For someone new to contact lens wear, insertion and removal can take some practice. These are general guidelines to help with the wear and care of your contact lenses however contact lens brands, cleaning solutions and wearing times can differ so be sure to always follow specific recommendations from your optometrist.

 

Inserting Contact Lenses

1. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Dry completely with a lint-free towel or paper towel.

2. Place lens on the dry, clean index finger of your dominant hand. Check lens to be sure that it is not inside out (the edges should appear rounded like a bowl).

3. Using your non-dominant hand, gently pull up upper eyelid and hold in place. Use the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down lower lid.

4. Keeping both eyes open, look up slightly and gently place lens on the lower white part of the eye. Do not force or press the lens onto the eye, as this will cause the lens to fold up and be rejected.

5. Release lower lid first and look down, up right and left to center the lens. Release upper lid and blink several times. It may take about 30 seconds for the lens to settle completely.

6. Rinse case with fresh contact lens solution. Leave case open and overturned to air dry.

 

Removing Contact Lenses

1. Wash hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap. Dry completely with a lint-free towel or paper towel.

2. Using your non-dominant hand, gently pull up upper eyelid and hold in place. Use the middle or ring finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down lower lid.

3. Place index finger of dominant hand on lower edge of lens and slide lens down to white of eye.

4. Squeeze lens between index finger and thumb and remove gently. If edges of lens stick together, place a few drops of contact lens solution directly on the lens and rub gently until edges separate.

5. Disinfect and store lenses as directed.

 

Cleaning and Storing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses should only be cleaned with the appropriate disinfecting contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist.
Water, saline solution, rewetting drops or saliva should not be used to clean lenses as they do not provide the necessary disinfecting properties and can lead to the transfer of harmful bacteria.

1. Using the recommended solution, rinse lens for five seconds on each side.

2. Gently rub lens in the palm of your hand for roughly 10-15 seconds.

3. Repeat step one to rinse away loosened debris.

4. Store in clean case with fresh solution. Never re-use or “top-up” used solution.
*note: refer to manufacturer’s directions for appropriate storage times.

Helpful Tips and Tricks for Contact Lens Wear

1. A significant percentage of the weight of a contact lens is water. For this reason, contact lenses have a stronger affinity to wet surfaces. If you’re having trouble transferring the lens from your finger to your eye, the tip of your finger may be too wet. Try drying the end of your index finger by wiping it on your clean wrist before placing lens.

2. If you are having trouble removing the lens, place a few drops of solution on end of finger. As mentioned above, contact lenses have an affinity to wet surfaces so this may help the lens stick to your finger.

3. Avoid the use of lotions or moisturizing soaps before inserting or removing contacts. These products can leave a residue on the hands that can be transferred to the lenses.

4. When inserting contact lenses over a sink, close or cover the drain. If the lens falls into the sink, clean and disinfect lens before re-inserting.

5. Always handle the same lens first to prevent mixing up right and left lenses.