How to Take Contact Lenses in and out Safely

Inserting and removing your contact lenses can be tricky. Not everyone masters it immediately since it takes some time. But practice makes perfect, and you will reap the benefits of persistence. Here is a guide to help you as you try to get the procedure.

Wash Your Hands

Ensure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to remove dirt and oil. Do this every time before handling your contact lenses. Otherwise, your fingers will leave spots on your contact lenses that may blur your vision. Also, avoid soaps with oils and heavy fragrances. These can stick to the lenses and irritate your eyes.

Remove Your Contact Lens

Ensure you store your contact lenses in a case with a cleaning solution. Otherwise, they may dry out, causing them to change shape or accumulate dirt and germs. Remove them from the contact lens case using your fingertips. Avoid using your fingernails. Once you remove it, place it on the palm of your hand.

Before Insertion

Place the lens on your dominant hand’s index finger. Doing this will help you check and notice whether the lens is inside out. A contact lens that looks like a teacup is inside out. Adjust it to the correct position, which resembles a bowl, before putting it in your eye.

Insertion

Put the lens on the middle or index finger of your dominant hand. Look in a mirror and pull the lower and upper eyelids with the other hand. Look toward the ceiling or directly in front of you as you place the lens in your eye.

After Insertion

Release your eyelids and slowly close your eye. Roll your eyeball around until the lens feels comfortable. You can also blink a few times to ensure the contact lens moves into position. Are you comfortable? Repeat the same procedure when inserting the other contact lens.

Removal

Removal also starts with washing hands. Again, wash your hands using soap and water. Avoid soap with fragrances and oil. Dry them with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Place a clean hand towel under you to catch the lens in case it drops.

Hold your eye open using your nondominant hand. Open and hold the upper and lower eyelids. Then, using your thumb and index fingers, gently pinch your contact lens. Pinch on either side of the lens gently and pull it away from your eye.

Alternative

You can also use the index finger of the nondominant hand. Look up or away from the bottom of your eye. Press this finger against the lens bottom and slide it down. You can slide it down and out. Otherwise, you can slide it to the side and pinch it with your thumb and index finger. It will help remove it from your eye.

Conclusion

Always make sure that your hands are clean. Otherwise, you can introduce dirt and bacteria into your eyes. These may irritate them or cause an infection.

For more information on contact lenses, visit Blue Hills Eye Associates at our office in Braintree, Massachusetts. Call (781) 794-2200 to book an appointment today.