Handling contact lenses can be a little daunting at first. But don’t worry – before long you won’t think twice about putting them in and taking them out, it is like learning to ride a bike you do it once and its with you forever.
CAREFULLY REMOVE THE LENS FROM THE PACKAGE
- Make sure your hands are clean and dry
- In a well-lit area, spread out a clean soft cloth or towel and if possible use an adjustable magnifying mirror
- Get into the habit of applying your right lens first. This will help ensure that you put the correct lens in each eye
- Carefully slide the lens up the ramp and out of its package with your finger until it is free
Check the lens
- With the lens on the tip of your finger, have a good look at it. It should be a regular semicircular shape. If the lens edge has a lip, it is probably inside out
- If the lens is inside out, place it in the palm of your hand, add a few drops of solution and gently turn the lens the right way round
- Never put the lens in your eye if it is torn
Start with the right eye
- Look straight ahead into a mirror and hold the upper lid eyelashes firmly against the brow with the first finger on your left hand
- Using the middle finger of the right hand, pull the lower lid down
- Watching in the mirror with your left eye, bring the lens toward your right eye
- Place the lens gently over the iris, so that all the edges of the lens are in contact with the eye
- Blink gently a couple of times to establish good vision
- When you are sure that the lens is properly in place, repeat the procedure for your left lens
Once you are wearing your contacts, taking them out is straightforward. See our guide on how to take out contact lenses.