Putting in and taking out contact lenses can feel awkward at first. This guide walks through the steps for soft lenses, plus the simple habits that keep your eyes comfortable and safe.
Contact lenses take a little practice, especially if you're wearing them for the first time. The good news is that inserting and removing soft contact lenses usually becomes easier as you develop a consistent routine.
Clean hands, gentle handling, and the right technique can help you feel more confident while protecting your eyes. Follow these simple steps to insert and remove your contact lenses safely.
First-time wearers can also benefit from professional guidance. Our team offers contact lens insertion and removal training in Lakeville and Apple Valley to help patients learn proper handling and care.
How to Put In Contact Lenses: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your contact lenses. Choose a soap that doesn't leave oily residues, fragrances, or moisturizing ingredients on your fingers.
Rinse well and dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. Wet fingers can make soft contact lenses harder to handle, and water should never contact your lenses.
Step 2: Start with the Same Eye Every Time
Start with the same eye each time you insert your contacts. This simple habit helps prevent you from mixing up your right and left lenses, especially if each eye has a different prescription.
You can start with either eye, as long as you stay consistent.
Step 3: Check Your Contact Lens Before Inserting It
Place the lens on the tip of your clean index finger and hold it up to the light. Check for tears, debris, or other visible damage.
A soft contact lens should look like a smooth bowl, with the edges pointing upward. If the edges flare outward, the lens may be inside out.
If you're using reusable lenses, make sure you've cleaned and disinfected them properly, following your eye doctor's instructions. Insert daily disposable lenses fresh from their sterile packaging and discard them after use.
Never insert a torn or damaged contact lens.
Step 4: Gently Place the Contact Lens on Your Eye
Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down your lower eyelid. With your other hand, gently hold your upper eyelid open to prevent blinking.
Look straight ahead into a mirror and slowly bring the lens toward your eye. Gently place it on the surface of your eye without pressing.
Slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to help the lens settle into place.
Step 5: Check That Your Lens Feels Comfortable
Your contact lens should sit comfortably and provide clear vision.
If you notice irritation, blurry vision, or a sensation that something is under the lens, remove it and inspect it for damage or debris. Clean and rinse a reusable lens with the recommended contact lens solution before trying again. Replace a daily disposable lens with a fresh one.
If discomfort continues, leave the lens out and contact your eye doctor.
