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
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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
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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
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Once you are wearing your contacts, taking them out is straightforward. See our guide on how to take out contact lenses.