How to put in contact lenses

Medically reviewed by Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts on 31/03/2023.

• Putting your contact lenses in
• How to remove contact lenses
• Extra Tips
• FAQ’s

As the UK’s one of the most popular online contact lens retailers, we offer a wide variety of options for individuals who opt for a more comfortable alternative to glasses. And of course, we wouldn’t sell you our lenses without giving you guidance on how to properly insert, remove and take care of them.

Applying your contacts, the wrong way can often result in redness, irritation, damage, discomfort and even pain for your eyes. To avoid this, we’ve created a handy step-by-step guide with everything you need to know about how to apply and remove your lenses safely.

Putting your contact lenses in

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap or liquid hand wash.
2. Use a lint-free towel or hard tissue paper to dry your hands. It’s important to dry your hands because you should avoid any water coming into contact with your lenses. Avoid soft tissues, toilet paper or anything that breaks apart easily, the particles could transfer onto your fingers and may cause irritation.

3. Remove the contact lens from the packaging or case and place it on the tip of your forefinger and hold it up to the light. If the edges flare out, it's inside out. Some lenses have a 1, 2, 3; indicator — if the digits are backwards then the lens is inside out. The lens should look like a bowl with straight edges. Also check that it is not damaged before inserting.

   

4. Now that the lens in ready to apply, position yourself in front of a mirror. Make sure the lens is on the tip of your forefinger on your dominant hand (the hand you use for writing).Using your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid up. Pull down the lower eyelid with the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand. If you can, try to look in the mirror and place the lens on the lower white part of your eye. Look down into the lens, slowly let go of your lower lid and then release the upper lid and slowly close your eyes. Keep them closed for 2-3 seconds and then slowly open them. This will centre the lens on your eye. If you feel air bubbles, sometimes you can see them, close your eye and move it from side to side. You can also close the eyelid and gently massage over the lens, in a circular motion.

How to remove contact lenses

1. Again, make sure to wash and dry your hands well. This is to ensure no water touches your lenses and it’s much easier to take out your contact lenses if your fingers are dry.
2. As before, use your non-dominant hand to hold open your upper eyelid. Look up and use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Use your index finger to slide the lens on to the lower white part of your eye. Pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger. Gently remove the lens from your eye.
3. If it is a daily disposable lens, make sure you throw it away. If using a two weekly or monthly lens, clean the lenses and carefully place them inside a contact lens case filled with fresh solution. Never re-use old solution for storage.

Extra Tips

• Don’t feel frustrated if you’re unsuccessful the first few times you try to wear your lenses. Some people struggle initially, but it quickly becomes second nature. Practice and perseverance are the key to success! Your optician should make sure you are able to safely apply and remove your contact lenses, before issuing your prescription.
• Air bubbles under the surface of the lens can cause a little discomfort. Close your eye and roll the lens gently to rid it of any air bubbles. Make sure you do not rub your eyes too hard as this can cause the contact lens to move around or even fall out of the eye.
• Eye drops can be used to add comfort while inserting the lenses, simply place a drop inside the lens before applying the lens on the eye.
• Give your eyes a few minutes to adjust to the lenses. If you’ve haven’t worn lenses for a long time, you may feel some initial discomfort and experience some light watering of the eye initially.
• Keeping your nails short and clean will make inserting and removing your lenses much easier.
• Perfume-free, anti-bacterial liquid wash is highly recommended. Remember to avoid anything that may cause irritation and wash all remnants of soap from your hands, paying close attention to your fingers and dry them thoroughly before application and removal of your lenses.

FAQ’s

What if my lenses are torn or damaged?

If the sterile blister package is opened or damaged, do not use the lenses. Don’t ever wear torn or damaged lenses. They cause more harm than good and are not recommended for maintaining good long term eye health. If your lens has torn or split in the eye, read our guide on how to get a broken lens out of your eye.

How can I tell if my contact lenses are inside out?

Most lenses will sit in their natural shape but sometimes they may be inside out. If you notice excessive lens movement when you blink or if your vision is blurred, the lens may be folded or inside out. See our guide to figure out if your contact lens is inside out.

How do I handle a dropped contact lens?

Good compliance with contact lens wear is vital to ensure you keep your eyes healthy and in good condition. If you drop your lens, ideally, you should throw it away and get a new one to reduce risk of contracting any problems. If this is not possible, make sure to at least rinse, disinfect and inspect the lens carefully before insertion.

Is it safe to clean and store my contact lenses in water?

No, absolutely not! Never use water instead of contact lens solution, and don’t be tempted to use saliva either as you may transfer bacteria from your mouth to your eyes. We recommend our bestselling comfi All-in-One solution. This great value, multi-purpose solution can be used for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and storing your solutions, eliminating the need for multiple products.

What do I do if I’ve slept in my lenses?

If you’ve fallen asleep in your lenses, do not try to take them out immediately. Drink some water to re-hydrate yourself and use rewetting eye drops. After 5-10 minutes your eyes should feel rehydrated. Gently remove your contacts. If your eyes don’t feel right, seek advice from your optician. In case of an emergency, you can visit your local Accident and Emergency department. Never wear your lenses beyond the amount of time recommended by your optician.