Learning how to put in contact lenses properly is essential for millions of people seeking clear vision and freedom from glasses. Whether you're a first-time wearer or looking to refine your technique, mastering contact lens insertion prevents common problems and ensures comfortable, safe wear.
This comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and solutions to avoid the complications that cause nearly 50% of new contact lens users to give up.
Why Proper Contact Lens Insertion Matters
The way you insert your contact lenses affects both your comfort and eye health. Improper insertion can lead to irritation, scratched corneas, or eye infections. According to the American Optometric Association, contact lens-related complications send thousands of people to eye doctors annually – many of which could be prevented with proper handling techniques.
When inserted correctly, contact lenses should feel virtually unnoticeable. If you feel discomfort, something likely went wrong during insertion, and the guide below will help you troubleshoot the issue.
How To Put In Contact Lens
Whether you're a first-time contact lens user or looking to improve your technique, following these professionally-recommended steps ensures comfortable wear and protects your eye health.
Step 1: Wash your hands properly
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water (but don't use soaps that have added oils or fragrances as they can stick to the surface of the lens). Dry with a lint-free towel or clean paper towel. Avoid regular bath towels that may leave fibers on your hands.
Step 2: Remove the lens safely from storage
Gently shake the lens storage case to loosen the contact lens if it is sticking to the container. Carefully slide the lens into your palm using your fingertips (not your nails) to handle the lens. Your nails can tear or puncture the delicate lens material.
Step 3: Rinse the lens properly
Fully rinse the lens with contact lens solution (do not use tap water to rinse the lens as it contains harmful bacteria and chemicals). Use multipurpose solution or saline specifically designed for contact lenses.
Step 4: Inspect and position the lens
Place the contact lens on the tip of your pointer (index) or middle finger of your dominant hand (the hand you write with). Look closely at the lens to check for torn or damaged areas—if damaged, discard immediately. Make sure the lens is right-side-out: if the lens forms a bowl and the edges turn up, it is ready to be placed on the eye. If the lens looks like a lid with edges turned out, it needs to be reversed.
Step 5: Open your eyelids wide
Hold your upper eyelid open with your other (non-dominant) hand while looking in the mirror. Hold down your lower eyelid with your middle or ring finger of the dominant hand (whichever finger is not holding the contact lens). Alternatively, you may use your thumb and fingers of your non-dominant hand to open your upper and lower eyelids very wide instead.
Step 6: Place the lens on your eye
Place the lens on your eye (you can look in front of you or up toward the ceiling while putting the lens in). Move slowly and steadily—don't rush this step. The lens will naturally adhere to your eye's moisture.
Step 7: Let the lens settle
Close your eyes slowly and roll them in a full circle to help settle the lens properly in place. You may also gently massage your closed eyelid to eliminate air bubbles. Then open your eyes and gently blink a few times. Look in a mirror to see if the lens is centered on your eye.
How to Remove Contact Lens
While insertion gets most attention, proper removal is equally important:
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Wash hands thoroughly using the same procedure as for insertion
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Ensure lens is centered on your eye before attempting removal
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Look upward while using your middle finger to pull down lower eyelid
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Gently touch the lower edge of the lens with your index finger
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Slide the lens downward off the cornea onto the white of your eye
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Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger to remove
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Place immediately in solution or discard if using daily disposables
For rigid lenses, the technique differs slightly – use a suction tool or the special "lid pinch" method your eye care professional can demonstrate.
Last Check After Put In Contact Lenses
If you experience any of these issues after insertion, take action immediately:
Persistent Discomfort: Remove the lens, rinse with fresh solution, and reinsert. If discomfort continues, the lens may be damaged and should be replaced.
Blurred Vision: Check that the lens is not inside out, has the correct prescription, and is free from deposits or damage.
Redness or Irritation: Remove the lens and allow your eye to rest. If symptoms persist, consult your eye care professional.
Lens Movement: Excessive lens movement indicates a poor fit. Consult your eye care professional for a proper fitting.
