Contact lenses application - step by step

So now that you've started with contact lenses, inserting them will take a little finesse. It might seem scary at first, but with practice and good habits, it can become easy and natural. So to help you out, here is our short, step-by-step guide to inserting contact lenses. It’s great for beginners, and might even be a good reminder for contact lens pros, too! Your comfort and quality of vision depend on your proper contact lens care routine, so don't forget the most important dos and don'ts.

How to put contact lenses in

First things first. Unless you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, your contacts should be stored in contact lens solution when you’re not wearing them. This helps to clean and disinfect them overnight.

It may be helpful to remember that you don’t actually need to touch your eyeball. You’re just lightly tapping the lens into place, and your eyelids will do the rest! Now, let’s get to the process itself.

Woman putting her contacts into the eye

Step 1

Start by preparing all your essentials in a well-lit room. You’ll need your contact lenses, solution, mirror, and a place to wash and dry your hands with a fresh towel. Remember to insert your lenses before applying makeup.

Step 2

Always wash your hand thoroughly before handling lenses

Always wash your hands so you don’t transfer any dirt or bacteria to your contacts. Use a mild or antibacterial soap and avoid using moisturizing soaps, lotions, or oil-based products. Rinse and dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Try to avoid using paper towels, as these can leave fibres and other residues on your hands.

Please note that it's best to keep your fingernails short to avoid scratches on the lens or the eyeball.

Step 3

Start by removing your contacts from your lens case

The next step is removing the contact lenses from your contact lenses case or from a fresh blister package. If you have a different prescription for each eye, it’s helpful to establish a habit and always insert the left lens first, for example, so you don’t mix them up. Place the first lens in your palm, wet it with solution, and rub it gently with your finger. Some brands offer „no-rub“ solutions, but most opticians agree that it’s always a good idea to give your lenses a gentle rub for extra cleaning power. If you need a little help manipulating the lenses, we offer a variety of handy tools to make it easier. Applicators and lens tongs can make handling lenses a breeze.

Step 4

Place the contact on your index finger. If the lens looks like a bowl, you’re doing fine. But, if the edges are pointing outward, then your lens is inside out. It may be hard to tell, but most contacts have a little inside-out mark on them (letters or numbers) so you can easily see whether the lens is inside out or not.


Check if your lens is facing the correct way before inserting them

Step 5

Balance the lens on your index finger when inserting the contact lens

With the lens balanced on your index finger, use your middle finger to pull your lower eyelid down while using your other hand to pull your upper eyelid upward. Try not to blink or move. Some people find it helpful to use the little trick of looking upwards to reduce involuntary blinking. It may be a struggle at first, but you'll get used to it with practice!

Step 6

Place the contact gently onto your eye

Place the contact lightly and carefully on your eye. Release your hands and blink a few times. The lens should settle into place over the coloured part of your eye (iris). You can lightly touch the lens again to slide it into place if necessary. If you feel any discomfort or irritation, remove the contact lens, cleanse it completely, and then try again.

Step 7

Remember to discard the contact lens solution from the case after each use

Repeat the same process with the lens for your other eye. Discard the used contact lens solution from the case so you’ll remember to use fresh solution the next time you remove your lenses.

Read also: How to remove contact lenses

Comments (1)

Do you have any questions
Miranda

Very useful contact lens application guide!