Contact lenses can be convenient and comfortable, but what if you can't even get them in your eye? Though it looks simple and straightforward, wearing contact lenses can be a struggle.
Keep reading, and we'll give you some tips and tricks to make it easier to put in contact lenses.
Key Takeaways
- If you're a new contact lens wearer, it can be scary putting them in! Just remember to breathe and be patient. You've got this!
- Always wash your hands before starting to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your eye.
- Move slowly and carefully - you don't need to rush or be forceful. You can watch this YouTube video if you need more help!
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The Easiest Way to Put in Contacts
Many people feel squeamish when their fingers get too close to their eyeballs, which can make it intimidating or scary to put in contact lenses. However, it won't be long until that apprehension turns into confidence!
When it comes down to it, practice is the key to success. Putting in contact lenses can be a challenge, but it just takes time and patience to get it right. Soon, putting in your contact lenses will feel just as effortless as slipping on your glasses.
Keep in mind that our team of opticians will train you on the best way to put in contacts before you go home from your appointment. This will ensure you know how to insert and remove your contact lenses safely and easily!
Here is a step-by-step guide to putting in contact lenses (keep in mind this is for soft contact lenses, not hard contact lenses.)
#1. Wash Your Hands
Never skip this step. Your hands can transfer dirt, bacteria, and grime to your eyes, so it's important to wash them first.
Use an oil-free and fragrance-free soap to avoid irritation, and dry them with a microfiber cloth.
#2. Clean Your Contact Lens
Your contacts should come in a case or disposable package and be sitting in a well of contact lens solution.
When picking up your contact lenses, use your fingertips, not your fingernails. Your nails can tear or rip the lens, so only use the pads of your fingers to pick them up.
Next, place the contact lens in the palm of your non-dominant hand. Squirt a small amount of contact solution on the lens so it is submerged. (Never use tap water - only use contact solution.)
Rub the contact lens back and forth on your palm in the contact solution. After 15 seconds, rinse it with another squirt of contact solution. This is known as the "rub and rinse" method.
#3. Hold Your Contact Lens on Your Fingertip
Position your contact lens on your fingertip - your index finger or middle finger will do. You should use your dominant hand. This will make it easier to put it in your eye!
It's important to make sure your contact lens isn't inside out. When it's on your finger, it should look like a perfect dome. If it's inside out, the edges may be slightly flared. Your contact lenses may have shapes or text printed on them so that you can tell if it's inside out or not.
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#4. Hold Your Eye Open
Your contact lens should be perched on your dominant hand. With your non-dominant hand, you'll need to hold open your eye. Be careful and gentle - there's no need to yank or force your eye open. You just need enough space to fit your contact lens through.
You can hold just your upper eyelid open or both your upper and lower eyelids open. Use your thumb and ring finger.
Breathe! You've got this!
#5. Put Your Contact Lens in Your Eye
This may seem like the hard part, but it's easier than it seems.
Look in the mirror. Slowly lift your dominant hand with the contact lens on. Bring it to your eye and lightly touch the contact lens to your eye. You shouldn't need to press hard - the lens will transfer from your finger to your eye with ease.
Part of this boils down to personal preference. Some people like to look to the side while they put in contact lenses, while others look straight ahead. If you have difficulties with it, try looking to the side and placing the lens on the white part of your eye (not the iris or pupil.)
#6. Get Comfortable!
Blink a few times, and your contact lens should slide into place. Look up, look to the side, and look down. At this point, your contact lens should feel safe and snug in your eye!
#7. Repeat
With one contact lens in, it's time to put in the other. Repeat this process (you can use the same hands or swap hands.)
The Bottom Line
Putting in contact lenses (especially for the first time) can be scary and daunting. However, it's just a matter of time and practice before it's much quicker than brushing your teeth! Muscle memory and habit will make it a walk in the park every time.
If you can't seem to figure it out, don't stress! You can visit our eye clinic, and our team of opticians will help you figure out the best way to put in contacts. In fact, we won’t send you home until you are 100% comfortable with inserting and removing contacts!
And if all else fails, we'll just pair you with a new set of glasses to help you feel comfortable and confident with your eyewear choices.
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People Also Ask
Should your finger be wet or dry when putting in contact lenses?
Your fingers should be dry when putting in contacts. This will help the contact lens stick to your finger, giving you more control. If your finger is wet when putting in contacts, the lens won't stick to your finger, and it'll be much harder to put it in your eye.
Why are my contacts not sticking to my eye?
There are a few reasons why your contacts aren't sticking to your eye. This could be due to dry eyes, improper fit, or a lens issue. If you can't get your contacts to stick to your eye, visit your eye doctor.
How long should you wear contacts for the first time?
It can take time to adjust to new contacts or new glasses. The first time you wear contacts, you may only be able to wear them for 4 to 6 hours. You can then gradually increase the duration as your eyes adjust.
If you experience any eye fatigue or discomfort, take a break and remove your contacts. Prolonged discomfort or pain would warrant a visit to your eye doctor.
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Oculus Eyecare is Seattle’s premier optometry practice and optical boutique for those looking to see and be seen in a new way. Located in South Lake Union on Denny Way, Oculus Eyecare offers comprehensive eye care services and exams for individuals and families in Seattle. Click here to schedule an appointment or a personal styling session. To stay connected and learn more, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X/Twitter.