Hard contacts, the predecessor to soft contacts, are also known as rigid gas-permeable lenses and account for only 15 percent of contact prescriptions in the U.S. as of 2010, estimates EyeCareSource.com. They allow more oxygen to your eye, and your optometrist may prescribe them if you're prone to infection or see an increase in blood vessels when wearing soft contact lenses. Hard contact lenses are surprisingly easy to handle thanks to their durable nature. You'll just need to pop them out each night.
Step 1
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and water. Your eyes are especially susceptible to infection when you touch them often. Make sure your hands are clean before you begin. Dry on a clean towel.
Step 2
Place the forefinger of your left hand at the outer corner of your left eye. Cup your right hand underneath your left eye.
Step 3
Pull the skin outward from your left eye. The hard contact lens should pop out easily due to the change in your eye shape and fall into your waiting hand.
Step 4
Rinse the contact lens in your palm with saline solution. Examine the lens for damage before storing in a lens case filled with hard contact lens soaking solution, which is different than saline solution and can be found in the eye care section of your pharmacy. With the proper care, your hard contact lenses can last for two to three years, according to MayoClinic.com.
Step 5
Repeat with your right eye. Screw the tops on the contact lens case and store upright in a safe place.
Things You'll Need
- Soap
- Water
- Saline solution
- Soaking solution
- Lens case
