Here is a step-by-step guide that will teach you how to properly insert contact lenses.
1. Properly care for your contact lenses whenever they’re not in use. This basically means two things:Always store your contacts in contact lens solution, unless you’re wearing disposable lenses. Contact lens solution helps to clean, rinse, and disinfect your lenses.Dispose of your contact lenses by the recommended date. Most lenses fall into one of three categories: dispose daily, dispose semi-weekly, or dispose monthly. Check your contact lenses for the recommended disposal date and don’t wear them much longer than that.2. Wash your hands with soap. Rinse thoroughly to get rid of soap residue. Dry your hands with a towel (since paper towels or toilet paper may leave pieces behind) or, if possible, an air dryer.3. Remove one contact from its case. Unless the prescription is the same for both, remember to check whether it’s for your right or left eye.4. Place the contact on the index finger you’re most comfortable with using. (Handle with care or you may damage or invert the lens.) Make sure that the contact is sitting hollow-side up on your fingertip with none of the side walls sticking to your skin.Make sure to handle the lens on the skin of your finger, not the nail of your fingertip. It might be easier if you put a little bit of solution on your finger where you intend on holding the contact lens.If it’s a soft contact lens, make sure that it isn’t inside-out. It sounds obvious, but sometimes it’s difficult to tell.While it’s still on your finger, inspect lens for rips, tears, or debris. If dust or debris is visible, rinse with lens solution.5. Gently pull your skin away from your eye. Use the index finger of your opposite hand to pull your upper eyelid upward; use the middle finger of your dominant hand (i.e. the one with the contact on it) to pull your lower eyelid downward. As you become more experienced, you’ll be able to do this just by pulling down your lower eyelid.6. Move the contact towards your eye calmly and steadily. Try not to blink or move jerkily. It may help to look upwards. It’s also advised to not focus the eye that you’re putting the contact into; this will make it easier to place the lens.7. Gently place the contact on your eye. Make sure it is centered over your iris (i.e. the circular, colored part of the eye), gently sliding it over your eyeball if necessary.8. Let go of the skin around your eye. Make sure to let go of your under-eye skin first; letting go of the top first might create tiny air bubbles against your eye, which can hurt.9. Blink slowly so as to not dislodge the contact. Take note of any pain or discomfort you may have. If you think that something may be wrong with your contact, remove and fully cleanse it, then try again.10. Repeat the process with the other contact. When finished, pour contact solution from the case into the sink and close the contact case.
