How Do I Put Contacts In?

The idea of seeing perfectly without clunky glasses sitting on your face can be very enticing. However, actually putting in contacts can be difficult, especially for people new to contact lenses. With these tips, you will be able to find the easiest way to put in contacts.

Make Sure Your Contact Lens Is Not Inside Out

"Many of my patients who are just starting out wearing contacts have trouble telling if their contact lens is inside out," says Dr. Wende of Contacts Direct. "The trick is to make sure your contact lens forms a cup when it is on your finger.”

When the top edges of the lens flare out, the contact lens is inside out. Instead, the proper position is when your contact forms a "U" perfectly. You can tell by holding the contact in front of your eyes so that you are looking at the side of the cup. Don't worry if you place your contact inside out in your eye. You will feel some discomfort immediately. Don’t panic; simply remove the contact lens, invert it, and place back into the eye.

Applying Your Contact Lenses

"When my patients ask how to put in contacts, I always tell them that there is a process that starts before you actually put the physical contact in your eye,” says Dr. Wende. He recommends the following steps:

Make sure your hands are thoroughly washed and dried with a lint free towel before applying your contact lenses. Avoid any oily or heavily scented soaps or any products that contain moisturizing components. Lotions or oils can transfer from your fingertips to the contact lens, making it very uncomfortable upon insertion.
Before you open up your contact lenses case, gently shake it to ensure the contacts are not stuck. Gently shaking the case will loosen the contact lenses from any part of the case. If you forget to shake the case and end up pulling the stuck contact away with your fingers, there is a higher chance of damaging the lens.
Place the contact lens into the palm of your hand and rinse with an approved contact lens solution. Your doctor can help you select the right kind. Then, place the contact lens on your index or middle finger.
With your other hand, pull your upper eyelid up and pull down your lower eyelid. Place the contact straight onto your eye, then gently close and roll your eye to make sure the lens has settled into position.
"Your lens should be comfortable and clear,” says Dr. Wende. “If not, just take it out and try again."

Contact Lens Safety Tips

Learning how to put in contacts for the first time can be a little tricky, but after some practice, it becomes second nature. Keep in mind these Do's and Don'ts to make the process a little easier.

DO make sure your contact lenses and storage cases are cleaned and disinfected regularly.
DO replace your contact lenses regularly, according to your doctor's or the manufacturer’s instructions.
DO always rub contact lenses when you clean them, even if using a "no-rub" solution.
DON'T place contact lenses in your mouth or use saliva to wet them.
DON'T "top up" old solution in your contact lens case. Rather, discard the old solution and replace it with fresh solution.
DON’T wear them longer than instructed.

Once you get the hang of taking care of your contact lenses, the process becomes much easier. Your contact lenses will allow you to see perfectly without the weight of glasses on your face. Just be sure to decide which type of contacts are best for you, and you won't want to go back! Explore all the amazing brands from Contacts Direct today!

April 15, 2020