How to Easily Put in Contacts

Putting in contact lenses will be easier if you have all the supplies you need close at hand. You'll probably want to store your contacts close to a bathroom sink, with the case, soaking and wetting solution, and cleaner nearby. A mirror that lies flat on the counter, or that has a stand with an adjustable angle, will also make putting in your contacts easier, and a magnifying mirror can give you a better close-up view. You may also want to put a wash cloth or small towel on the counter under your contact case and mirror, to catch the contact lens in case it slips from your hands.

Things You'll Need

• Sink
• Soap without lotion
• Hand towel
• Mirror
• Soaking and wetting solution
• Wash cloth (optional)

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands thoroughly using soap and warm water. Avoid using soaps that contain perfumes, lotions or moisturizers, such as aloe, since these can remain on your hands and get onto your contacts and into your eyes. Dry your hands.

• 2

  Remove the cap from your contact soaking and wetting solution.

• 3

  Remove the cap from one side of your contact lens case. Make sure you always start with the same side, so that you get in the habit of putting the correct contact in the correct eye.

• 4

  Dip your index finger into the case and gently scoop up the contact. If you have gas permeable contact lenses, you may prefer to touch the contact and let it stick to your finger to get it out of the case.

• 5

  Balance the contact lens on the tip of your index finger, or hold it between the thumb and forefinger of your other hand, with the concave side facing up, like a bowl. If you have soft contact lenses, make sure the lens is right side out (the edges should appear soft and somewhat flat, rather than sharp and stiff).

• 6

  Add a few drops of soaking and wetting solution to the contact.

• 7

  Balance the contact lens on the tip of your index finger. With the middle finger of the same hand, gently pull your lower eyelid down. With the index finger of the opposite hand, gently pull your upper eyelid upward, so that your eye is wide open and the lid will not bump the contact when you insert it.

• 8

  Look in the mirror. If you're using soft contact lenses, look up and gently place the contact on the lower part of your eye. If you're using gas permeable contact lenses, gently place the contact on the center of your eye.

• 9

  Release your eyelids and blink. Check to make sure the contact is properly positioned on the eye. Gas permeable contact lenses should only cover most of the iris, or colored area of the eye. Soft contact lenses should cover all of the iris plus some of the surrounding cornea, or white area.

• 10

  Repeat Steps 3 through 9 with the other contact lens and the other eye. You may want to use the same hands for the other contact, especially if you are strongly right- or left-handed, or you may want to switch hands.