Contact Lenses Wearing, Removing, and Cleaning Tips
•Posted on June 27 2024
How to Wear Contact Lenses
Wearing contact lenses might seem difficult and intimidating at first, but don't worry. With a little practice, it's very simple and painless. To put contact lenses in your eyes, keep your eyelids open and hold them in place to make it easier. When removing the lenses, use a similar method. For the health of your eyes, make sure to use the lenses correctly.
1.How to Wear Contact Lenses
Wash your hands with fragrance-free soap and warm water. Wet your hands, then apply soap and rub for at least 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Dry your hands with a clean microfiber towel to avoid lint.
Always use a clean and dry towel to dry your hands. Microfiber towels are best as they do not leave lint or dust that can get into your lenses. If you don't have a microfiber towel, it's better to air dry your hands if you have sensitive eyes.
2.Open one side of the contact lens case and set the lid aside.
Open only one side of the case at a time to avoid confusing the lenses or accidentally damaging the other lens. Make it a habit to always start with the same side. For example, start with the right eye first and then proceed to the left eye.
3.Use your fingertip to gently slide the lens out of the case.
Tilt the case towards you and gently press the fingertip onto the lens. Once the lens is positioned on your fingertip, slowly remove your finger from the case and place the lens in the palm of your hand.
Do not use your nails to remove the lens as it can damage the lens. Handle the lens carefully as it is delicate. Tip: If the lens gets stuck to the side of the case, gently shake the case to return it to its original position. You can also add more lens solution to keep the lens moist.
4.Rinse the lens with contact lens solution.
Place the lens in the center of your palm and pour the solution over it. Visually inspect the lens for any debris. If there is no debris, you do not need to rub the lens.
If you see debris on the lens, add more solution and gently rub the lens with your fingertip to remove the debris. Never use tap water on your lenses. Always use contact lens solution for cleaning.
5.Place the concave side of the lens on your index finger.
Ensure the lens rests on the fleshy part of your finger, not the nail. The hollow part of the lens should face upward on your finger, and the edges should not touch your hand.
If the edges flare out, the lens is inside out. Place it back in your palm and gently use your fingertip to flip the lens so the correct side is facing outward.
6.If necessary, use the middle finger of your other hand to hold your eye open.
Look in a mirror. Then, gently use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down your lower eyelid. If your eyes are too sensitive to touch, you may need to hold open the upper eyelid as well. Use your other hand to hold the upper eyelid to prevent blinking. This will expose more of your eye and make it easier to insert the lens.
- You only need to hold the upper eyelid if you keep blinking or if your eyes are small. It's common to feel uneasy about putting something in your eye when you first start wearing lenses. Over time, you will likely not need to hold the upper eyelid open.
7.calmly and steadily bring the lens toward your eye.
Avoid sudden movements and try not to blink. Looking upward can help prevent blinking due to reflexes. Additionally, it will be easier to insert the lens if you do not focus on the lens as you bring it to your eye.
Gently place the lens on your iris. Bring the lens close to your eye and lightly press it onto the intended spot. The lens will adhere easily to your eye due to the moisture. Next, remove your hand from your eye.
The lens should sit on the colored part of your eye, the iris. Try to position it directly over this area if possible.
8.Release your eyelids and blink slowly until the lens feels comfortable.
Blink slowly a few times, being careful not to dislodge the lens. Look in the mirror to check that the lens is properly positioned and that your vision is clear. Also, check for any pain or irritation in your eye. It should feel comfortable.
If the lens feels itchy or painful, remove it and clean it thoroughly with lens solution. Then, try inserting the lens again.
Repeat the same process for the other lens. Once both lenses are in your eyes, look around to ensure you can see clearly. When finished, pour the used lens solution from the case into the sink, wash the case, and close it.
Never reuse old lens solution as it increases the risk of eye infections. Always use fresh lens solution
Removing Contact Lenses
1.Wash and dry your hands.
Wet your hands with warm water and wash them with soap for 30 seconds. Rinse thoroughly and dry them with a clean microfiber towel. Be careful not to get any lint from the towel on your hands.
Ensure the towel is clean and completely dry.
2.Pull down your lower eyelid with your finger.
Use your middle finger to expose the lower part of the white of your eye. Keep holding your eyelid while you remove the lens.
- If the lens doesn't seem to be in place, blink a few times to help it return to the iris before attempting to remove it.
3.Touch the lens with your index finger and slide it downwards.
Use the fleshy part of your finger to gently touch the edge of the lens. This should make the lens adhere to your finger. Then, slowly pull the lens downwards. You will feel the lens fold as it reaches the edge of your lower eyelid.
4.Use your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the lens and remove it.
Lightly press around the lens and then take it out of your eye. Be careful not to tear the lens while removing it.
Always use the fleshy parts of your fingers when handling the lens. Avoid using your nails as they can damage the lens.
5.Place the lens in your palm and clean it thoroughly.
Position the lens so that the concave side faces upward in your palm and apply lens cleaning solution. Gently rub both sides of the lens to clean it. Rinse it again with the solution to remove any remaining debris.
- If the lens is old or damaged, dispose of it.
6.Place the lens in the case and fill it with fresh lens solution.
Always store the lens in the correct side of the case. Do not reuse old lens solution; always use fresh solution each time you store your lenses.
7.Repeat the same process to remove the lens from the other eye.
Gently pull down your eyelid and remove the lens from the opposite eye. Clean the lens thoroughly with lens solution and store it in the correct side of the lens case. Fill the lens case with fresh solution and close the lid securely.
Tip: It's important to maintain your lenses by cleaning them daily and storing them in fresh lens solution every day. Eye health is crucial, so always take care to follow these steps diligently.
Proper Lens Cleaning and Storage Methods