Safety Considerations and Best Practices
Beyond the mechanics of insertion, follow these critical safety guidelines:
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Never use tap water, saliva, or anything other than approved contact solution with your lenses
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Replace your contact lens case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup
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Always carry a backup pair of glasses in case lens issues arise
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Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear
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Remove lenses immediately if you experience pain, redness, or vision changes
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Attend all scheduled eye exams to monitor eye health
According to research published in the Journal of Optometry, contact lens wearers who follow proper hygiene protocols have significantly fewer complications than those who take shortcuts.
Special Considerations for Different Lens Types
Different lens types require slightly modified techniques:
Soft Contact Lenses
Most common today, these flexible lenses:
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Can fold slightly during insertion without damage
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May require more moisture to prevent sticking to fingers
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Should be inserted with a gentle touch to avoid tearing
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
These firmer lenses require a different approach:
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Place directly on the colored part of your eye (the iris)
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May require special insertion tools or wetting drops
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Often need a period of adaptation as they feel more noticeable
Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
These orientation-specific lenses:
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Often have markings to indicate correct positioning
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May need to rotate slightly on your eye to find the correct position
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Require verification that markings are in the proper position after insertion
Essential Supplies for Proper Lens Insertion
Before attempting to insert your contact lenses, gather these necessary supplies:
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Contact lenses: Either new daily disposables or properly cleaned reusable lenses
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Contact lens solution: For rinsing and storing (not needed for dailies)
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Contact lens case: For storing reusable lenses when not in use
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Clean towel: Lint-free is preferable
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Mirror: Ideally at eye level
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Rewetting drops: Optional but helpful for dry eyes
Having everything prepared before you begin prevents contamination risks from searching for items mid-process. For those using prescription contact lenses, keeping your prescription information accessible is also important.
Building Your Contact Lens Routine
Consistency creates comfort with contact lenses. Establish a daily routine:
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Morning insertion: Put lenses in at approximately the same time each day
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Regular breaks: Follow your doctor's recommendations for wearing time
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Evening removal: Always remove lenses before sleeping (unless specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses)
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Weekly maintenance: Deep clean lenses weekly if using bi-weekly or monthly lenses
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Replacement schedule: Follow the prescribed replacement schedule exactly
This routine becomes second nature with practice – most experienced wearers can insert lenses in seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to stop blinking when putting in contacts
To avoid blinking when inserting contact lenses, hold your eyelids open with your fingers, practice looking at the mirror and focusing on the contact lens placement, and try to relax your eye muscles. It's also helpful to practice with clean hands and to gently tap your eye with your finger to desensitize the blink reflex.
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Is it normal for lenses to feel uncomfortable at first?
You may feel mild awareness of the lens initially, but not pain or irritation. True discomfort indicates something is wrong with the fit or insertion.
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Can I wear makeup with contact lenses?
Yes, but insert lenses before applying makeup and remove them before removing makeup to prevent contamination. Oil-free, hypoallergenic makeup is recommended.
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What if I tear a lens during insertion?
Discard torn lenses immediately as they can damage your eye. Always have a spare pair available.
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How can I tell if my lens is inside out?
Place the lens on your fingertip and look at its profile from the side. If it forms a perfect "U" shape, it's correct. If the edges flare outward (like a rimmed soup bowl), it's inside out.
In case your contact lenses is loose and keep sliding or moving when you blink you can check more detail in our article about Why Contact Keep Moving and how to fix
With practice and patience, inserting contact lenses becomes a quick, simple part of your daily routine. By following these detailed steps and safety guidelines, you'll ensure not only successful insertion but also long-term eye health and comfort with your contact lenses.
Conclusion:
Learning to insert contact lenses is a skill that improves with practice. Most new wearers master the technique within a week, though some may take longer. Your eye care professional can provide hands-on guidance during your fitting appointment.
Remember that your proficiency will increase dramatically with consistent practice. Many long-term wearers can insert lenses in just seconds without a mirror after years of experience.
