Struggling to insert contact lenses? You're not alone, 8 out of 10 first-timers find it challenging initially. The good news? Most people master how to put contact lens in within 3-7 days with the right technique. This comprehensive guide shows three proven methods with step-by-step instructions, plus solutions for common problems. Whether you have a strong blink reflex, long nails, or fear touching your eyes, one of these methods will work for you.
Before You Start: Essential Preparation
Proper preparation is crucial for successful contact lens insertion. Having everything ready before you begin reduces frustration and helps you focus on the technique.
What You'll Need
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Your contact lenses in their case
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Fresh contact lens solution
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Clean, lint-free towel (avoid fluffy towels that leave fibres)
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Well-lit mirror (natural daylight is best)
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Clean hands with no moisturizer residue
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Optional: Rewetting drops for comfort
Pro tip: Set up near a bathroom sink or clean counter surface. If you drop a lens, a clean surface makes retrieval easier.
The 3-Step Hygiene Routine
Step 1: Wash hands thoroughly Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Rinse completely to remove all soap residue and dry with a lint-free towel. Avoid moisturizing soaps as residue can irritate your eyes or cloud your lenses.
Step 2: Check lens orientation (Bowl Test) Place the lens on your fingertip and hold it up to the light. A correct lens forms a perfect bowl shape with smooth edges curving inward—like a cup that could hold water. An inside-out lens has edges that flare outward, resembling a shallow dish. This is crucial because inside-out lenses are uncomfortable and won't provide clear vision.
Step 3: Inspect for damage Check the lens carefully for tears, rips, debris, or deposits. Never insert a damaged lens as it can scratch your cornea. If you see any particles, rinse gently with contact lens solution. Never use tap water.
Always start with the same eye (typically your right eye) to avoid accidentally mixing left and right lenses, especially if you have different prescriptions for each eye.
Method 1: Classic Index Finger Technique
Best for: Steady hands, short-medium nails, average blink reflex
This is the most common method for learning how to put in a contact lens and works well for approximately 60% of first-time wearers.
6 Simple Steps
Place lens on fingertip: Put the lens on your dominant index finger. Double-check it's right-side-out using the bowl test.
Hold eyelids open securely: Use your non-dominant hand's middle finger to hold your upper eyelid against your eyebrow. Use your dominant hand's middle finger to pull down your lower eyelid, creating maximum opening.
Look straight ahead or slightly upward: Keep both eyes open. Looking up slightly can reduce your natural blink reflex.
Gently place lens on eye centre: Bring the lens slowly toward your eye and place it gently on the centre of your iris. Don't push hard—simply rest the lens on your eye and let natural moisture help it adhere.
Release lower lid first, then upper: Slowly release your lower eyelid first, then your upper eyelid. This prevents the lens from popping out.
Blink gently to settle: Blink 2-3 times. The lens will naturally center itself. Look around in all directions to ensure comfort and clear vision.
Common Mistakes and Solutions
Lens sticks to finger: Your finger is too wet. After placing the lens on your finger, lightly dab it on the clean towel to remove excess moisture.
Blinking too soon: Pull your lids further apart, and try looking up at the ceiling rather than straight ahead.
Pushing too hard: The lens should rest gently. Think of it like a water droplet—it wants to stick naturally without force.
Method 2: Two-Handed Technique (For Strong Blinkers)
Best for: People who blink excessively, smaller eyes, those who struggled with Method 1 Success rate: 73% of people who struggled with Method 1 succeed with this
Why This Works
Both hands secure your eyelids firmly BEFORE the lens approaches. This prevents reflexive blinking since your eyelids are already held open.
Key Steps
Secure both eyelids first: Place middle fingers on upper and lower eyelids. Pull both lids very wide apart before picking up the lens.
Pick up lens with index finger: While maintaining eyelid hold, balance the lens on your dominant index finger.
Approach from angle: Come from slightly below at 30-degree angle rather than straight on.
Place lens off-centre: You can place the lens on the white part of your eye—it self-centres when you blink.
Release both lids: Let go simultaneously, look around, and blink several times.
Method 3: "Look Away" Technique (For Eye-Touch Anxiety)
Best for: Fear of touching eyes, strong squinting reflex, anxiety about seeing finger approach Advantage: You don't see what you're doing, dramatically reducing anxiety
How It Works
Look hard to one side: Turn gaze far left (for right lens) or right (for left lens). Keep looking away, don't peek.
