Contact lenses can be a welcome change from eyeglasses, but the process of inserting the lenses may take some practice if you've never worn them before. It can feel awkward or uncomfortable to be directly touching your eye, and you may involuntarily blink while trying to put the lenses in. An article in the journal Optometric Management says tension can make it more difficult to keep your eye open, so try to keep yourself calm when putting your lenses in. Once you get used to it, you should be able to insert your contact lenses in less than a minute.
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them on a lint-free towel.
Step 2
Open one side of the lens case and remove the contact lens with your fingertips. Rinse the lens with the cleaning solution recommended by your eye doctor.
Step 3
Place the contact lens on the tip of the index finger of your dominant hand.
Step 4
Look in the mirror and open your eye wide. Pull down on the edge of your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your dominant hand and up on the edge of your upper eyelid with the index finger of your other hand.
Step 5
Place the contact lens on the cornea of your eye and remove your finger. Release your eyelids.
Step 6
Open and close your eye slowly several times. Roll your eye or massage your eyelid if you feel air bubbles beneath the lens.
Step 7
Repeat Steps 1 through 6 to insert the contact lens for your other eye.
Tips and Warnings
- If you're wearing soft contact lenses, the edges of the lens should curve slightly upward when it rests on your finger. If the edges curve out, the lens is inside out and should be inverted before you place it in your eye. Put your contact lenses in before applying makeup.
- Avoid touching your contact lenses with your fingernails. Do not rub your eyes while you're wearing contact lenses.
Things You'll Need
- Mirror
