- Wash and dry your hands before touching a lens.
- If you’re using soft lenses, check that they aren’t inside out.
- Look in the mirror, hold your eyelids open with both hands and gently place the lens on your eye.
- Then blink a few times to allow the lens to centre itself.
- If the lens still feels uncomfortable after blinking, take it out and check it.
Putting in contact lenses can feel awkward the first few times, but it’s a process involving five set steps. Most problems experienced by beginners stem from a lens being inside out or too much tension in your eyelids, and you can sort this out by taking your time and following the correct sequence. In this blog, we’ll cover soft and rigid gas-permeable lenses separately, as they’re inserted slightly differently. Checking the lens beforehand is the most important step. If your eye remains irritated, stop and check the lens or have your eye examined. Your specialist will watch over you during the initial instruction, and the time it takes to get used to them varies from person to person: some get the hang of it after a day, others after a few weeks.
How do you prepare to put your contact lenses in?
Wash your hands with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel. Stand in front of a mirror with plenty of light. Place the lens case or blister pack within easy reach and always fit the same eye first. Make sure your fingernails do not touch your eye. Work over a clean surface so that if a lens falls, you can find it and do not lose it down the drain.
Get the following ready: clean, dry hands, a lint-free towel, your lens in its case or blister pack, and a mirror at eye level. A lens mat on the washbasin covers the drain and catches any lens that slips off your finger. Good hand hygiene is essential: if you touch anything in between, wash your hands again before handling the lens.
How do you check the lens before inserting it?
Place the soft lens on your fingertip and look at it from the side. If the edge stands straight up like a hemisphere, the lens is the right way round. If the edge curves outwards, it is inside out and you need to turn it over. Also check that the lens is intact and free from dirt. Do not use a damaged lens.
A lens that’s inside out feels uncomfortable and sits less securely, as its curvature no longer matches your cornea. If you want to understand why the shape of the lens is so important, read about how a contact lens works. A rigid lens cannot be inside out due to its firm shape, but do check it for dirt and damage. If you are putting the lens back in after storage, also check the section on storing lenses in solution to see how long a lens remains in good condition. The edge shape varies depending on the lens design and is specified in the manufacturer’s documentation.
How do you put soft lenses in?
Place the lens on your index finger. Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull your lower eyelid down and use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid up. Look straight ahead or slightly upwards and gently bring the lens towards your eye. First, release your lower eyelid, then blink a few times. The lens will centre itself on your cornea.
Step by step: 1) Place the checked lens on your index finger; check: the lens should form a small bowl shape. 2) Pull your lower eyelid down; check: the lower edge of your eyelid is exposed. 3) Hold your upper eyelid up; check: you cannot blink. 4) Gently bring the lens towards your eye; check: the lens touches your eye. 5) Release your eyelids and blink; check that the image comes into focus. Breathe calmly and do not squeeze your eye shut. If you experience any discomfort after blinking, refer to the section on contact lens-related complaints to see what to do.
How do you insert rigid gas-permeable lenses?
A rigid gas-permeable lens is smaller and retains its shape. Place the lens on your index finger, hold both eyelids wide open and position the lens in the centre of your cornea. Some wearers use a drop of sterile saline or an insertion solution, if their optician has recommended this for that particular lens. Then blink gently. If the lens is off-centre, look in the other direction and blink again.
An insertion solution is a liquid that you put into the cavity of a rigid gas-permeable or scleral lens before inserting it. Your specialist will determine, based on the manufacturer’s documentation, whether this is required for your lens and whether you should use sterile saline or a specific solution. So do not use any solution on your own initiative; let your contact lens specialist handle your lens for you the first time.
How do you keep your eyelids open and centre the lens?
Use both hands. With your free hand, hold your upper eyelid against the rim of your eye socket and use your middle finger to pull your lower eyelid down. This will prevent you from blinking just as the lens touches your eye. If the lens is off-centre, close your eye briefly and then slowly look to the other side. Blinking usually brings the lens back into place.
If you find yourself blinking reflexively, press your eyelids a little more firmly against the rim of your eye socket and look slightly upwards, away from your finger. This will help reduce the blinking reflex. If a lens does not centre after a few blinks, it may be dirty, damaged or upside down: remove it and check it again. Persistent irritation and discomfort are a reason to stop and examine the lens.
What should you do if the lens feels uncomfortable?
First, blink a few times, as it’s often just an air bubble or a tiny speck of dirt trapped under the lens. If the discomfort persists, remove the lens and check it for dirt, damage and to ensure it’s the right way round. Rinse it according to the instructions for your lens solution and reinsert it. If you experience pain, redness, blurred vision or sensitivity to light, leave the lens out and contact your optician or ophthalmologist.
You can read about the process of removing your lenses step by step in the blog post ‘Removing contact lenses step by step’. Never use tap water to rinse a lens, as water may contain micro-organisms, as described by the RIVM. For moisturising drops and other products that a specialist may recommend, please see the ‘Eye care for contact lens wearers’ category.
Putting in contact lenses and make-up
The order in which you apply contact lenses and make-up varies depending on the product and the individual, so check with your optician. As a general rule, loose particles and oily residues on a lens can be irritating, which is why many wearers put their lenses in before applying make-up and only remove their make-up after taking their lenses out.
Wash your hands again after applying make-up and before touching a lens, to ensure no make-up gets onto the lens. If you do experience irritation or a sensation of something in your eye, remove the lens first before continuing. Avoid products that can easily get into your eye if you notice they are causing problems, and discuss any concerns regarding make-up with your optometrist or contact lens specialist.
