Wearing contact lenses can be a hassle for new users. Although contact lenses are an excellent alternative to eyeglasses, they can irritate or seriously damage your eyes if not put in correctly. If you learn the safest way to insert and wear contact lenses, you can avoid these types of problems.
Step 1
Wash your hands with antimicrobial soap before handling your contact lenses. Clean hands will prevent eye infections. Apply a generous amount of soap to your hands and wash for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a clean cloth to turn off the water faucet and another clean cloth to dry your hands.
Step 2
Use your dominant hand to take out a contact from its case. Check to see if it is for your left or right eye before opening.
Step 3
Place the contact in the palm of your other hand. Add a few drops of lens cleaning fluid to lubricate the lens and to flush out any dust particles.
Step 4
Put the contact on the ring or index finger of your dominant hand. Check to see that your contact is on its proper side. If the edges are sticking outwards, then it is on the wrong side.
Step 5
Use the middle or index finger of your opposite hand and lift up your upper eyelid. With the same hand, use your ring finger to pull the lower eyelid down. Doing this will stabilize your eye and prevent you from blinking.
Step 6
Bend your head slightly down and look upwards. Move the finger with the contact towards your eye. Put the contact on your eye and look down to center the contact over your iris. Blink for a few seconds to eliminate any bubbles.
Step 7
Repeat the process for your other eye.
Things You'll Need
- Antimicrobial soap
- Washcloths
- Contact lenses
- Contact lens cleaning fluid
References
- "Clinical Manual of Contact Lenses;" Edward S Bennett and Vinita Allee Henry; 2008
- Health Mad: How to Wear Contact Lenses Effortlessly and Without Pain
