How to put in contact lenses (2024)

Contact Lens Care

  • Which contact lens solution do I need?
  • How to clean a contact lens case?
  • How can I tell if my contact lens is inside out?

About Contact Lenses

  • How do toric contact lenses work?
  • What does the water content of a contact lens mean?

Eye Health

  • What are the best contact lenses for dry eyes?
  • How dehydration impacts your eyes?
  • Computer eye strain: Symptoms and solutions

Lenses & Lifestyle

  • Which sunglasses will suit my face shape?
  • What are polarised sunglasses?
  • Guide to different types on sunglasses?

Prescriptions & Eye Tests

  • What does axis mean on my prescription
  • Can I buy my contact lenses online

Guides

  • A guide to Astigmastism
  • A guide to eye discharge
  • A guide to Presbyopia

How to put in contact lenses (1)

Medically reviewed by Tina Patel, Contact Lens Optician at Feel Good Contacts.

Contact lenses offer freedom from glasses, complete versatility and are just as easy to wear, so throw away all of those misconceptions and scare stories and try them out for yourself.

Go get your prescription checked

The first thing you need to do if you’re considering wearing contact lenses is go for a proper eye examination from a qualified optician. Contact lens prescriptions and glasses prescriptions are different, therefore, they need two completely different tests. You cannot convert a glasses prescription to a contact lens prescription and vice versa.

Once you have your contact lens prescription however, you don’t need to purchase your contact lenses from your optician. You have the right to ask for your prescription and order contact lenses online.

How to put in contact lenses (7)

Don’t believe the negative myths

There are many misconceptions and negative ideas about contact lenses that are false. Here is a quick rundown of the main ones:

Contact lenses are too expensive – contact lenses are highly affordable at Feel Good Contacts, and you won’t find your contact lenses cheaper anywhere else. Our comfi lenses offer fantastic value for money, high visual clarity, and are a comfortable and reliable option.

Contact lenses cause eye infections – bad ‘hand hygiene’ while handling contact lenses is what causes infections. It is important that you wash hands thoroughly when inserting and removing contact lenses. It’s also important to keep your lenses away from water, so avoid showering or swimming in your lenses, and make sure your hands are thoroughly dry before handling them. This is because when your lenses are exposed to water it can cause eye infections that could lead to blindness. Sleeping in your lenses can also lead to eye infections, so should be avoided (unless recommended by your optician).

My prescription is too difficult to find, I need to have it ordered from my optician – we stock a wide range of prescriptions for all common refractive errors. Those with astigmatism can order toric contact lenses. Those who have presbyopia can order multifocal contact lenses, while we even have a specialised lens - – which is a great silicone hydrogel option for those who suffer from both astigmatism and presbyopia.

I have dry eyes, I can’t wear lenses – this too is incorrect. Silicone hydrogel contact lenses with added moisture offer the highest level of comfort and breathability and are a great choice for those who suffer from dry eyes. Dailies Total 1 has a unique water gradient technology and is combined with silicone hydrogel material. It is one of our best-selling contacts for dry eyes, offering longer wearing times great hydration and comfort all day.

How to put in contact lenses (8)

Practice makes perfect

You may find it difficult to put in your contact lenses at first, and they may initially feel slightly uncomfortable in your eyes. Like everything, however, applying your lenses comes with practice, and your eyes will eventually adjust to having lenses in them, as you become an expert at applying and removing them.

If irritation persists though, remove your lenses and give your eyes a break. If it doesn’t start to feel better, consult your optician. You could consider trying different lenses or your eyes might just have needed a break.

One of the most common issues for first time contact lenses wearers is trying to apply contact lenses that are sitting the wrong way up. Read our handy guide on how to apply contact lenses the right way up.

Try out different brands

Different manufacturers use different materials and a variety of different technologies in the making of their lenses, which makes some lenses less suitable for some eyes than others. And, while most people find one brand that works well for them, it may take trying a few different brands before you find what works for you.

