How to insert and remove a contact lens

#1 (**permalink**) 11-18-2004, 04:43 PM

I just got contact lenses two weeks ago, and I am having a lot of trouble getting them into and out of my eyes.

any advice as to the best way to do this?

Admin · #2 (**permalink**) 11-29-2004, 02:34 PM

Your eye care practitioner should be able to provide you with more complete information about the safest and easiest ways to insert your contact lenses.

but here is one method:

1st – Wash and rinse your hands thoroughly

1) Remove your 1st lens from the case and make sure that it is clean, clear, and undamaged.

2) Rinse the lens out (follow the instructions of your eye doctor).

3) Make sure the lens is right side out.

4) Place the lens on the tip of your index finger (right or left depending on whether you are right are right or left handed).

5) Keeping your head up you need to down as you pull your upper eyelid upward with the middle finger of the hand not holding the contact lens.

6) Then look upward and pull your lower eyelid down with the middle finger of the hand holding the contact lens.

7) While still looking up, use your index finger to gently place the lens toward the bottom of your eye.

8) Keep holding the lids open and let your eyes slowly move down. Then slowly remove your hand from your lower eyelid.

9) Then remove your other hand while looking straight ahead.

10) Close your eye and then gently use your finger to secure and center the lens on your eye by patting the eyelid.

11) Repeat the same procedure with your other eye.

harrychiling · #3 (**permalink**) 05-26-2005, 05:52 PM

I have found when teaching I and R (insertion and removal classes) the tips that seem to help are:

1) Stare at a mirror when you are putting them in. This helps you correct yourself from making mistakes.

2) Look slightly up when putting the lenses in, it helps to tuck chin in a little this helps with blinking.

3) Don't try to force the lenses in lightly touch your eye with the contact lens and move your finger away. Their should be a light suction that separates you finger from the lens.

4) If the contact loses its bowl like shape after an attempt at insertion reshape the lens, take a breath, put a drop of solution on the lens to moisten it, and retry.

5) Last tip - remember rome wasn't built in a day. don't get frustrated if it takes more than 1 or 2 or 50 trys for that matter.

Michelled615 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-04-2006, 03:08 PM

I just got mine last night and fortunately was able to get them in on the 2nd try. If you get it on and then blink a few times, the shape of the contact will conform to your eye. Hang in there....It will get easier

flying_dutchman's_grave · #5 (**permalink**) 03-09-2006, 10:19 PM

Taking them out is the easy part to me. I just take my pointer finger and thumb and pull the lens out right where the iris is. ( The colored part of your eye)

Another way that my fiance, who is a contact lens manager and licensed optician taught me is to wash your hands and take your pointer finger and move the lens to the side away from your iris and take it out. Sometimes the lens will slide back on your iris in the center but after 2 times you'll be able to take it out.

Stezy · #6 (**permalink**) 12-02-2006, 09:00 AM

Ive just started to wear contacts...well i say just started I cnt get the damn things in. I spent a week and a bit as people have suggested getting used to touching my eye. And now im trying to get them in. The method ive adapted from what i was taught by my opition is to look right over the the LEFT hand side (for my right eye) and put it on the whites of he eye, and then turn the eye to sky then back to the middle then let go of the lower then upper eyelid...However wen i try to put the lenses on they dnt suction on. It just goes on my eye but theres a gap inbetween...Is this correct? Or is it not sucking on correctly

Helpppp I really dnt no what i am doing rong and its gettin annoying as you can guess..

Thanks all..

robb01 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-28-2008, 02:50 PM

Great post, I sent this to my daughter who was scared of getting contacts, she is a little more at ease now

jimmys devoted · #8 (**permalink**) 12-21-2008, 12:32 PM

I was coached before I left the doctors office. They taught me how to insert, remove and catch a lost lens( that's when the lens slips off the eye and you have to move it back into place!) For me, I drop my head parallel to my thigh, using the left hand, middle finger and index finger i lift the lid and with the lens placed on the tip of my right index finger i look down and place the lens. as I blink the lens pops into place. I do the same with the other side.

To remove I pull the outside of the eyelids outwards and the lens pops out. That works for hard lenses. Soft lenses are different.
To locate alost lens you have to get a mirror and lift the lid gently or gently touch your eye to feel the lens. Then slowly push to coax the lens towards the eye and it will slide back into place. Sometimes though the lens adheres so well with suction you will need to touch the lens and slide it to where you can remove it. Once a lens has slid off the cornea its a great idea to remove the lens wash it and give the eye a rest.

julie

psimonk · #9 (**permalink**) 12-31-2008, 07:51 AM

Everyone has better advice than me on this post, but personally I have never had a problem getting out lenses, just be patient. Mirrors help.

