How to Put In and Take Out Contact Lenses Safely
The short answer: wash and dry your hands, then set the lens on your index finger and check that it is clean, undamaged, and not inside out. Hold your upper lid open, pull your lower lid down, place the lens on your eye, and blink gently. To take it out, look up, slide the lens down onto the white of your eye, and pinch it off with your thumb and index finger.
Contact lenses take a little practice, especially if you're wearing them for the first time. The good news is that inserting and removing soft contact lenses usually becomes easier as you develop a consistent routine.
Clean hands, gentle handling, and the right technique can help you feel more confident while protecting your eyes. Follow these simple steps to insert and remove your contact lenses safely.
First-time wearers can also benefit from professional guidance. Ask our eye doctor for guidance on inserting and removing contact lenses in Fremont to help patients learn proper handling and care.
How to Put In Contact Lenses: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your contact lenses. Choose a soap that doesn't leave oily residues, fragrances, or moisturizing ingredients on your fingers.
Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. Wet fingers can make soft contact lenses harder to handle, and water should never contact your lenses.
Step 2: Start with the Same Eye Every Time
Start with the same eye each time you insert your contacts. This simple habit helps prevent you from mixing up your right and left lenses, especially if each eye has a different prescription.
You can start with either eye, as long as you stay consistent.
Step 3: Check Your Contact Lens Before Inserting It
Place the lens on the tip of your clean index finger and hold it up to the light. Check for tears, debris, or other visible damage.
A soft contact lens should look like a smooth bowl, with the edges pointing upward. If the edges flare outward, the lens may be inside out.
If you're using reusable lenses, make sure you've cleaned and disinfected them properly, following your eye doctor's instructions. Insert daily disposable lenses fresh from their sterile packaging and discard them after use.
Never insert a torn or damaged contact lens.
Step 4: Gently Place the Contact Lens on Your Eye
Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down your lower eyelid. With your other hand, gently hold your upper eyelid open to prevent blinking.
Look straight ahead into a mirror and slowly bring the lens toward your eye. Gently place it on the surface of your eye without pressing.
Slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to help the lens settle into place.
Step 5: Check That Your Lens Feels Comfortable
Your contact lens should sit comfortably and provide clear vision.
If you notice irritation, blurry vision, or a sensation that something is under the lens, remove it and inspect it for damage or debris. Clean and rinse a reusable lens with the recommended contact lens solution before trying again. Replace a daily disposable lens with a fresh one.
If discomfort continues, leave the lens out and contact your eye doctor.
How to Take Out Contact Lenses: Step-by-Step Instructions
Contact lens removal also becomes easier with practice. The following steps apply to most soft contact lenses. Rigid-gas-permeable and scleral lenses require different removal techniques.
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Clean and thoroughly dry your hands before removing your contacts. This helps prevent bacteria, dirt, and other contaminants from reaching your eyes.
Step 2: Look Up and Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror and look upward. Use your middle finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid, keeping your eye open.
Step 3: Slide the Contact Lens Down
With the pad of your index finger, gently slide the contact lens downward onto the white part of your eye.
Avoid pressing firmly on your eye or dragging the lens across its surface.
Step 4: Gently Pinch and Remove the Lens
Use the soft pads of your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens and lift it away from your eye.
Keep your fingernails away from the lens and your eye to avoid scratches or irritation.
If the lens feels dry or difficult to move, don't force it. Contact lens-compatible lubricating drops may help loosen it before another gentle attempt.
Step 5: Clean, Store, or Discard Your Contact Lens
If you wear daily disposable lenses, throw them away immediately after removal. These lenses aren't designed for cleaning, storage, or reuse.
For reusable lenses, follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions provided by your eye doctor and contact lens manufacturer. Store them in a clean contact lens case filled with fresh disinfecting solution.
Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or store your contacts.
Repeat the process with your other eye.
Contact Lens Safety Tips for Everyday Wear
Good contact lens habits matter as much as proper insertion and removal. A few simple precautions can help reduce the risk of irritation and infection.
- Always follow your prescribed wearing and replacement schedule.
- Remove your contacts before swimming or showering.
- Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed overnight wear.
- Never share contact lenses with another person.
- Replace your contact lens case regularly and use fresh solution every time you store reusable lenses.
- Keep an up-to-date pair of glasses available when you need a break from contacts.
If you develop eye pain, significant redness, light sensitivity, or sudden changes in vision, remove your contacts and seek prompt medical attention.
Get Comfortable with Contact Lenses at CORVISION OPTOMETRY
The right contact lenses should provide clear vision and feel comfortable throughout your recommended wearing time. Proper fitting and safe handling techniques can help make contact lens wear a positive part of your daily routine.
Dr. Corwin Li and our team help patients find suitable contact lenses in Fremont and learn how to insert, remove, and care for them correctly. A contact lens exam measures the surface of your eye and determines your exact lens prescription, and your eye doctor shows you how to insert and remove your lenses comfortably. First-time wearers can arrange a training appointment with our staff.
Already a contact lens wearer? You can order your contact lenses online and have them ready when you need them. If your prescription has expired, a contact lens exam gets you a current one, and we can help you get back on the road in no time.
Ready for Contact Lenses You Can Handle with Confidence?
Contact CORVISION OPTOMETRY to schedule a contact lens exam and receive personalized guidance on wearing and caring for your lenses. We are glad to help patients across Fremont and the surrounding area.