Remember to speak with your optician or eye care practitioner before trying out any new contact lenses.

How to put in contact lenses for the first time

Many people assume putting in contact lenses is difficult, although it isn't. It may take a bit of practice, but after a few goes most people get the hang of it. It simply takes some patience and a steady hand.

How to put in soft contacts

Putting in soft contacts can seem daunting due to their fragility, however, you'll find that many of or Acuvue soft contact lenses have a 1,2,3 indicator and blue handling tint which makes them easier to apply. Whichever type of lenses you use, you should always use a hygienic method, taking care to wash and dry your hands thoroughly first.

The easiest way to put in contact lenses

For top tips on putting in contact lenses read our lens fitting page which includes a full instruction guide.

How to remove contact lenses

There are several ways to remove your contact lenses. The most popular way is the ‘pinching’ method. Before you remove your contact lenses, make sure you always wash and dry your hands thoroughly. First, using your non-dominant hand, pull down the lower eyelid and pull up your upper eyelid pushing it against your brow bar. Then placing your finger on the lens, gently slide the lens to the outer edge and use a pinching motion using your index finger and thumb to grip and remove the lens.

How to put in contact lenses (9)

Purchase some handy add-ons

If you’re wearing two weekly or monthly contact lenses, you’ll need to store them at night. There are 3 different types of contact lens cases, flat case, barrel case and barrel case with disc Different solutions come with different lens cases, so if you are buying another case, ensure it is the right type of case for the solution you are using.

For convenience and value for money, we recommend a multi-purpose contact lens solution that will clean your lenses as well as disinfect, rinse and store your lenses all at once. Highly affordable, comfi All-in-One contact lens solution offers an exceptional clean. Alternatively, if you wear rigid gas permeable lenses, we offer an entire range of solutions that cater to this type of lens. Whatever the lens, it is important for contact lens wearers to fill the contact lens case with fresh solution every time and never reuse the old solution from the case, this will reduce the risk of eye infections.

If you suffer from dry eyes, or spend hours looking at a screen all day, you may want to purchase some eye drops. Blink Intensive Tear Vials are convenient, pocket-sized and can be carried around whilst on the go. There’s enough in each vial to treat both eyes, which only require a few drops to soothe them. Be careful not to touch the eye when you are applying the drops.

How to put in contact lenses (10)

Enjoy the freedom!

Contact lenses offer complete freedom from glasses and are far more convenient for those who have an active lifestyle. You won’t have to worry about your lenses slipping off during workouts, or having to endure bad sight simply because you’ve needed to take your glasses off.

Wearing contact lenses also allows you to wear sunglasses when its bright out. And, at Feel Good Contacts, you can discover a wide range of designer sunglasses to suit every style and budget.

For more information on getting started with contact lenses and overall eye care, check out our handy Eye Care Hub. Here, you’ll find a wealth of information about keeping your eyes healthy and contact lenses in top shape.


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How to put in contact lenses (2024)

FAQs

What is the easiest way to put contacts in and out? ›

To put your contacts in, you use your index finger to place the lens over your iris. To take them out, you push the contact down with your index finger until it pops out. Make sure to keep your contact lenses clean, as this cuts back your risk for an infection.

Are contact lenses easy to put in and out? ›

Putting on and taking off contact lenses is easier than you might think. It may take a little getting used to, but soon you'll discover your own way and be doing it without a second thought. For some additional help getting started follow the step-by-step guide below.

How can I get better at putting in contacts? ›

Place the contact lens on the tip of the pointer finger on your dominant hand. Use your other hand to gently pull your top eyelid up, making it easier to get the lens into your eye without hitting your eyelid or eyelashes. Gently tap the finger with the lens on it to your eye.

What is the 3 1 1 rule for contacts? ›

Do contacts go in a 3-1-1 bag? Yes. Whether disposable or reusable, contact lenses should go in clear, quart-sized bags as per the TSA's 3-1-1 liquids rule. Note that each lens case or packet must contain no more than 100 milliliters of liquid and must fit inside the quart-sized bag.

