightforward. However, if you’re not familiar with how to put contacts in, it may seem daunting in the beginning. But, once you know the proper steps and techniques, it’s really simple!
Here is a brief introduction on how to insert contact lenses easily
Step 1: Wash Your Hands & Examine The Contact Lens
Before touching your contacts, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Be sure to clean under your nails because this is where a lot of dirt and debris can be trapped. Especially if you have extremely long nails pay special attention to this area. Dry your hands well with a clean towel.
Carefully remove the contact lens from the blister pack, being careful not to touch the lens itself. If you do happen to touch the lens, you can rinse it off with saline solution before continuing. You want the lens to be as hydrated as possible before you put it in your eye. This allows for maximum comfort while inserting the contact lens.
Now, carefully examine the lens. Inspect the contact lens for any damage or debris, and throw it away if there is anything on it that could irritate your eye. It is not common, but sometimes a contact lens can be damaged out of the packaging. You should never put a damaged contact lens in your eye. It can cause a scratch on the cornea and it will also be very painful. The edges of the lens should be smooth like in the image below.
Step 2: Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger.
To put a contact lens in your eye, first put the contact on the tip of your index (pointer) finger. The edges should be cupped straight up. If the edges of the lens spread out, then this means the contact lens is backwards and you will not have success in placing it on your eye.
Contact Lens Folds On Finger?
Some patients complain that the contact lens is folding and it won’t maintain its shape for insertion onto the eye. If this is happening to you, first try to rinse with saline and start over. If this does not work after a few tries you may need to use a new contact lens. If you think your lens is damaged, your doctor may be able to contact the manufacturer and get you a replacement lens.
Step 3: Put In The Contact Lens
Related: Dry Eyes With Contacts
Start by looking up and pulling down your lower eyelid with your non dominant hand. This will create a small opening at the base of your lashes. Next, take the contact and place it on your index finger of your dominant hand. Gently bring this finger towards your eye until the lens is right over your pupil (the black part in the middle of your eyeball). You need to be comfortable with keeping your eye open while a finger is coming towards it.
How To Put In Contacts Without Blinking
Blinking is a common reflex when putting in contacts. Do your best to blink before and after. Remember that millions of people wear contacts and do your best to not be nervous as this will increase your reflex to pull away or blink.
How To Take Out Contact Lenses
First, be sure that you can hold your eye open and be in front of a mirror. Then, use the your middle finger or index finger of your dominant hand to touch the center of the contact lens and gently slide it to the side. Taking out a contact lens should not hurt. If touching your eye above your contact lens is very painful, it’s possible you are directly touching your cornea instead.
Stuck Contact Lens?
Is your contact lens stuck? Try wetting your finger with saline solution or rewetting drops and see if that helps loosen the lens so you can slide it out. If that doesn’t work after a few tries, gently tug the eyelashes of the upper lid to create space between the upper lid and the eyeball. If the lens is stuck towards the top of the eye this could help to loosen it. While using your eyelashes to pull your upper eyelid out and away, move your eyeball in different directions. Finally, if that doesn’t work, make an appointment as soon as possible with an eye doctor who will be able to use a special stain and a microscope to visualize the lens. A contact lens stuck in eye for days can lead to a very serious eye infection and even vision loss.
How To Prevent Contact Lens From Slipping Off Your Eye
If you’ve ever had your contact lens slip off your eye, you know it’s not a fun experience. There are a few things you can do to prevent this from happening. First, make sure that your contact lenses are the right size for your eyes. Second, always wash your hands before putting in or taking out your contacts. This will help keep them clean and free of oils that can cause them to slide around on your eye. Finally, if your eye is extremely dry it can make your contact lens more likely to come off the eyeball unintentionally.
How To Put Contacts In: Take Home Points
There are a few key steps to properly putting your contacts in. First, make sure that you have clean hands before handling your lenses. Second, gently pull down on your lower eyelid and place the contact lens on your iris. Once the lens is in place, release your eyelid and blink a few times. If it is not comfortable, take out the contact lens and try again. Repeat this process for the other eye.
