Inserting and removing contact lenses can be nerve-racking, especially for first-timers. Fortunately, there’s no need to be nervous because it’s easier than you might think. At the beginning, it may feel uncomfortable, but it’s completely normal for one to take a few days to get used to the feeling of wearing contacts. The following are some step-by-step instructions on how to insert and remove your contact lenses.

How Do You Insert Contact Lenses?

1. Wash Your Hands  

Eyes are fairly susceptible to infection and contact lenses can carry contaminants when handled with dirty hands. So, don’t handle your contacts without first making sure that your hands are clean. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, rinse well, and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. The body content of your post goes here. To edit this text, click on it and delete this default text and start typing your own or paste your own from a different source.

2. Inspect the Contact Lens

Place the lens on the tip of your finger and examine it in a clean, well-lit area. Ensure that the lens is damage-free, doesn’t contain rips or tears, is free of dirt and hair, and isn’t inside out. It should look like a bowl with straight edges. If the edges aren’t smooth and instead it flares, the lens is probably inside out.

3. Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid

Put your contact on your index finger with the edge facing upwards, then use your middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid. You may find it helpful to use a mirror to help ensure that you’re applying it correctly. If you want to open your eyes even wider, you may also use your opposite hand to hold your upper eyelid in place. 

4. Place the Lens Over Your Iris

Move your index finger with the contact slowly towards your eye while looking upward. Place the contact directly onto your iris and gently press the contact down until all corners are touching the eye. 

5. Blink a Few Times

Blink so that you can secure the contact in place and smoothen out any air bubbles. Continue blinking until you can see clearly with the contact comfortably in place. 

6. Repeat the Process with the Other Eye

Once the first contact is comfortably in place, repeat the same process with the other eye. It’s probably best to continue using your dominant hand for the second eye. 

How Do You Remove Contact Lenses?

1. Wash and Dry Your Hands

Similar to applying the contacts, first be sure to clean your hands thoroughly. Wash them with soap and water before drying them with a clean towel. Watch out for dust, hair, fuzz, or lint. 

2. Pull Your Lower Eyelid Down

Blink a few times, then lower down your bottom eyelid using your middle finger. Take your time to avoid poking or scratching your eye.

3. Use Your Index Finger to Slide the Lens Downward

Once the lower eyelid is down, place your index finger over your contact lens. Look upward while gently sliding the lens down onto your eye. 

4. Remove the Lens Slowly

Once your contact lens is on the white portion of the eye, it should begin to release itself. You may now gently squeeze or pinch the contact between your index finger and thumb. Once you have a good grip on it, pull it away from your eye altogether.   

5. Repeat the Process with the Other Eye 

Repeat the entire process with the other contact. Continue using your dominant hand and a mirror for the best results.

Placing and removing a contact lens can certainly be tricky at first. It will likely take several tries before you perfect your technique. Eventually, you will get the hang of it and may not even require a mirror in the future. Remember to take your time and don’t force the contact in any way. If you’re still concerned about this topic or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us. We’ll do our best to help you understand this process, and before long, you’ll be confidently teaching others how to insert and remove their own contacts.