Contact Lens Guide
Insertion
- Make sure contact packaging is completely sealed and unbroken before using lens.
- Remove from packaging and place on the TIP of your DRY index finger (use your dominant hand)
- If you are right handed, you will have the lens on the tip of your right index finger. Use the middle finger on the same hand to pull your bottom lid right down.
- Use your middle finger on the other hand to pull your top lid up. You need to keep the lids out of the way and your eye nice and wide to make room for the lens to be inserted.
- Look into the mirror and place the contact lens on the eye – don’t be afraid to be firm. Then take away your finger, look around to allow the lens to settle, and then blink.
- You can place the lens directly onto the coloured part of your eye, or if it’s easier, place it on the white.
- Allow a few seconds for the lens to settle into place.
Removal
- Removal is usually easier than insertion. Using the same process to insert, hold your lids open nice and wide.
- Using the pad of your index finger, get a grip of the contact lens and firmly slide out of position down towards your lower lid.
- Dragging the lens down to the bottom of the lid will allow it to crease up. Keep a hold of the lens, look up and pinch it out.
- The lens cannot go behind your eye. The only place it can go is under your lid into the crease if it gets dislodged. In this case, massage the lid to encourage the lens back into position and don’t panic.
Do’s & Don’ts
- DO always wash your hands with soap and water before inserting and removing contact lenses
- DO always check the blister packs they come in are completely sealed and undamaged
- DO change the solution every day if you are a re-usable contact lens wearer
- Do keep a spare pair of contact lenses in your bag. You never know when you will need a backup
- DON’T sleep in lenses, DON’T bathe, or shower in lenses
- DON’T rub eyes when they are in – it’s possible for them to dislodge this way
- DON’T reuse daily contact lenses, they are to be thrown away at the end of each day!
- DON’T use tap water to clean lenses
- DON’T keep wearing the lenses if something doesn’t look or feel right
- Stick to a wearing schedule when first using lenses. Wear them for 2-4 hours the first day and increase wearing length by 2 hours each day to allow your eyes to get used to them.