Single use contact lenses are convenient because they require no care or cleaning, and you can wear them as frequently or infrequently as you like. You can open a new package whenever you want to wear contacts, and throw the lenses away at the end of the day. It is important that you learn to use contact lenses properly to protect your eyes and your vision.
Step 1
Wash your hands well with soap and water, and do not apply lotions or other products that could leave a film on your contacts to your hands.
Step 2
Open the package, and gently grasp the contact with your fingers to remove it. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger.
Step 3
Examine the lens to make sure the right side is up. The lens should look like a bowl that is ready to cup your eye, and the edges should not be pointed outwards. If you cannot tell if the lens is right side up, squeeze the edges together. If the edges curve inward, the lens is in the correct position; if they push outward, you need to turn the lens around.
Step 4
Hold your upper eyelid open with the index finger of your free hand, and use the middle finger of the hand you are using to insert the contact to hold the lower eyelid down.
Step 5
Bring the contact to your eye with your index finger, and gently place it on your eyeball. Blink a few times to help the contact fall into place.
Step 6
Wash your hands again before you remove the lens at the end of the day. Look upward into a mirror and hold your lower eyelid down with your middle finger if necessary. Use your index finger to drag the lens down to the white of your eye, and gently grab it with your thumb and index finger to remove it.
Step 7
Throw the lens away after you remove it. You should only use single use contact lenses one time.
Tips and Warnings
- Talk to your eye doctor about eye drops that are safe to use with your contact lenses if you experience dry eyes throughout the day. Do not sleep in your contact lenses, and remove them before you swim or use a hot tub, recommends the Mayo Clinic.
- Improper use of contact lenses can lead to serious eye infections. Do not reuse single use lenses, and never moisten a contact lens with saliva. Carefully follow your eye doctor's instructions, and remove your lenses and call your eye doctor if your eyes become red, painful or itchy, or if you have excess tearing or vision changes, recommends the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
