Considering trying contact lenses for the first time? Nervous about getting the hang of putting them in and taking them out? You’re not the only one feeling this way.

When people contemplate using contact lenses, a few common concerns often come to mind:

• Feeling uneasy about inserting something into their eyes.
• Concerns about potential discomfort from wearing contact lenses.
• Finding it challenging to master the insertion and removal process.

Many beginners share these worries initially. Yet, soft contact lenses, crafted from a pliable material with high moisture content, swiftly address these concerns, offering a comfortable wearing experience.

Moreover, specific techniques for inserting and removing contact lenses exist, and with the right guidance, there’s no need to fret.

For those exploring or currently using soft contact lenses, this article offers valuable insights and tips on how to adeptly insert and remove them.

 

What to do Before Handling Lenses

Firstly, contact lenses fall under the legal classification of medical devices. Thus, it’s imperative to consult an eye specialist for a valid prescription before purchasing them.

Even if your aim is purely cosmetic and doesn’t involve vision correction, a valid prescription detailing eye specifics like base curve, diameter, and more remains necessary.

Please note, we bear no responsibility for any challenges or complications arising from contact lens use. Ensuring a perfect fit according to guidance from an eye care professional is your responsibility.

Here Are Some Precautions!

Before inserting your contact lenses, it’s crucial to heed these handling guidelines. They’re essential for a comfortable lens experience and safeguarding your eye health.

• Maintain short, smooth nails to avoid damaging the lenses.
• Thoroughly wash hands with soap and dry using a clean towel before handling lenses.
• Use your index finger gently to extract lenses from the case to prevent tearing.
• Prior to wearing, inspect lenses for any signs of damage—scratches, deformities, stains—and refrain from using them if any are present.
• Apply makeup before inserting lenses to prevent residue transfer.
• Remove lenses before removing makeup to avoid eye irritations.
• Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule for your specific lens type.
• Follow the storage solution and lens case instructions provided with your lenses.
• Never clean lenses with tap water, as it may cause deformation, discoloration, and potential eye issues due to microorganisms or bacteria. Use appropriate lens solutions for proper care and reduced health risks.
• If a lens falls out, clean it with solution before reinsertion. When uncertain, seek guidance from an eye specialist.

 

How to Insert Soft Contact Lenses

The initial step before inserting contact lenses involves verifying if the lens is correctly oriented. Soft contact lenses, being thin and pliable, can pose a challenge in determining their right side. It’s advisable to confirm the correct orientation of the lens before placing it in your eye. Neglecting this step might result in discomfort, leading to symptoms like blurred vision and increased movement of the lens with each blink.

Two Approaches to Correctly Place Lenses

1. Position the lens on the tip of your index finger, ensuring the edges face upward. Examine the rim at eye level—if the edges flare out, the lens is likely inside out. A properly oriented lens should exhibit flat, uniform edges across its entire surface.
2. Some products feature distinctive markings indicating the front and back of the lens.

Certain soft contact lenses tailored for astigmatism might incorporate a ‘guide mark’ to ensure immediate stabilization in the correct orientation upon wearing. If your lens includes such a mark, it’s crucial to wear it in the direction indicated. Even for astigmatism contact lenses lacking a guide mark, their design facilitates natural stabilization in the correct orientation with each blink.

 

Tips for Inserting Soft Contact Lenses

 

When putting on contact lenses while facing the mirror with both eyes, adhere to these steps:

1. Open Your Eyes Widely: Begin by using the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to gently lower the lower eyelid. Simultaneously, lift the upper eyelid with a finger from the other hand or use two fingers from the free hand to ensure your eyes stay wide open.
2. Insert the Contact Lenses: Maintain a direct gaze into the mirrored image and delicately place the lens onto the iris while keeping your eyes open.
3. Settle the Lenses: Once the lens rests on the iris, release your fingers, blink slowly, and let the lens comfortably settle onto the pupil.

 

Common Challenges in Contact Lens Insertion

Difficulty in Widening Eyes:

If your eyes are not wide open, it may lead to improper lens insertion, potentially causing contact with the eyelid or lashes. Gently use your fingers to widen both upper and lower eyelids for complete eye openness.

Blinking During Insertion:

Fear-induced blinking can disrupt lens placement. Use a mirror for guidance, firmly hold your eyelids, and maintain wide-open eyes during insertion to avoid blinking.

Air Trapped Under Lenses:

If the lens dislodges quickly after placement, trapped air might be the cause. Blink slowly post-insertion and move your eyes to assist the lens in adjusting.

Lens Handling Concerns:

Moist fingertips can cause lens adhesion and handling difficulties. Ensure thoroughly dried hands after washing before touching lenses. Additionally, confirm the lens isn’t tilted on your fingertip before inserting.

 

Best Methods for Removing Soft Contact Lenses

 

Similar to the procedure for inserting contact lenses, it’s crucial to have clean hands before you attempt to remove them. When ready, follow these steps:

Confirm Lens Position:

• Tilt your chin slightly downward and look up in the mirror to verify the lens’s position.

Open Your Eyes Wide:

• Use your fingers to hold both upper and lower eyelids down, ensuring your eyes are fully open.

Remove the Contact Lens:

• Using your thumb and index finger, press gently on the lower part of the lens, pinch it, and delicately take it out.

 

Common Challenges in Contact Lens Removal

Lenses Sticking to Eyes:

Extended wear, sleeping with lenses, dry eyes, or environmental factors can cause lenses to adhere to the eye, complicating removal. Blink slowly, use eye drops for lens and eye moisture, and then attempt removal.

When dry lenses adhere to the cornea, forcing removal may risk corneal damage. Moisturise lenses and eyes before attempting removal to ease the process.

Slippery Lenses:

Soft lenses can become slippery if fingers are wet, making them challenging to grasp. Dry your fingers thoroughly after washing to eliminate moisture before removal.

Lens Stuck Behind Eyelid:

At times, a lens may shift and get stuck behind the eyelid. Blink slowly or move your eyes to reposition the lens onto the iris before removal.

Concerns about Lenses Going Behind the Eye:

Despite shifts, contact lenses are designed not to slip behind the eye due to the eye’s structure, so rest assured about this possibility.

 

 

Initially, wearing and removing contact lenses might seem a bit daunting. However, by persistently following these steps, you’ll gradually become adept and comfortable wearing them seamlessly!

Whether you’re a newcomer or a usual contact lens wearer, refer to this blog to ensure you’re correctly inserting and removing your lenses. Remember these useful tips to maintain optimal eye health at all times!