Contact lenses are a great alternative to glasses. They help you see better and don't fall out when you bend over or play sports. However, if you've never used them, they can be difficult to apply. Here is a guide that will explain how to put them correctly step by step.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Put on Contact Lenses
Step 1. When you are not using them, take proper care of your contact lenses
Basically, there are two things you should do:
- Always store them in a suitable contact lens solution unless you use daily ones. This liquid allows you to wash, rinse and disinfect them.
- Throw them away after the expiration date. Most contact lenses fall under one of the following categories: disposable, weekly, biweekly or monthly. Check the packaging to know when you should throw them away and do not use them beyond the indicated date.
Step 2. Wash your hands with soap
Rinse thoroughly to remove foam residue. Blot it with a normal or electric towel (paper towels or toilet paper may leave traces).
Step 3. Remove a lens from the case
Unless you are missing the same diopters in both eyes, remember to check that it is the right one.
Step 4. Place the lens on the index finger of the dominant hand (handle it carefully, otherwise you could damage it or put it upside down)
Make sure all edges of the lens are up and in a concave position - the sides shouldn't stick to the skin.
- Remember to place the lens on the skin of your index finger, not your fingernail. To make this easier for you, it is best to pour a drop of saline solution on your finger before placing the lens on it.
- If it's a soft lens, make sure you haven't turned it upside down. It seems obvious, but sometimes it's hard to realize.
- After placing the lens on your finger, observe it for tears, missing pieces, lint or specks of dirt. If you notice any powder, rinse it off with the solution.
Step 5. Gently lift the mobile eyelid and, at the same time, lower the fixed one
Use the index finger of the opposite hand to raise the mobile eyelid, while, with the middle finger of the dominant hand (the one you use to put the lens), lower the fixed eyelid. With experience, you will be able to do this by lowering only the fixed eyelid.
Step 6. Bring the lens to your eye calmly and steadily
Try not to blink or make careless movements. You may find it helpful to look up. It is also advisable to avoid focusing on the eye you are putting the lens in, so it will be easier to apply it.
Step 7. Gently rest the lens against your eye
Make sure it is centered on the iris (i.e., the circular, colored part of the eye) by gently sliding it over the eyeball if necessary.
Step 8. Blink your eyelid slowly so that the lens doesn't move
Don't underestimate the sensations of pain or discomfort. If you think you haven't put it right, remove it and clean it well, then try again.
Step 9. Repeat the process with the other lens
After you're done, pour the solution into the sink and close the case.
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Contact Lenses
Step 1. Before doing this, lubricate your eyes with eye drops (optional)
It is not absolutely necessary to repeat the procedure every time, but it definitely helps to remove the lenses if they are not lubricated and do not want any to be taken off. Pour a few drops into your eyes and blink before taking them off.
Step 2. Look up and place the middle finger of the dominant hand under the eye, lowering the fixed eyelid
Step 3. Touch the lens with the index finger of the same hand
Slide the lens towards the white part of the eye.
Step 4. Using your index finger and thumb, gently pinch it and remove it
Put them in the box after filling it with the saline solution, otherwise throw them away if you can no longer use them.
Step 5. Repeat with the other eye, using the same hand to remove the lenses
Step 6. Finished
Advice
- Make sure you put your contact lenses on before you put on makeup to avoid contaminating them with make-up. At the end of the day, take them off before removing your make-up (rubbing could tear or break the lens).
- If you've never used contact lenses before, wear them for only a few hours a day the first few times. Remove them immediately after returning from school or work to rest your eyes. Do you feel them dry throughout the day? Lubricate them with a drop or two of eye drops - no more, otherwise they may slip off.
- If you find it difficult to insert them without blinking, you can practice applying a drop of eye drops on your finger and gently touching the white part of the eye.
- Get a lot of practice. Within a week you should be able to get used to it.
- Not being able to put them on right away can be frustrating. Wait a couple of minutes and give it another try. However, putting the second is always easier.
- Wait for your eyes to adjust to daylight before putting on your lenses. Also, you may want to wash your face to get rid of the mucus that has accumulated and dried next to the tear duct.
- If you lose a contact lens, rinse it well with saline (there are no exceptions). You may want to lean over a sink while putting on your lenses, as it will be easier to find them if you lose them. Just make sure you put the cap on before you start. It is also useful to have a clean mirror, preferably a magnifying one.
- Exposing your eyes to smoke or water (in the shower, lake or pool) could irritate them. If you do it for a moment, just close them; if the exposure is longer, it is better to wear goggles.
- If you think contact lenses don't fit the shape of your eye, talk to your doctor, who will likely prescribe a certain brand or type of lens. Remember that you need to have a regular check-up to keep your prescription updated.
- In the beginning it is easier to put contact lenses in front of the mirror; with a little practice you will be able to do it even without it. You can also try looking at the reflection in the lens itself to guide your finger.
- At first it is easier to try putting on contact lenses with the supervision of the optometrist or ophthalmologist. It is usually necessary; be wary of those who prescribe lenses without teaching you how to fit them.
- You may be scared to put on contact lenses, but it's really easy (especially if you do it by looking sideways and then placing the lens in the center of the eye). Nothing in the other world.
- If you apply the lens with dry fingers, it will adhere better, and it will be easier to put it on.
- Some contact lenses have the number 123, which indicates whether they are in the right position or inside out. Check them to make sure. If you see this figure, then they are not upside down.
Warnings
- Never rinse your lenses with tap water. This will only make them dirty (or dry them out more than before). Water, whether tap or purified, often contains harmful chemicals and bacteria.
- If you start to notice pain or discomfort even after removing your lenses, talk to your eye doctor.
- When skiing or snowboarding with lenses, wear goggles, otherwise they may stick to your eyes. If this happens, go to the optometrist right away.
- If you feel discomfort after inserting your lenses, take them off immediately and rinse them with saline. If it should be useless, keep them in the case and consult your ophthalmologist.
- If your eyes are dry, sore or red, Not put on contact lenses.
- Do not put the lenses upside down or if they have small tears or breaks.
- Never use a hand sanitizer gel before putting on or taking off your lenses (wash your hands).
- Always take them off before going to sleep, unless your doctor has prescribed the ones you can keep while you sleep. Going to bed with lenses saves you time, but can cause a corneal ulcer in the eye. If they are sensitive, it will happen right away, causing pain and photophobia the next day. However, you can suffer from it even though you don't have any particular sensitivity problems. If you have to, throw them away before going to sleep. Don't have the case? Pour the saline solution into a sterile container. Try to always carry prescription eyeglasses (even sunglasses) with you, so you can use them if you lose your lenses, throw them away or have difficulty bearing them, especially initially.
- Contact lenses require more careful maintenance than glasses. You have to clean and store them every night. On the other hand, glasses can bother you while playing sports or doing other daily activities. Thoroughly weigh the pros and cons before moving on to lenses.
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If you want to wear makeup, remember to do it after putting on your contact lenses, so as not to get them dirty. Before removing them, wash your hands, then you can remove your make-up and cleanse your face.
- Try to use only makeup that is not harmful to the eyes and opt for cream eyeshadows, not powders. If you really have to use them, close your eyes well before applying them and reopen them after brushing off the excesses.
- Make sure you replace your makeup frequently; they become filled with bacteria, which is especially dangerous for contact lens wearers.
