We’ve all heard the saying practice makes perfect, and when it comes to learning to put in contact lenses, that’s definitely the case. Although repetition and routine are key to becoming a pro at safely putting in your contact lenses, these tips and steps can help expedite the process.
Steps for Putting your Contact Lenses in Safely
Whether you’ve been wearing contacts for years or you’ve just started using them, following these steps is essential to your eye health and the key to safely putting in your contact lenses.
Step 1: Hand Hygiene
Putting in contact lenses is one of the few times in life where you will actually need to touch your eye, so you want to do so safely. It will take some time to get used to doing this, but it’s imperative that you thoroughly wash your hands before touching your contact lenses and your eyes. Make sure you rinse off all of the soap, so you don’t irritate your eyes and thoroughly dry your hands with a clean towel that doesn’t shed, so you don’t get debris in your eyes or under your contact lenses.
Step 2: Check the Direction
Many people don’t realize this, but contact lenses can be put on inside out. You’ll likely notice once you put them in because your vision will be distorted, but you can easily check before you put them in as well. All you need to do is place the lens on your fingertip and visually inspect it to see if the edges of the lens are bent outwards. If they are, odds are your lens is inside out.
Step 3: Open Wide
Once your hands are clean, and your lens is facing the right way, you’re halfway to putting your contact lenses in safely. Place the lens on the index finger of your dominant hand and use your ring finger to hold your bottom eyelid down. Then, use your index finger on your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open.
Step 4: Place the Lens
Slowly bring the lens towards your eye and carefully slide it into place. Your natural reaction will be to blink but do your best to get the lens in your eye without touching your eyelashes or eyelids as this could contaminate the lens. Once the lens is in your eye, blink a couple of times and look around to ensure it is securely in place and won’t fall out.
Interested in making the change to contact lenses or having issues with the fit of your current contacts?
The experts at your local Hakim Optical can help!
Hakim Optical has been providing Canadians with quality corrective lenses at a value that can’t be beat for over 55 years. Our knowledgeable staff and opticians are here to help you find an eyewear solution tailored specifically to you.
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