How to Properly Insert and Remove Contact Lenses
Are you new to wearing contact lenses? Learning how to insert and remove them correctly is crucial for maintaining eye health and comfort. While some can pick up this skill easily, for others, it might require guidance and practice. If you lens tech or optician who helped you with your prescription, they are your best resource for ensuring you fully understand the process.
Preparing to Put in Contact Lenses
Before handling your contact lenses, it's essential to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This ensures you don't transfer dirt or bacteria to your eyes, which can cause irritation or infections. Avoid using hand sanitizers; they may leave residues on your hands that could interfere with the lenses.
Make sure to wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. It's also a good idea to remove any jewelry, such as rings or bracelets, as these can snag the lenses and cause them to tear or become misshapen.
Inserting Contact Lenses
To insert your contact lenses, follow these steps:
Wash your hands with soap and water and dry them thoroughly.
Pull down the lower eyelid with the index finger of your dominant hand while pulling up the upper eyelid with the index finger of your other hand.
Use your free hand to place the contact lens onto the lower white of your eye (this is known as the sclera).
Let go of the eyelids and close your eye gently.
Blink a few times to adjust the position of the lens.
Repeat these steps for the other eye.
It's also a good idea to practice these steps in front of a mirror to get a better view of the process.
Removing Contact Lenses
To remove your contact lenses, ensure your hands are clean and dry. Follow these steps:
Rinse your contact lens with sterile saline solution in its storage case before removing it.
Use your dominant hand to hold your eyelids apart.
Use the thumb and forefinger pads of your other hand to gently pinch the lens off the cornea.
Wash the lens in cleaning solution and store it in a fresh case.
For those wearing hard contact lenses, you might need to stretch your eyelids tightly and blink to help dislodge the lens, which you can then catch with your hand.
It's important to follow a systematic approach to lens insertion and removal. Consistent practice and thorough cleaning will help ensure your eyes remain healthy and your lenses are used to their best advantage.
Additional Tips
Consider a few additional tips for lens care to enhance your experience:
Order tinted lenses: If you drop your lenses, tinted options make them much easier to locate.
Keep nails short: Short nails reduce the risk of scratching your cornea during the insertion and removal process.
Avoid rubbing your eyes: This can lead to discomfort and infection. If your eyes feel dry or irritated, use soothing eyedrops before removing your lenses.
Use the bathroom for lens care: Visibility is crucial, and a clean, dry surface is necessary for placing and removing lenses.
Close the sink drain: If you drop a lens, it can get stuck in the drain, so make sure to close it.
Remember, your optometrist is a valuable resource to help you become proficient. Make a point to ask about proper insertion and removal techniques, and don't hesitate to practice until you feel confident in your abilities.
Proper care and handling of your contact lenses are essential for optimal vision and eye health. With practice and adherence to these guidelines, you can enjoy a comfortable and safe contact lens wearing experience.