How to Apply Contact Lenses

For most people, soft contact lenses are a safe and affordable alternative to glasses. If your eye doctor has given you a prescription for them, you're probably wondering how best to apply them. The application process isn't painful, although it may be uncomfortable the first few times you try it. Once you've become accustomed to wearing them, you'll learn the most comfortable way to apply them. Until then, use a straightforward approach that will help you transition from glasses to lenses.

Things You'll Need

• Antibacterial soap
• Lens case
• Contact lens solution
• Eye drops for contact lenses (optional)

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Sanitize your hands. Vigorously wash your hands with antibacterial soap and hot water for at least 20 seconds.

• 2

  Remove one lens from the case. Inspect it for any particles or tears. If you use different lenses for each eye, double-check which eye the lens belongs to. Position the lens on your fingertip so the lens forms a bowl, with the portion that will touch your eye facing up.

• 3

  Hold your lid open. Open your eye wide and gently pull it open further, using the thumb and forefinger of your opposite hand.

• 4

  Gently place the lens. The lens should just touch your eye, and you should barely be able to feel your fingertip. If necessary, hold your eye lid open further. It may take several attempts to properly place the lens. If the lens folds or slips, remove it, blink a few times and start over at Step 2.

• 5

  Blink it into place. Once the lens is applied to your eye, blink a few times to position it correctly. If there are any air bubbles, gently swipe a fingertip over your eye lid to smooth the lens.

• 6

  Discard the solution. After successfully applying both lenses, rinse the remaining solution from the lens case into the sink.