Step-by-Step: How to Put on Contact Lenses Correctly (Beginner-Friendly Guide)

April 26, 2025 Thắng Đàm Quyết

Contact lenses provide vision correction with freedom from glasses, but proper insertion is crucial for comfort, safety, and eye health. Whether you're a first-time wearer or looking to refine your technique, this comprehensive guide will walk you through every aspect of correctly putting on contact lenses.

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.

Understanding Contact Lens Basics

Before diving into the insertion process, it's crucial to understand what you're working with. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on the surface of your eye. They come in various types:

Daily disposables: Worn once and discarded
Bi-weekly or monthly lenses: Used for longer periods with proper cleaning
Toric lenses: Designed for astigmatism
Colored contact lenses: Change or enhance eye color, like those from bella colored contact lenses

Each contact lens has an inside and outside surface – similar to a bowl shape. When correctly positioned, the lens forms a perfect shallow bowl. If inside-out, the edges flare out more noticeably. Understanding this distinction is essential for comfortable wear.

Preparation

Before your fingers get anywhere near your eyes or lenses, these crucial preparation steps set the stage for successful insertion:

1. Create a Clean Environment

Always insert your lenses in the same clean location, away from:

Running water sources (which can harbor bacteria)
Fans or vents (which can blow debris onto lenses)
Dusty surfaces or humid bathrooms

A clean, flat surface with a clean towel provides an ideal workspace. If a lens falls, you'll be able to find it against the contrasting background.

2. Thorough Hand Washing

Proper hand washing is non-negotiable and should follow these steps:

Use fragrance-free soap (residue from scented soaps can irritate eyes)
Wash for at least 20 seconds, cleaning between fingers and under nails
Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue
Dry with a lint-free towel or paper towel (cloth towels can leave fibers on your fingers)

Hand sanitizer is not a substitute for washing, as residue can cause severe burning if transferred to your eye.

3. Lens Preparation

Before handling your lenses:

Ensure your nails are short and smooth (long nails can damage lenses or scratch your eye)
Shake your lens case gently to free a lens that might be stuck
Always start with the same eye (typically your dominant eye) to avoid mixing up lenses with different prescriptions

4. Check Your Lens

Before insertion, perform this quick lens check:

Place the lens on your fingertip and hold it up to the light
Ensure the lens forms a perfect bowl shape (like a tiny soup bowl)
If edges flare outward (resembling a flower), the lens is inside out
Look for any tears, debris, or deposits
Rinse with contact solution if needed

A properly oriented soft contact lens should form a smooth curve, like the letter "U." An inside-out lens will have edges that flare out slightly and show more defined edge markings.

How to Put on Contact Lenses: Step-by-Step

Now for the main event—placing the lens correctly on your eye:

1. Positioning the Lens

Place the contact lens on the pad of your dominant hand's index finger (or whichever finger feels most comfortable). The lens should form a perfect bowl, with edges curving upward.

If using fingertips feels difficult, some beginners find success with the "tripod method" – using three fingers to hold the lens, which provides more stability.

2. Eye and Hand Positioning

Proper eye and hand positioning creates the ideal scenario for successful insertion:

Stand in front of a mirror at eye level
Use your non-dominant hand's middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid
Use your dominant hand's middle finger or ring finger to pull up your upper eyelid
Hold eyelids against the orbital bone (the hard rim around your eye), not just the lashes
Keep both eyes open during insertion, which helps prevent excessive blinking

Think of creating a "landing pad" for your lens by fully exposing the surface of your eye.

3. The Approach and Placement

The final approach requires steady hands and proper positioning:

Look up toward the ceiling or at a fixed point on the wall (this reduces your blink reflex)
Slowly bring the lens toward your eye from a slight angle (not directly head-on)
Place the lens on the white part of your eye (the sclera), just below your iris
The lens will naturally move into correct position centered on your iris
Gently release your lower eyelid first, then your upper eyelid
Close your eye momentarily to allow the lens to settle
Blink several times slowly to center the lens

If you find your eye blinking reflexively, try this technique used by contact lens specialists: approach from the side of your eye rather than directly in front, which triggers less of a blink response.

Ensuring Proper Lens Placement

After inserting your lens, verify it's sitting correctly:

Close your eyes momentarily to let the lens settle
Rotate your eye in different directions to center the lens if needed
Gently press on your closed eyelid to eliminate any air bubbles
Check your vision clarity – blurriness may indicate the lens is inside out or has debris
Look in the mirror to visually confirm the lens is centered on your iris

A properly inserted lens should feel comfortable, provide clear vision, and be virtually unnoticeable after a few minutes.

How to Remove Contact Lens

While insertion gets most attention, proper removal is equally important:

Wash hands thoroughly using the same procedure as for insertion
Ensure lens is centered on your eye before attempting removal
Look upward while using your middle finger to pull down lower eyelid
Gently touch the lower edge of the lens with your index finger
Slide the lens downward off the cornea onto the white of your eye
Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger to remove
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.

Troubleshooting After Insertion

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:

Never use tap water, saliva, or anything other than approved contact solution with your lenses
Replace your contact lens case every three months to prevent bacterial buildup
Always carry a backup pair of glasses in case lens issues arise
Never sleep in lenses unless specifically prescribed for overnight wear
Remove lenses immediately if you experience pain, redness, or vision changes
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:

Can fold slightly during insertion without damage
May require more moisture to prevent sticking to fingers
Should be inserted with a gentle touch to avoid tearing

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses

These firmer lenses require a different approach:

Place directly on the colored part of your eye (the iris)
May require special insertion tools or wetting drops
Often need a period of adaptation as they feel more noticeable

Toric Lenses for Astigmatism

These orientation-specific lenses:

Often have markings to indicate correct positioning
May need to rotate slightly on your eye to find the correct position
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:

Contact lenses: Either new daily disposables or properly cleaned reusable lenses
Contact lens solution: For rinsing and storing (not needed for dailies)
Contact lens case: For storing reusable lenses when not in use
Clean towel: Lint-free is preferable
Mirror: Ideally at eye level
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:

Morning insertion: Put lenses in at approximately the same time each day
Regular breaks: Follow your doctor's recommendations for wearing time
Evening removal: Always remove lenses before sleeping (unless specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses)
Weekly maintenance: Deep clean lenses weekly if using bi-weekly or monthly lenses
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 long should it take to put in contact lenses?

While beginners might take several minutes per eye, experienced users can insert both lenses in under 30 seconds. Allow yourself 10-15 minutes when first learning.

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.

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.

What if I tear a lens during insertion?

Discard torn lenses immediately as they can damage your eye. Always have a spare pair available.

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.

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.

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