Place lens on side of eye: While maintaining gaze, place lens on visible white part of your eye.
Look back to center: Slowly move gaze straight ahead. The lens travels with your eye.
Blink and check: Blink several times. Lens settles into correct position.
Progression tip: Use Method 3 for Days 1-3 to build confidence, then transition to Method 2 or 1 for more control.
Common Problems and Solutions
Lens Sticks to Finger: Dry finger completely. Add solution to lens. Approach from below.
Can’t Stop Blinking: If blinking prevents insertion or removal, look up at the ceiling and use removal Method 2 or 3. Practice holding your eyelids open without a lens to improve control.
Discomfort or Pain: Mild awareness or slight dryness can be normal at first. Warning signs include sharp pain, persistent blurred vision, or significant redness. Check whether the lens is inside out, rinse it, reinsert, and use lubricating drops. Remove the lens immediately if pain continues.
Lens Inside-Out: Use the “bowl test.” A correctly oriented lens forms a smooth bowl shape; flared or outward edges indicate it is inside out. Remove the lens, flip it, rinse, and reinsert.
Lens Keeps Moving: This may be caused by poor fit, dry eyes, or eye rubbing. Use rewetting drops and re-center the lens by looking in the direction it has moved.
Dropped Lens: Slide the lens off the surface rather than pinching it. Rinse thoroughly before reuse. If a daily lens touches a dirty surface, discard it. For monthly lenses, perform a deep clean before reinsertion.
Your First Week Timeline
Day 1: 10-30 minutes. Frustrating, multiple attempts
Days 2-3: 5-15 minutes. Building muscle memory
Days 4-5: 3-8 minutes. Turning point, some quick successes
Days 6-7: 2-5 minutes. Consistent success
Week 2+: 1-2 minutes. Becomes automatic
Remember: One eye will be easier than the other—this is completely normal.
Expert Tips from UK Optometrists
Time-Saving Tips
The best time to handle contact lenses is in the morning, when your eyes are well rested.
Use natural daylight whenever possible, as it provides optimal visibility. Sitting down is easier for beginners and helps with stability. Start with your easier eye first to build confidence and consistency.
Essential Hygiene Rules
Never use tap water on contact lenses, sleep in them unless they are approved for extended wear, swim or shower while wearing lenses, share lenses, or top up old solution.
Always wash your hands before handling lenses, use fresh solution each time, replace your lens case every three months, and strictly follow the recommended lens replacement schedule.
When to Get Professional Help
Contact your optometrist if:
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No success after 2+ weeks practice
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Persistent pain during/after insertion
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Constant redness or irritation
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Physical limitations making insertion impossible
They offer: Free insertion training, insertion tools for long nails/arthritis, different lens types, alternative solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to learn how to put contact lenses in?
Most people master insertion within 3-7 days. First attempt may take 20-30 minutes, but by week 1 end, typically under 5 minutes.
Should it hurt to put in a contact lens?
No, slight awareness is normal, but pain indicates something's wrong (inside-out, dirty, or poor fit). Remove immediately if you experience pain.
What if I can't touch my eye?
Use Method 3 (Look Away). About 90% overcome eye-touch anxiety within a few days of practice.
Why does the lens stick to my finger?
Finger too wet or lens too dry. Dry finger thoroughly. Ensure lens has solution on it.
Can you wear contact lenses with a strong blink reflex?
Yes! Method 2 is designed for this. Look up instead of straight ahead. Reflex decreases with practice.
How do I know if my contact lens is inside out?
Bowl test: smooth bowl = correct, flared edges = wrong. Inside-out lenses feel uncomfortable.
I dropped my lens, what should I do?
Clean surface: slide to pick up, rinse with solution. Dirty surface: discard if daily disposable.
Can I put contact lenses in with long nails?
Yes, but harder. Use finger pads not tips, try Method 2, or get insertion tools from optician.
Learning how to put a contact lens in takes 3-7 days for most people. Use Method 1 (Classic) for average reflexes, Method 2 (Two-Handed) if you blink excessively, or Method 3 (Look Away) if you fear touching your eyes. Always wash hands, check orientation with bowl test, and practice daily. Within 1-2 weeks, insertion becomes quick and automatic.
