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Tips for putting in contacts correctly

Plano

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August 10, 2022

• Eye Health
• Healthy living

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Contact lenses can have a considerable difference in the quality of vision and hence quality of life for you, but it is vital to handle them carefully. Improper care leads to serious infections and other major issues that could debilitate your vision. That is why it is very important to know the tips for putting in contacts.

If you have been putting on contacts for some time already, or are new to them,  here are useful tips to put contacts in so as to enhance the quality of your vision and long-term eye health. 

Detailed guide on putting in contacts

1. Firstly, disinfect and wash your hands completely. 
2. Dry your wet hands well. 
3. Use your clean fingertip to place the first contact lens in your other hand.
4. Carefully rinse the lens with contact lens solution instead of regular water.
5. Put the lens on the top of your clean index or middle finger. 
6. Ensure that the lens is clean, not torn and that the correct side of the lens is facing up. 
7. Note that the edges of the lens should turn up to form a bowl
8. If the lens is inside out, carefully flip it so that it forms a bowl, facing you.
9. Do not use a damaged lens. 
10. 10.Look in the mirror and pry open your upper and lower eyelids with the hand not holding the lens.
11. Look straight ahead or upwards and put the lens in your eye.
12. 12.Once the lens is in your eye, gradually close your eye and roll your eye around. Alternatively, press gently on the eyelid to settle the lens in place. 
13. 13.You should be able to see clearly after blinking a few times with comfort and ease. 
14. 14. If you feel discomfort, slowly take out the lens, rinse it with contact lens solution and try again.
15. 15.Repeat this entire process with the second lens.

Is there a difference between putting in a hard or soft contact lens?

The most prevalent type of hard lens is called a rigid gas permeable lens. These hard lenses permit oxygen to get to your cornea and last longer than soft lenses. However, hard contact lenses are more infection-prone and not as comfortable as soft lenses. Hence, soft contact lenses are more commonly used. 

Despite their differences, follow the aforementioned guidelines to put hard and soft contacts in the same way.

What to do if a lens is uncomfortable 

Note that contacts (especially hard lenses) may feel slightly uncomfortable for the first few days, particularly if you are a first time user. 

If your eye feels dry, use rewetting drops made specifically for contacts to moisturise.

If a lens hurts, or irritates your eye after putting it in:

1. Refrain from rubbing your eyes to avoid damaging  your contact lens or intensifying the discomfort.
2. Disinfect, wash and dry your hands well. Then remove the lens and wash it carefully with contact lens solution. This can get rid of any dirt or debris that may be stuck to the lens, making it feel uncomfortable.
3. Examine the lens to ensure it is not damaged. If it is, get rid of the lens and use a new one. Otherwise, consult with your eye doctor right away.
4. If the lens is not torn or damaged, carefully put it into your eye after once it’s been thoroughly rinsed and cleaned.
5. Call your doctor if you experience persistent lens discomfort. [1] 

If you are unsure about putting content lenses in their eyes for the first time, try doing so at your eye doctor’s office first. 

Begin your contact lens journey with an eye exam

Even if you have worn glasses for a long time, you would need an exam and a new prescription for contact lenses. Eyeglass and contact lens prescriptions are different. Book an appointment for an eye check.

References 

E. Hersh, “How to put in contact lenses: Easy Step-by-step instructions,” Healthline, 21-Nov-2019. [Online]. Available: https://www.healthline.com/health/eye-health/how-to-put-in-contact-lenses#how-to-remove. [Accessed: 07-Aug-2022].