How to Put in Contact Lenses: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses; they are a great option for sports, and they also offer a clear field of vision. One of the most important first steps in becoming a contact lens wearer is learning how to put in contact lenses. Many people assume putting in contact lenses is difficult, but it’s not. It may take a bit of practice, but after a few goes, most people get the hang of it. It simply takes some patience and a steady hand.

Allow this guide to help you feel confident in the process of inserting contact lenses. Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts, says, “With a little practice, inserting contact lenses can become a quick and easy part of your daily routine.

How to put contact lenses in for the first time

There are three popular methods of putting in contact lenses, including: applying front-on, side application, and the look-up method.

Here’s a video that demonstrates how to put contact lenses in, utilising each of these methods step-by-step:

Method 1: Applying front-on

Below are some simple and easy steps that you can follow to insert contact lenses using the front-on method:

Step 1: Wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap. Dry with a lint-free towel.

Step 2: Place the lens on the tip of your index finger of your dominant hand.

Step 3: Check that the lens is not inside out. The lens should be shaped like a bowl with no flaring edges.

Step 4: Use your free hand to hold your upper eyelid.

Step 5: Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of the hand holding the lens.

Step 6: While looking straight ahead, gently place the lens on the surface of the eye.

Step 7: Blink repeatedly to allow the lens to settle.

Step 8: Repeat the above steps for the other eye.

Method 2: Apply from the side

If you’re uncomfortable with the thought of touching your eyes and wondering how to put in contact lenses with minimal touching of your eyes, this method could work for you. All you need to do is look in the opposite direction from the lens for the trick to work. Here the steps you should follow:

Step 1: Place the lens on the index finger of your dominant hand.

Step 2: Use your other hand to hold up your eyelashes and upper eyelid.

Step 3: Look towards your nose using the mirror as a reference point.

Step 4: Tilt your head slightly down towards your dominant hand.

Step 5: With the middle finger of the hand holding the lens, pull your lower eyelid down, maximising the white space in the eye.

Step 6: Place the lens on the white part and then look into the lens. The lens will naturally be attracted to the eye.

Step 7: Look left to right and up and down to encourage the lens to settle and remove any air bubbles.

Step 8: Repeat for the other eye.

Method 3: Look up method

This is another popular and easy-to-follow method of putting in contact lenses. Just follow the following steps:

Step 1: Place the lens on the index finger of your dominant hand.

Step 2: Use your other hand to pull up your eyelashes and upper eyelid.

Step 3: Repeat steps 1-3 from the above-mentioned ‘Apply from the side’ method. Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down your lower eyelid to maximise the white space.

Step 4: As the method’s name suggests, look upwards.

Step 5: Quickly place the lens on the white space towards the bottom of your eye.

Step 6: Look down into the lens, and it will naturally be attracted to the surface of the eye.

Step 7: Move your eyes from side to side and up and down to get rid of air bubbles.

Step 8: Repeat for the other eye.

Things to remember: Practice will make you perfect

You may find it difficult to put in your contact lenses at first, and they may initially feel slightly uncomfortable in your eyes. Like everything, however, applying your lenses comes with practice, and your eyes will eventually adjust to having lenses in them, as you become an expert at applying and removing them.

If irritation persists, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. If it doesn’t start to feel better, consult your optician

Most asked questions around how to put in contact lenses

Here are some of the questions that may come to your mind when you are planning to put in contact lenses for the first time:

How long can I wear my contact lenses?

Contact lenses can typically be worn for 8 to 16 hours a day, depending on the type of lenses and individual eye health. Wearing contact lenses for longer than the recommended time can lead to dryness and discomfort. Your optician will provide you with the recommended wearing time based on your lens type and eye health.

Are contact lenses easy to put in and take out?

Applying and removing lenses is easier than you think. It might take a little while, but with practice, you’ll become a pro in no time.

Why won’t my contacts go in?

Ensure your hands are clean and completely dry. A lens will be attracted to wet surfaces (such as the eye), so if your finger is excessively wet, the lens will stick to your finger, rather than to your eye.

How can I tell if my lens is inside out?

The easiest way to check if the lens is sitting the wrong way up is by looking at its shape. The lens should be shaped like a bowl with no flaring edges. Read our detailed guide on ‘How can I tell if my contact lens is inside out’ to learn more.

Can you shower with contacts?

No, showering with contact lenses is not recommended, as there is a risk of contracting serious eye infections such as Acanthamoeba Keratitis.

Still have questions regarding contact lenses and application? Get in touch with our friendly customer service team, who will be more than happy to help you with your queries, or get in touch with your local optician.

Disclaimer: The advice in this article is for informational purposes only and does not replace medical care or an in-person check-up. Please check with an eyecare professional before purchasing any products or remedies. For information on our article review process, please refer to our Editorial Policy.