How to Put In Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses for the first time can be a daunting experience. Our step-by step instructions will help you insert and remove your contacts easily.

How to Put In Soft Contact Lenses?

1) Stand or sit in front of a mirror to help you easily insert your contact lenses.
2) Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and dry them with a lint free towel.
3) Remove the contact lens from its storage case gently.
4) Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger of your dominant hand.

5) Use your middle finger of the opposite hand to pull up the top eyelid slightly.
6) Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down the lower lid.

7) Look forward or upwards and place the contact lens on your eye.
8) Blink your eye a couple of times to make sure the contact lens is in place.
9) Repeat the same procedure for the other contact lens.

How to Remove Soft Contacts

1) Stand or sit in front of a mirror to help you easily remove your contact lenses.
2) Wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and dry them with a lint free towel.
3) Look upwards or sideways and pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of either hand.
4) Use the index finger of the same hand to slide the contact lens onto the sclera (white of the eye).

5) With your thumb and index finger of the same hand, pinch the contact lens off the eye.

6) Repeat this procedure with the other eye.

How to Tell if your Contact Lens is Inside Out

When you place the contact lens on your finger a cup is formed. If the lens forms a “U” with the top edges flared out then the contact lens is inside out. If the edges are pointing upwards then the lens is in the correct position.

If your lens comes with a handling tint, place the lens on your fingertip and then look down at it. The edge of the lens will look very blue if the lens is in the correct position.

Another way to tell if the contact lens is inside out is by placing the lens between your thumb and index finger then roll your fingers together. If the edges flare in and curl together then the contact lens is in the correct position. But, if the edges flare out then the lens is inside out.

Tips for Wearing Contact Lenses

• Always wash your hands thoroughly and dry them before handling contact lenses.
• Check that the contact lens has not turned inside out before inserting.
• Get into the habit of starting with the right contact lens first so that they don’t get mixed up.
• Put in your contacts before applying make-up. Take out your contact lenses before removing make-up.
• Do not use tap water or saliva with your contact lenses.
• Clean and disinfect your contacts with fresh solution after removing them.
• Clean your contact lens case after each use with a multipurpose solution and replace it every 3 months.
• If you have long finger nails, take care when handling contact lenses. You risk either tearing the lens or scratching your eyes.
• If you experience itchiness or stinging after inserting the lens, remove it straight away and organize an appointment with an Optometrist as soon as you can.
• Take care in a highly air conditioned environment as contact lenses can dry out quickly.