Put in and remove contact lenses
I guess most of you never used contact lenses before. After all, if you really have a visual impairment than using fashion contact won’t allow you to use your regular ones, and putting on glasses can really blur your custom (Sorry for letting you down…). So, here is an article from wikihow, with nice pictures and a video, which will guide you this process.
from wikiHow – The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Contacts are a great alternative to glasses, but they can seriously damage your eyes if inserted incorrectly. You would know that because your eye would itch.
Steps
- Properly care for your contact lenses every time you take them out and leave them in the case for an extended amount of time.
- Wash your hands thoroughly. Use a clean towel to dry your hands- a kleenex or toilet paper may leave pieces behind. Make sure there is no soap on your hands.
- Remove a contact from its case. Remember to check whether it is for your right or left eye. (Unless the prescription is the same.)
- Place the contact on your index finger of the hand you will be applying the contact with. You should probably use your dominant hand. Make sure that all the outside edges are face up and none are sticking to your finger. If the rim points out slightly instead of up, the lens is probably inside-out. Inspect lense for rips, tears, or debris. Rinse with lense solution if there is visible dust, etc. on the lense.
- Use the index finger of your opposite hand to pull up your upper eyelid. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand with the contact on it to pull your lower eyelid down. When you become experienced with this method, you will be able to do this by only pulling down your lower eyelid.
- Move the contact towards your eye calmly and steadily. It may help to look upwards. Try not to blink or move jerkily. Place the contact on your eye and gently move it so it is centered over your iris (circular, colored part of the eye). Make sure to let go of the bottom first! Letting go of the top first can sometimes lead to leaving tiny air bubbles against your eye which may sometimes hurt!
- Blink slowly, as to not dislodge the contact. Take note of any pain or discomfort you may have. If you think that something may be wrong with your contact, remove and fully cleanse it, then try again.
- Repeat with the other contact.
- Pour contact solution from the case into the sink and close the contact case.
Video
Tips
- Put in your contact lenses before applying makeup to avoid contaminating your contact lenses. At the end of the day, remove your contact lenses before removing any eye makeup. (The rubbing motion used to remove makeup may rip or tear the contact.)
- You may get frustrated if you don’t get the contact in right away. Just wait a couple minutes and give it another try! It is easier to get the second contact in.
- If the contact falls out of your eye rinse it off completely with contact solution every time. Bending over the sink is a good idea because you can find a contact if you drop it. Just make sure to close up the drain first. A good, clean mirror is also useful especially if it has magnification.
- It’ll be easier to put on a contact if you attempt to do it with your optometrist or ophthalmologist first. Usually it is a requirement, but if not, suggest it. If you think that the contact does not fit your eye, talk to your doctor. He or she can probably order you another brand or type of contact. Remember that you will need to regularly get your eyes checked so your prescription can be updated.
- If you’re new to contacts, only wear them a few hours a day. Make sure to take them out immediately after work or school so as to give your eyes a rest. If your eyes feel dry during the day put 1-2 eye drops in- more than this could make it slide out of your eye.
- Exposing your eyes to shower water, lake water, pool water, or smoke may irritate them. For short periods of time you can simply close your eyes, for longer periods wear your glasses or goggles.
- If you find it difficult insert a lens without blinking, you can practice by putting a drop of solution on your finger, aiming for the white of your eye, and gently touching it.
- Wait until your eyes get accustomed to the light in the morning before putting the contacts in. You also may want to wash off any dried mucus near your eyes.
- You may find it easier to see where you’re putting your finger, if you look at the reflection of the contact on your finger on your eye.
- If your finger is dry when you put the contact on it, the contact will stick up farther away from your finger making it easier to put it in.
- Practice, practice, practice! After a week or so, you’ll get the hang of it.
Warnings
- Never rinse your contacts in regular tap water- this will just make them dirty or drier than before. Tap water and even purified water contain bacteria.
- If you begin to experience unusual pain, even after you have removed the contact, talk to your eye doctor.
- Do not put your contacts in inside out or if they have small tears or rips.
- Always remove your contacts prior to sleeping unless you are prescribed extended wear contacts by your doctor. Sleeping with your contacts in may save time but it can cause a corneal ulcer on your eye! With sensitive eyes it will affect you immediately, causing pain and aversion to light the next day, but it will catch up to others in the end. If you must, simply throw away your contacts before you go to sleep. If you have a sterile container and contact solution this is a good substitute for a case. If you forget you may have to wear sunglasses (keep a prescription pair handy) the next day. It may be difficult to wear your contacts the day after.
- Contacts require more upkeep than glasses- you have to clean them and put them away every night. However glasses can get in the way during physical activity or daily activities. Thoroughly review your decision before switching to contacts.
- Never put hand sanitizer on before putting in or taking out your contacts. (But do wash your hands!)
- Make sure to wear goggles when skiing or snowboarding with contacts, or else they may get stuck on your eye. If this happens go to your optometrist right away.
Things You’ll Need
- Mirror
- Contacts
- Contact solution
- Contact case
- Pair of glasses should something happen to your contacts
- Eye drops for re-wetting itchy eyes
- Travel sized contact solution
Related wikiHows
- How to Extend Contact Lenses
- How to Remove Contact Paper
- How to Care for Contact Lenses
- How to Remove Contact Lenses
- How to Cure Puffy Eyes
- How to Wash Eyes With Water
- How to Protect Your Eyes
- How to Save Money on Contact Lenses
- How to Convince Your Parents to Let You Get Contact Lenses
- How to Tell if a Soft Contact Lens Is Inside Out
Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Put in Contact Lenses. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