Canavan · #10 (**permalink**) 01-05-2009, 08:11 PM

After a while it just seems so natural you don't even think about it anymore, but you have to remind yourself not to do this in a rush...if you get frustrated and try to do it too quickly you can end up scratching either the lens or the cornea, so take your time and chill.

skatss · #11 (**permalink**) 02-06-2009, 05:00 PM

I've had my contacts for well over a year and putting them in and especially taking them out, is still a problem for me. My eye doctor spent a lot of time with me trying to show me what to do but I was terrified at first and I'm still terrified at time. It's very hard for me to touch my eye for some reason.

monkabird · #12 (**permalink**) 05-09-2009, 12:34 PM

I just had lenses assessment last Friday. I always wanted to wear contact lenses, but wasn't sure whether I can insert the lenses properly. Also reading about and hearing some horror stories from my friends... well, it kind of put me off.

After the assessment the doctor inserted the lenses for me, but it took almost half an hour as I couldn't relax, kept closing my eyes and actually didn't feel very well. I thought I was gonna faint.

Luckily had a bottle of water with me.
When the lenses were in place, I went outside to get some fresh air. And that's when I realised how good and comfortable the contacts were.

The doctor then took the lenses out which took only a few seconds.
I'm supposed to go back next Wednesday to learn how to insert and take out the lenses myself, but I'm absolutely petrified! I know I am not the only one who is not comfortable with this, but I sooo want to be able to do it myself.
I'll let you know how I got on.
Please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Lynda Baldelli · #13 (**permalink**) 07-10-2009, 11:13 AM

Get the ones you can sleep in, then you don't have to do it so often!!

robb01 · #14 (**permalink**) 08-14-2009, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynda Baldelli

Get the ones you can sleep in, then you don't have to do it so often!!

good idea

yogesh · #15 (**permalink**) 08-28-2009, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unregistered

I just got contact lenses two weeks ago, and I am having a lot of trouble getting them into and out of my eyes.

any advice as to the best way to do this?

To insert the lens, choose a fixed point to stare at, and look at it all the time without blinking. using index finger of right hand gently touch the lens and pull it down. be careful not to blink or look down in this moment, because the lens will go back to its place if you do. this is the most important thing in the whole procedure. you will know when the lens has been moved down when you will start seeing blurry, and you will also feel it a little. using index and thumb fingers of right hand pick the lens from the eye. this is easy if you have correctly done.
T remove the lens, move the lense from cornea to white part of your eye.Once you do this lens won't sit on the eye so firmly and will come out easily.....

gamblinglord · #16 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 12:48 AM

Thank you for that new information, admin and harry. By the way, do you think

it's important to clean your lenses everyday? Well, it's not really easy to have

glasses. It could be a little bit tiresome to wear that.

kyles414 · #17 (**permalink**) 08-31-2009, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrychiling

I have found when teaching I and R (insertion and removal classes) the tips that seem to help are:

1) Stare at a mirror when you are putting them in. This helps you correct yourself from making mistakes.

2) Look slightly up when putting the lenses in, it helps to tuck chin in a little this helps with blinking.

3) Don't try to force the lenses in lightly touch your eye with the contact lens and move your finger away. Their should be a light suction that separates you finger from the lens.

4) If the contact loses its bowl like shape after an attempt at insertion reshape the lens, take a breath, put a drop of solution on the lens to moisten it, and retry.

5) Last tip - remember rome wasn't built in a day. don't get frustrated if it takes more than 1 or 2 or 50 trys for that matter.

This is a very helpful tips. I guess this answers all of our questions. I just want to know, would it be fine if we would let other people put the lens for us? Would it be advisable to wear contact lenses even when you sleeps?

Bondjamesbond · #18 (**permalink**) 09-17-2009, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kyles414

This is a very helpful tips. I guess this answers all of our questions. I just want to know, would it be fine if we would let other people put the lens for us? Would it be advisable to wear contact lenses even when you sleeps?

Those are some good questions, kyles. Now to try to answer them.

There's probably nothing wrong with having someone put your contacts in for you, but don't you think it would be better to learn how to do it yourself? If you're at school or at work and you accidentally drop one of your contacts, you don't want to have to call someone to help you get it back in, do you? You can do it.

As far as sleeping in your contacts, it's fine unless you're wearing 1-day disposable contact lenses. Don't sleep in those.

Thanks kyles. Any more questions?

Goliath2001 · #19 (**permalink**) 10-05-2009, 08:58 AM

Wow. This is probably the best thread in Lens 101. Good, basic, practical help for something that every contact lens wearer has to cope with. Thanks for all the great answers everybody.

Karl73 · #20 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 11:18 PM

I'm new here and agree Goliath2001 that this is a very helpful thread. I just started contacts last weekend and I was about ready to give up. My eye kept blinking and the contact would turn inside out. I'm starting to get a little better at it. I don't want to give up, though I came close. The benefits are so great. and I'm so careless with glasses (losing and breaking them). I like the satisfaction I get when I get the contacts in and take them out. Hopefully one day it will just be as natural as brushing my teeth.

herbking · #21 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by harrychiling

I have found when teaching I and R (insertion and removal classes) the tips that seem to help are:

1) Stare at a mirror when you are putting them in. This helps you correct yourself from making mistakes.

2) Look slightly up when putting the lenses in, it helps to tuck chin in a little this helps with blinking.