Are contacts hard to put in the first time? ›

Applying and removing lenses might make you nervous at first, but as awkward as it may seem, there is no need to be afraid to touch your eye as long as your hands are clean. Plus, the inside of your eyelids are connected to the back of your eye, so your lenses can't possibly slip into an abyss. Keep lenses clean.

Will my vision be blurry if my contact is inside out? ›

Though they won't correct your vision in the way that they are designed to, putting your lenses on inside out will not necessarily make your vision blurry. Rather, because the lens is unable to adhere well to the surface of your eyes, they are more likely to shift in and out of place, causing your vision to blur.

Can you take a nap with contacts in? ›

Even napping with contact lenses in your eyes can lead to irritation or damage. When you wear your contacts to bed, your corneas can't get the oxygen they need and germs can thrive. That can lead to infections and other serious eye conditions we've outlined for you below.

How long should I wear contacts for the first time? ›

Here is the recommended schedule for first time wearers, based on current medical research and our patients' experiences: DAY 1: Exciting! You can try on your new lenses, but wear them no longer than 2-4 HOURS.

Why is putting in contacts so difficult? ›

Blinking too early makes it hard to put in contacts. If you tend to blink or squeeze your eye shut before putting in your contact lens, you may have to hold open your eyelids. If you need to, use two fingers, on one hand, to hold open the bottom and top eyelid, so you don't blink. Open your eyes widely.

Can you shower with contacts? ›

All types of contact lenses, including extended-wear contacts, should be removed from your eyes before showering to prevent complications. Even though extended-wear contacts can be worn for multiple days at a time, you're still putting your eyes at risk for infection or irritation if the contacts become wet.

How do I know if I put my contacts in wrong? ›

Look for Tinted Edges

Look down at the contact's edges from above. If the edges' color looks bright, then your lens is good to go. If the edges' color looks pale or you can't notice the tint, then your lens is probably inside out. If you think the lens is inside out, flip it and confirm that the tinting looks brighter.

Should your finger be wet or dry when putting in contacts? ›

Make sure your fingers are dry. REMEMBER - a lens sticks to wet surfaces (like the eye) better than dry surfaces, so if your finger is too wet, it will keep sticking to your finger and when you try to put it on the eye, it won't adhere properly.

Why are contacts blurry at first? ›

Some blurriness is common for new contact lens wearers. The distortion usually results from dryness. To counteract the moisture loss, talk to your eye care practitioner about medicated eye drops or pick up over-the-counter drops from your favourite drugstore.

Why am I blurry after putting contacts in? ›

You may find yourself constantly blinking, squinting, and rubbing your eyes to get a clearer view. Some of the possible causes of blurry vision while wearing contacts include a change in your prescription, deposits (like dirt) on the lens surface, dry eyes, allergies, infections, or other eye health problems.

Is it hard to learn how do you put contacts in? ›

At first, contacts can be quite difficult to put in and take out. Here are some helpful tips for wearing contacts from eyecarecenter: Always start with the same eye each time you place or remove your contacts.

How long should beginners wear contacts? ›

When you start wearing contacts, it's best to gradually increase the time you wear your contacts each day. On your first day, you might wear your contacts for four hours and add one hour each day. Your eye doctor will recommend a schedule for you when you start wearing contacts.

How long do you have to wear contact lenses for the first time? ›

There is no right answer to how long you should wear your contact lenses on the first day. Granted that in the beginning the lenses will create a bit of discomfort for your eyes, which will need some time to adjust, you should aim to wear the contacts as much time as you're able to without too much discomfort.

How long does it take to wear contact lenses for the first time? ›

However, getting used to contacts can take some time, and it is important to take things slowly and carefully. When you are fitted for contacts for the first time, be prepared to allow some time (usually, a week) for your eyes to adapt.

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