Usage
Applying or removing contact lenses can be tricky at first, but with practice and habit it will soon feel easy and natural. Here's a short, step-by-step guide to inserting and also removing your lenses when you're done. This guide is perfect for beginners but can also be a good reminder for more experienced colored lens wearers.
Application - step by step
- Prepare everything you need in a well-lit room, including contact lenses, lens fluid, mirror and a place to wash and dry your hands. Insert your lenses before applying makeup.
- Always wash your hands with mild soap before inserting the lenses. Do not use moisturizing soaps or oil-based products. Dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel. Keep your fingernails short to avoid scratching your lenses and eyes.
- Remove the lens from the lens case or from a package. Place the lens in the palm of your hand, wet it with lens fluid and rub gently with your finger. Although some brands offer "no-rub" lenses, most opticians recommend that you always rub the lens gently for extra cleaning.
- Place the lens on your index finger. It should look like a bowl. If the edges of the lens point outward, the lens is inside out. It can be hard to see, but most lenses have a small mark that indicates the outside and inside (eg letters or numbers) so you can tell which side is out and which is in.
- Balance the lens on your index finger and use the middle finger to pull down the lower eyelid and the other hand to lift the upper. Try not to blink and be still. It may help to look up to avoid blinking. It may be difficult at first, but practice makes perfect.
- Place the lens lightly and carefully on the eye. Blink a few times to align the lens over the iris. If necessary, you can touch the lens a little to place it correctly. If you feel any discomfort or irritation, remove the lens, wash it thoroughly and try again.
- Repeat the same process with the other eye. Empty the lens case of lens fluid so that you remember to top up with new and fresh lens fluid the next time you take your lenses out.
Take out contact lenses - step by step
- Before you start, wash your hands as you did when inserting the lenses. If you wear makeup, remove the lenses before washing your face. Also prepare everything you need, such as lens case, lens fluid, mirror and other conceivable items.
- If you wish, you can moisten your eyes with eye drops or eye spray to facilitate the removal of the lens. One or two drops per eye is enough to make the process easier and more comfortable, especially if you suffer from dry eyes or if your eyes become drier during the day.
- Look up and pull down the lower eyelid slowly with the middle finger of your dominant hand. Be careful when poking the sensitive skin around the eyes. Take it easy and proceed methodically.
- Gently touch the lens with your index finger and pull it with the same hand you are holding your lower eyelid with to the lower part of the eye. Be sure to pull it to the white part to avoid damaging the cornea.
- Gently press the lens with your index finger and thumb and place it in a lens case with new lens fluid. Throw away the lens when the period of use has expired. Clean the lens case regularly and replace it with each new bottle of lens solution, or at least every three months.
- Repeat this process, using the same hand, for your other eye
Good advice for handling your lenses
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your colored lenses
- Leave the lens in a lens case with lens fluid overnight
- Do not shower, swim or sleep with the lenses in your eyes
- Never wash eyes or lenses with tap water or saliva
- Remove the lenses as soon as you feel the slightest discomfort
- Do not use lenses if your eyes are irritated, dry or red
- Never share lenses with anyone else
- Do not wear lenses for more than 8 hours per day
- Follow the advice you received from your optician
- Do not wear the same lens longer than the recommended lifespan
- Never reuse lens fluid
- Never use a lens that is not 100% whole
- Do not use a lens that is dirty or dusty
- Close your eyes when applying makeup or hairspray that may stick to the lens