3) Don't try to force the lenses in lightly touch your eye with the contact lens and move your finger away. Their should be a light suction that separates you finger from the lens.

4) If the contact loses its bowl like shape after an attempt at insertion reshape the lens, take a breath, put a drop of solution on the lens to moisten it, and retry.

5) Last tip - remember Rome wasn't built in a day. don't get frustrated if it takes more than 1 or 2 or 50 tries for that matter.

This is a very helpful post. Thank you for posting it. What could be better than detailed, step-by-step instructions followed by a reassurance not to give up, even though it can be very frustrating, even after 50 tries?

herbking · #22 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stezy

Ive just started to wear contacts...well i say just started I cnt get the damn things in. I spent a week and a bit as people have suggested getting used to touching my eye. And now im trying to get them in. The method ive adapted from what i was taught by my opition is to look right over the the LEFT hand side (for my right eye) and put it on the whites of he eye, and then turn the eye to sky then back to the middle then let go of the lower then upper eyelid...However wen i try to put the lenses on they dnt suction on. It just goes on my eye but theres a gap inbetween...Is this correct? Or is it not sucking on correctly

Helpppp I really dnt no what i am doing rong and its gettin annoying as you can guess..

Thanks all..

It's been almost three years since we've heard from you, Stezy, if the date on this post is to believed. How is it going? Did this thread help you?

herbking · #23 (**permalink**) 10-30-2009, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jimmys devoted

For me, I drop my head parallel to my thigh, using the left hand, middle finger and index finger i lift the lid and with the lens placed on the tip of my right index finger i look down and place the lens. as I blink the lens pops into place. I do the same with the other side.

What do you mean "drop [your] head parallel to [your] thigh"? Isn't your head parallel to your thigh anyway, without dropping your head? If you're standing up, at least? You may need to take a picture to explain this. Otherwise, it's a great post.

Slade · #24 (**permalink**) 12-07-2009, 10:20 PM

Read this: http://www.clecontactlenses.com/guide.html

If it's not successful, then you should try facing a mirror and look straight in the mirror not the lens. Build up the courage to insert the eyes without blinking. Remember practice makes perfect.

In terms of removing it, try to practice moving the lens like readjusting it on the eye with the use of your index finger (Remember to clean your hands and let it dry off before touching the lens) at some random time after it is already inserted. This technique helps in building the courage to touch the lens on your eye thus preventing you to "auto-shut" your eyes when your finger looks as if it's about to touch your eye. With this, you will be able to do that slide and pick method as instructed in the site.

Kyleden · #25 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slade

Read this: http://www.clecontactlenses.com/guide.html

If it's not successful, then you should try facing a mirror and look straight in the mirror not the lens. Build up the courage to insert the eyes without blinking. Remember practice makes perfect.

In terms of removing it, try to practice moving the lens like readjusting it on the eye with the use of your index finger (Remember to clean your hands and let it dry off before touching the lens) at some random time after it is already inserted. This technique helps in building the courage to touch the lens on your eye thus preventing you to "auto-shut" your eyes when your finger looks as if it's about to touch your eye. With this, you will be able to do that slide and pick method as instructed in the site.

Thanks for the link, Slade. Here are the highlights for those of you who just can't tear themselves away from Lens 101:

Placing The Lens On The Eye

Remember, start with your right eye.
Once you have opened the lens package, removed and examined the lens, follow these steps to apply the lens to your eye:

1. Place the lens on the tip of your forefinger. BE SURE THE LENS IS CORRECTLY ORIENTED . . .
2. Place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower eyelashes and pull down the lower lid.
3. Use the forefinger or middle finger of the other hand to lift the upper lid.
4. Place the lens on the eye.
5. Gently release the lids and blink. The lens will center automatically.
6. Use the same technique when inserting the lens for your left eye.

Note: If you need to rinse the lenses before you insert it into your eye, use only fresh sterile saline solution. Never use tap water.

I liked what you said about practicing, Slade. It's probably a good idea to get yourself used to the idea of touching this lens that's on your eye.

Keep up the good work.

Slade · #26 (**permalink**) 12-08-2009, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyleden

Thanks for the link, Slade. Here are the highlights for those of you who just can't tear themselves away from Lens 101:

Placing The Lens On The Eye

Remember, start with your right eye.
Once you have opened the lens package, removed and examined the lens, follow these steps to apply the lens to your eye:

1. Place the lens on the tip of your forefinger. BE SURE THE LENS IS CORRECTLY ORIENTED . . .
2. Place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower eyelashes and pull down the lower lid.
3. Use the forefinger or middle finger of the other hand to lift the upper lid.
4. Place the lens on the eye.
5. Gently release the lids and blink. The lens will center automatically.
6. Use the same technique when inserting the lens for your left eye.

Note: If you need to rinse the lenses before you insert it into your eye, use only fresh sterile saline solution. Never use tap water.

I liked what you said about practicing, Slade. It's probably a good idea to get yourself used to the idea of touching this lens that's on your eye.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks, but the credit actually goes to my eye practitioner. She gave me this tips and somehow it works but it may take a while to get used to it though.