The Finger Factor - Hints And Tips For Inserting Your Contact Lenses

Inserting your contact lenses may seem like a daunting, and even scary, task at first. However, it will become second nature after a few days. For both rigid and soft lenses, there are some simple instructions for inserting your contact lenses which your eye care professional will demonstrate to you. This article will list the instructions and offer some quick hints or tips to make the task simpler.

For inserting soft lenses:

Wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap and water and dry them on a lint-free towel. Soft lenses can absorb the scent of soaps, and you want your hands to be free of towel lint so it doesn't get on your lenses.

Close or cover the drain. You don't want your lens to disappear down the drain.

Remove your lens from the case. Always start with the same lens, right or left. This is a good habit to get into as it helps to prevent mix-ups.

Check to see if the lens is right side out. When placed on your finger like a bowl, the edges should go straight up. If the edges are flared outwards, turn your lens right side out. Some lens may have a mark on them to help identify which side is the right side. If the lens is placed in your eye inside out, it will not damage your eye, but it will most likely be uncomfortable.

Look the lens over for dirt, lint or tears before inserting in your eye.

Rinse the lens with the solution your eye care professional recommended to remove any debris.

If it is not already there, place the lens on the tip of your index finger, like a bowl facing upwards.

Using your other hand, gently pull up on your upper eyelid so that you cannot blink. Some lens wearers use their middle finger, others use their index finger. You will find which is best for you.

Keep your eye fixed on an object above you so it doesn't move around.

Using the middle finger of the hand with which you are inserting the contact, gently pull down on the lower eyelid until you see the white of your eye.

Gently place the lens on the white of the eye and let go of your eyelids.

Close your eye for a few seconds. This allows the lens to center itself on the cornea. Sometimes blinking will help center the lens.

If it feels like there is debris or dust between the lens and your eye, take the lens out, rinse it again, and reinsert it.

Follow the same procedure to insert the other lens.

For inserting rigid lenses:

Wash your hands thoroughly with unscented soap and water and dry them on a lint-free towel. Rigid lenses cannot absorb the scent of soaps but the perfumes may make the lens uncomfortable, and you want your hands to be free of towel lint so it doesn't get on your lenses.

Close or cover the drain. You don't want your lens to disappear down the drain.

Remove your lens from the case. Always start with the same lens, right or left. This is a good habit to get into as it helps to prevent mix-ups.

Check the lens over for chips or scratches.

Rinse the lens with water or apply a couple drops of conditioning solution to the lens. This will remove any debris and will wet the lens before placing it on the eye.

Place the lens, cup side up, on the tip of your index finger.

Using the other hand, gently raise your upper eyelid so that you cannot blink.

Using the middle finger of the hand with which you are inserting the lens, gently lower your lower eyelid.

Look at the lens with your eye and gently place the lens on the eye.

Release your eyelids and close your eye for a couple of seconds to center the lens. Sometimes blinking will help center the lens.

If it feels like there is debris or dust between the lens and your eye, remove the lens, clean it, and reinsert it into your eye.

Follow the same procedure for the other lens.