How to insert contact lenses?

Whether you've been wearing lenses for years or are about to use them for the first time, here are the safest ways to insert, remove and care for your lenses. Find out how to put your lenses in safely.

How do you fit contact lenses for the first time?

How should contact lenses be fitted? No worries, putting in contact lenses is not difficult at all! Follow the steps exactly:

1. First wash your hands thoroughly and dry them well.
2. Open the case to contact lenses and, using your fingertip, insert the first contact lens into the non-dominant hand.
3. Rinse the lens with contact lens solution. Never use plain water.
4. Place the lens on the tip of the index or middle finger of the dominant hand.
5. Check that the lens is not damaged and that the correct side is facing up. If it is on the left side, gently turn it over. If the lens is damaged, do not use it!
6. Look in the mirror and hold your upper and lower eyelids open with the hand not holding the lens.
7. Look in front of you or up towards the ceiling and place the lens in your eye. The lens should be cup-shaped.
8. Slowly close your eye and gently press your eyelid to seat the lens in place and stop the blink reflex. The lens should move into position on its own and you should be able to see clearly after blinking a few times. If you feel discomfort, gently remove the lens, rinse it out and try again.
9. Repeat the same steps with the other lens.

Putting in contact lenses can be problematic for patients, especially at first, but over time it becomes a natural activity. There is no need to sleep in your lenses, so the activity of putting in your contact lenses is repeated every day. All you need to do is hold your lower eyelid and upper eyelid properly with your fingers and then smoothly place the lens in the eye by slowly moving your index finger away. The process of applying the lens in the eye takes a maximum of a few minutes. However, it is important to remember not to touch a contact lens with hands that have not been thoroughly washed and dried beforehand. The finger with which the lens is applied should be dry - otherwise the lens will stick to it.

How to manage discomfort during the first few days of contact lens wear?

If you have just started wearing lenses, know that they may be a little uncomfortable for the first few days. Although the power of the contact lens is matched to your visual defect, you may experience slight discomfort for the first few days. This is more common with rigid contact lenses. After a few days, the patient will notice a difference as their visual acuity improves and wearing the lenses becomes a habit. Before first use, it is important to read the instructions for use or the label to ensure that the contact lenses are fitted correctly and that the lens fits the eyeball. If you are a right-handed person, start with your right eye. If your eye feels dry after inserting a lens, try using moisturising drops designed specifically for contacts. A poorly fitted contact lens can cause eye irritation.

Does the lens scratch, hurt or irritate your eye after insertion? Follow these steps. Here are five simple steps:

1. Firstly, do not rub your eyes. This can damage the contact lens or increase discomfort.
2. Wash and dry your hands well. Then remove the lens and rinse it thoroughly with contact lens solution. This will get rid of any dirt or debris that may stick to the lens, causing discomfort.
3. Carefully inspect the lens to ensure it is not damaged. If it is, discard it and use a new set. If you do not have a spare, contact your ophthalmologist immediately.
4. If the lens is not damaged, carefully re-insert it into the eye after thorough rinsing and cleaning.
5. If your lenses are often uncomfortable and the above steps do not work, or you experience redness and burning when using your contact lenses for a prolonged period of time, contact your eye doctor to discuss the problem.

How do I remove my contact lenses?

1. Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them well.
2. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently pull back the lower eyelid on the chosen eye.
3. While holding the lens and looking up, use the index finger of the same hand to gently pull the lens down to the white part of the eye.
4. Squeeze the lens with thumb and forefinger while gently removing it from the eye.
5. Once the lens is removed, place it in the palm of your hand and moisten it with the contact solution. Gently rub for about 30 seconds to clean it.
6. Rinse the lens, then place it in a contact lens case and completely cover it with a dedicated care solution.
7. Repeat the same steps with the other eye.

Be sure to follow proper contact lens care instructions. Not following them can lead to many eye diseases, including serious infections! In this case, practice makes perfect and the whole process literally takes a few minutes. Remember - before touching your lens, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Thorough washing with, for example, antibacterial soap and drying is essential. Importantly, always put your lenses in and take them out in the same order so you don't mix up your lenses.