Contact lenses offer an alternative to eye glasses. They do require that you take extra time caring for them. If you fail to care for the lenses properly or misuse them, you could have serious complications, including infections or damage to the surface of the eye. You have many choices when determining the right lens for your eye, and your eye doctor will discuss these options with you. Many people choose to wear soft contact lenses because they tend to feel comfortable on the eye. Once you have your lenses, you should know how to properly insert and remove the contact lenses.
Insertion
Step 1
Wash your hands using non-perfumed soap since this may end up on the lens and cause eye irritation. Dry your hands on a clean towel.
Step 2
Remove the lens from the case, and place the lens in the palm of your hand. Rinse the lens with contact lens solution. Be sure you know which eye the contact lens should go in.
Step 3
Position the contact lens on the tip of your index finger or middle finger. You will find that you have more control over the lens if you use your dominant hand. Make sure the lens has a bowl or cup shape. If the edges of the lens appear to flare out, away from the center of the lens, your contact is inside out, and you should turn it over, says All About Vision. Inserting a lens inside out will not damage your eye, but it may feel uncomfortable.
Step 4
Hold your upper eyelid with the fingers of your hand that does not have the contact lens. You may need to use your index finger to raise your upper eyelid and your middle finger to push down on your lower lid.
Step 5
Touch the contact lens to the surface of your eye. You may want to look up or down, but you may also look forward. This will depend on how comfortable you are seeing an object coming toward your face.
Step 6
Close your eye gently. With your eyes closed, look up, down and side to side if necessary. This will help position the lens.
Step 7
Open your eyes. You may need to blink a few times to settle the lens.
Step 8
Repeat these steps for your second contact lens.
Removal
Step 1
Wash your hands with soap that does not contain perfumes or harsh chemicals.
Step 2
Look up or to the side while pulling down on your lower lid with your index finger or middle finger of your non-dominant hand.
Step 3
Pinch the lens with your index finger and thumb and gently pull the lens away from your eye.
Step 4
Clean and store your contact lenses following your doctor's instructions.
Tips and Warnings
- To avoid putting the lens in the wrong eye, always insert the lenses in the same order, such as inserting the right lens first, then the left every day.
- Do not wear contact lenses at night. If you wear lenses overnight, even those designed for long-term use, will greatly increase your risk for eye infections, says MayoClinic.com. Replace contacts as needed, and do not wear contacts that have rips or tears since this may damage the surface of your eye.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Clean towel
- Contact lens storage case
- Contact lens solution
