For first time users, putting in contact lenses can seem like a daunting task. The concept of actually putting a foreign object in your eye is a bit frightening. You wonder whether it will hurt, if it will get lost in your eye or even if you will be grossed out by touching your eyeball. It is definitely a strange experience the first couple of times you do it. But luckily, putting in contacts is relatively simple, and once you get over the initial apprehension, it is something you will be able to do one-handed without a mirror after a little practice.
Before you attempt to insert your contacts for the first time, take a few minutes to prepare the area you will be working at and to get all of the materials you will need handy. This includes your contact lenses, a lens case and saline or multi-purpose solution. You will also need a sink with soap and water so you can wash your hands before starting. If you are nervous, wash your hands first and then find a place where you can sit down to put your lenses in, instead of standing up at the sink. Until you have mastered putting contacts in, sinks are your enemy, as these small, slippery things have a knack for finding their way down into them.
Step one to inserting your contacts is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Air drying your hands is recommended so that you don’t get towel lint on your fingers, which can end up in your eye. If you are heading to a seated area with a mirror, try not to touch anything on the way.
Once you are settled in, it is time for the fun to begin. Open the right lens case compartment and scoop out the contact with your index finger. Place the lens, bottom side down, either on your index finger or in the palm of your hand and make sure the lens is not inside-out. An inside-out soft contact lens’ edge will curve straight out instead of curving in like a cup. Placing an inside-out lens in your eye will be uncomfortable and it can move around and possibly fall out.
Once you are sure the lens is right side up, take your saline or multi-purpose solution and rinse it thoroughly. If it folds down under the stream of saline, just push it back up with your other index finger or your thumb. Once rinsed, gently transfer the lens to the index finger you will be using to insert it into your eye.
The next step is to take the middle finger of the hand you are using to insert your lens and gently pull down your lower eye lid. Take your index finger with the lens and place the lens on your eye over the iris. The lens should stick to your eye. Blink a few times to get the lens settled on your eye. It should not move around from this point forward. Repeat all of these steps for your left eye.
If, for some reason, you feel your contact lenses, that means they are either inside-out or have debris on them. Remove the affected lens by taking your index finger and thumb and in a pinching motion, grabbing it off your eye. Rinse it thoroughly and re-insert it.
Once your contacts are in, take your saline or multi-purpose solution and rinse out your lens case. When you remove your lenses, they should be rinsed again with multi-purpose solution. Gently rub the lenses with your index finger to loosen any dirt or eye make-up, rinse again and store them in their case with fresh solution.
Once your contacts are in, they generally stay in place until you take them out, so don’t fear that they will float up under your eyelid and get lost in back of your eye. It can happen, but if it does it is usually due to dry eyes or rubbing your eyes with the lenses in. Fear not, though, as what goes up must come down.
If your eyes do get dry with your lenses, you can buy re-wetting drops to keep them moist. It is also good to take your lenses out before sleeping even if they are made for extended wear. Cleaning them daily is also the best way to prevent infections from built up dirt and debris.
Though inserting contact lenses for the first time can be a little nerve-wracking, with practice it becomes second nature. Try not to think about it too much while you are doing it – especially if the thought of sticking your finger in your eye makes you a little nauseous!