Contact lenses are incredible – they can significantly improve the wearer’s quality of life, helping them see without needing glasses. However, handling them carefully is crucial. In fact, improper care can have serious consequences, including infections.
After speaking to a contact lens specialist (visit their website here), we’ve compiled a list of the safest methods for inserting, removing, and maintaining contact lenses.
How to properly insert contact lenses
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash your hands: Start off by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water, then patting them dry. We recommend using a clean towel to ensure that the end result is moisture and residue-free.
- Prepare the lens case: Using your non-dominant hand, open the lens case and carefully place the first lens inside it with your fingertips.
- Rinse the lens: You should always rinse the lens with contact lens solution before use. Never use tap water, as it can introduce harmful bacteria to your lenses.
- Check the lens orientation: Place the lens on the tip of your dominant hand’s index or middle finger. Check that it is in the correct orientation (the edges should curve upward, resembling a bowl shape). If the lens is flipped inside out, gently adjust it. But if the lens is damaged in any way, discard it and replace it with a new one.
- Open your eyes: Using the hand that is not holding the lens, use your finger to gently pull open your upper and lower eyelids while looking into a mirror.
- Adjust the lens: blink a few times and gently roll your eye to help the lens settle into place. If it feels uncomfortable or you’re having trouble seeing, remove the lens, rinse, and try again.
- Repeat for the second lens: Once the first lens is comfortably in place, repeat the process for the second lens.
Does the process of inserting soft and hard contact lenses differ?
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are the most common type of hard contact lenses. These lenses allow oxygen to reach the cornea and are known for their durability, often lasting longer than soft lenses. However, soft contact lenses are more commonly used due to their comfort and ease of wear.
While RGP lenses offer benefits like increased longevity and better oxygen flow, they have some downsides. They are more prone to infections and may not be as comfortable as soft lenses, especially during the initial adjustment period.
Despite the differences between soft and hard lenses, the process for inserting both types is the same. You can follow the same steps to insert either type of lens.
What to do if your contact lenses feel uncomfortable
It’s normal to feel discomfort during the first few days of wearing contact lenses. Most people take around a week to adjust. Hard lenses, in particular, can cause discomfort in comparison to soft lenses.
If your eyes feel dry after inserting your lens, try using “rewetting drops,” which are specifically designed for contact lenses.
If your eyes feel pain, irritation, or scratching after inserting a lens, try following these steps:
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: This may worsen the discomfort or damage the lens.
- Rinse the lens: Clean and pat dry your hands, then remove your lenses and rinse them with contact lens solution. This can help remove any dirt or debris.
- Inspect the lens: Make sure it isn’t damaged before re-inserting it, and if it is, replace it.
If you continue to feel frequent discomfort after trying everything above or if your eyes start to burn, call your doctor and stop wearing your lenses.
How to remove contact lenses
Step-by-step instructions
- Wash your hands: Start off by washing thoroughly before drying with a clean towel.
- Prepare to remove the lens: Using your middle finger on your dominant hand, gently lower the eyelid of one eye.
- Pull the lens down: With that same hand, use your index finger to gently pull the lens down towards the white parts of your eye while looking upwards.
- Pinch and remove the lens: Pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to carefully remove it from your eye.
Once the lens is out, place it in your hand’s palm and moisten it with contact solution · For around 30 seconds, gently rub it to get rid of any oil, debris, or mucus.
Once the lens has been removed, if it is reusable, place it in your palm, moisten it with contact solution, and gently rub it for about 30 seconds. Then, put it back in your lens case and move on to the other eye.
What are the symptoms of an eye infection?
Having a firm understanding of eye infection symptoms is crucial for anyone who regularly wears contact lenses. Some of these symptoms include:
- Inflammation and redness in your eye
- Ocular discomfort
- Light sensitivity
- Teary eyes
- Fluid coming out of your eyes
- Fuzzy vision
- The feeling of something floating in your eye
Please speak to your local doctor if you experience any of these symptoms.
Bottom line
Eye health depends on inserting and removing contact lenses properly and safely. Always wash your hands before handling them, be generous with your contact lens solution before and after wear, and contact a doctor if you experience any symptoms such as redness, swelling, blurry vision, eye pain, or discharge.
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