This information is of a general nature and is not a substitute for personal advice. If you have any concerns or are in any doubt, please consult your contact lens specialist, optician or (eye) doctor.
For wearers: ask your contact lens specialist which product is suitable and find a stockist for a fitting and instructions. For practices: request product information for the lenses, saline solution and accessories you use during the fitting session. Contact lenses and solutions are medical devices; please contact SMEYEL or log in to place a business order.
Frequently asked questions about putting in contact lenses
How long does it take to get the hang of putting in contact lenses?
This varies from person to person and often improves within a few days to weeks. The first few times, it usually takes a bit of effort to control your blinking reflex and insert the lens gently, but following a set sequence makes it easier very quickly. Your contact lens specialist will observe you during your first session, demonstrate the steps and determine whether you need further guidance. Practise at your own pace and at a set time of day. If you’re still having trouble at home after the session, book a follow-up appointment rather than continuing to force it. Everyone learns this at their own pace.
What should you do if your lens folds over on your finger?
Place the lens in the palm of your hand with a little lens solution and gently open it up with a clean fingertip. A soft lens can easily fold in half if your finger or the lens is too wet, or if you pick it up too quickly. Do not use your fingernails to pry the lens loose, and do not use water. Once the lens is open and intact again, check that it isn’t inside out and insert it. If you see a tear or any damage, do not use the lens and get a new one. Dry your fingertip slightly before trying again.
Can you put a contact lens in with a drop of eye drops on it?
Only if your optician has recommended it for your specific lens and those particular drops. Not all eye drops are intended for use with contact lenses; some drops may affect the lens or are actually meant to be used without a lens. To moisten the lens when inserting it, some wearers use sterile saline or an insertion solution, but this too should be in line with the specialist’s instructions. So do not choose such a product yourself and always read the instructions for use. If in doubt, consult your contact lens specialist to find out which drops are suitable for your lenses.
Why do new lenses sometimes feel a bit uncomfortable for the first few minutes?
Your eye needs to get used to the lens, and your tear film only spreads properly after a few blinks. A slight, temporary sensation when inserting the lens is therefore not unusual, especially with a new lens or when you first start wearing them. Just blink gently a few times and give it a moment. If the stinging persists, there may be debris or an air bubble under the lens, or the lens may be inside out. In that case, remove the lens, check and rinse it according to the instructions, and reinsert it. If the stinging persists or is accompanied by pain, leave the lens out.
What do you do if you don’t know which lens is for the left eye and which is for the right?
Always fit the same eye first and stick to that order every time; that way, you can be sure which lens goes where. Store your lenses in a case with clearly marked L and R compartments, and always place them in the correct side straight away. If you have different prescriptions for your left and right eyes and can’t remember which lens is which, don’t guess: the wrong prescription will result in blurred or tiring vision. In that case, consult your optician, or use new lenses if you wear daily disposables. A consistent routine largely prevents this problem.
Can you put in contact lenses if you have artificial nails?
Yes, but use the sides and flat parts of your fingers rather than the tips, and keep your fingernails away from your eye. Long or artificial nails make it harder to grip the lens properly and insert it without touching your eye. A tool, such as soft-tipped tweezers designed for lenses, can help, but your specialist will determine whether this is suitable for you and your lenses. Practise gently and work over a lens mat. If you find that your fingernails are still getting too close to your eye, discuss a suitable aid with your contact lens specialist.
At what age can a child start putting in their own contact lenses?
There is no set age for this. The contact lens specialist assesses the child’s motor skills, how carefully they observe hygiene and what level of supervision is possible at home. Some children can manage this under supervision at a fairly young age, whilst others are ready later. The specialist demonstrates the steps, practises with the child and involves the parents so that they can observe the process at home. It is not just about inserting the lenses themselves, but also about keeping hands clean, recognising any symptoms and reporting them promptly. Therefore, always ensure that a child is fitted with the device and receives instruction from a qualified professional.
Do you need to use tweezers to remove a lens from its case?
You can do this using soft -tip tweezers designed specifically for contact lenses. These tweezers allow you to pick up the lens without using your fingernails and without damaging it. You can also do this with clean, dry fingers: many wearers simply scoop the lens out of the case with a fingertip. Never use ordinary household tweezers with sharp points, as these can damage the lens. Which method is most comfortable varies from person to person. If you find it difficult to handle the lens with your fingers, discuss with your specialist which tool is best suited to you.
What do you do if the lens keeps falling off your finger?
Dab your fingertip dry slightly, as a wet finger grips the lens more firmly than your eye does, causing the lens to stick to your finger or slip off it. The lens should be slightly wetter than your fingertip so that it glides easily onto your eye. Work over a lens mat on the washbasin, so that if a lens falls, it doesn’t disappear down the drain and is easy to find. Take your time, breathe calmly and bring the lens to your eye in one smooth movement. If you keep having trouble, ask your specialist to demonstrate the procedure again.
Can you wear contact lenses if you have a cold or an eye infection?
If you have an eye infection or discharge, do not wear contact lenses. Wearing a lens on an infected eye can make the condition worse and delay healing, and the lens may become contaminated. During this time, wear your glasses and have the cause assessed by your optician or ophthalmologist. If you have a cold but no eye symptoms, this does not necessarily mean you cannot wear contact lenses, but wash your hands extra carefully and stop wearing them at the first signs of irritation. Discuss with your optician or ophthalmologist when it is safe to start wearing contact lenses again after an infection.
