Switching to contact lenses can be a game-changer for your vision, giving you clear sight without the hassle of glasses. But if you’re new to wearing contacts, handling them might initially feel a little intimidating. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered! Follow this simple step-by-step guide to insert and remove your contact lenses like a pro.
Before You Begin: Essential Hygiene Tips
Before touching your contact lenses, always:
- Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel.
- Use only the solution recommended by your optometrist – never tap water!
- Make sure your lenses are clean and undamaged before use.
- Work over a clean, well-lit surface – a bathroom mirror is perfect.
How to Insert Your Contact Lenses
- Start with the Right Lens
Always begin with the same eye to avoid mixing up your lenses. This helps maintain clarity and prevents cross-contamination. - Inspect the Lens
Place the lens on your fingertip and check that it’s facing the right way. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out – gently flip it if needed. - Hold Your Eyelids
Using your free hand, hold your upper eyelid to prevent blinking. With the middle finger of your lens hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid. - Place the Lens on Your Eye
Look straight ahead or slightly upwards and gently place the lens on the centre of your eye. - Blink & Adjust
Slowly blink a few times or look side to side to help the lens settle. If it feels uncomfortable, remove, rinse, and try again.
How to Remove Your Contact Lenses
- Relax & Look Up
Stay calm – removing lenses is easier than you think! Look upwards and gently pull down your lower eyelid. - Pinch & Remove
Using your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the lens and slide it down onto the white part of your eye before lifting it off. - Store or Dispose Properly
If you wear dailies, discard them immediately. For reusable lenses, clean and store them in a fresh solution.
Pro Tips for a Smooth Experience
- Keep your fingernails short and smooth: This helps prevent accidental scratches to your eyes or lenses during removal.
- Ensure your eyes are moist: If your lenses feel dry or are difficult to remove, apply lubricating eye drops to rehydrate them before attempting removal.
- Stick to the recommended wearing time: Always follow your eye doctor’s guidance on how long you should wear your lenses each day. Overwearing them, just like sleeping in them, can lead to dryness, making removal more difficult and increasing the risk of discomfort or infection.
- Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless prescribed: Sleeping in contact lenses can cause them to adhere more firmly to your eyes, making removal more challenging and increasing the risk of eye infections.
- Take breaks if your eyes feel irritated: If you experience irritation, switch to glasses temporarily to allow your eyes to rest, ensuring easier and more comfortable lens removal later.
For a comprehensive guide on safely inserting and removing contact lenses, you can refer to this article: How to safely insert and remove contact lenses from your eyes
Final Thoughts
Mastering the art of inserting and removing contact lenses takes a little practice, but it’ll feel like second nature with time. If you ever struggle, don’t hesitate to visit your local optometrist for guidance. And remember, at Savelens, we’re here to help with all your contact lens needs – from top brands to expert advice.
Looking for high-quality lenses at great prices? Explore our range at Savelens today!