How to Put in a Toric Contact Lens With Astigmatism

A toric contact lens is made out of the same material as standard contact lenses, but it has dual focal powers to accommodate for the abnormal shape of the eye or astigmatism. Toric lenses cost more because they must be fitted specifically for the eye. Once upon a time, there were few options for toric lenses. With today's technology, toric lenses are very similar to their standard counterparts and can be taken in and out a similar way.

Things You'll Need

• Contact lenses
• Lens case
• Contact solution

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Instructions

• 1

  Open the case. Toric lenses should be housed in a proper lens case in contact cleaning solution. You should follow the optometrist's instructions on proper cleaning and storing of the lenses.

• 2

  Place the lens on the end of your index finger. It is important to have as little of the lens touching skin as possible. The more of an anchor the lens has to your finger, the more difficult it will be to transfer it successfully to your eye.

• 3

  Create the opening for the lens. With the middle finger of the hand not holding the lens, push the upper eyelid up exposing the upper part of your eye. With the middle finger of the hand holding the lens, pull down the lower eyelid. Be careful not to drop the lens that is on your index finger.

• 4

  Place the lens in the eye. With the middle fingers holding the eye open, place the lens onto the eyeball. The lens should create suction and stick to the eye. If it stays on the hand or does not fit right, remove the lens and moisten with lens cleaner before trying again. Repeat with other eye.

• 5

  Prepare for failure. Toric contact lenses are a little more difficult to place in the eye, but with practice, you should have no problem. The key is to not get discouraged if it takes several tries to get the perfect fit.