How do I insert Contact Lenses?

How Do I Insert Contact Lenses?

Key points to remember when answering "How Do I Insert Contact Lenses?":

• I can not stress enough that GENTLY placing contact lens on the eye will work. It does not get pressed, pushed, or shoved on.
  
• Keep your eyes wide open; the lens can not go on through your lids.
  
• Have the lens completely balanced. If the lens gets knocked over, it does not release off your finger.
  
• So on to it, How do I insert contact lenses: For this description, I will use a right handed person placing a contact lens on their right eye. It is also helpful to be over a clean surface with a vanity or magnifying mirror to help you see what you are doing. If you have myopia, you probably will not need a high magnification. If you are farsighted or have presbyopia a mirror with magnification will be very beneficial.
  How Do I Insert Contact Lenses
  Balance the clean lens on your right index finger. All edges must be up.
  
• Use your left hand to hold your upper lid open. Reach from overhead, gently hold your upper lid and lashes against your brow.
  This may feel a little awkward, that's ok for now, you did ask how do I insert contact lenses, didn't you?
  
• Use your right middle finger to gently hold your lower lid out of the way.
  
• Move your chin down towards your chest, and continue to look in the mirror.
  
• You should now have an upward glance. Notice all the white of the eye that is exposed when this position is held correctly.
  
• Gently place the contact lens between the lids and on the eye. The lens can be placed anywhere on the eye at this point.
  
• Don't force the lens on. Keep your eyes open and stay relaxed.
  
• The lens must clear all your lids and lashes, so when it gets to the eye, it is still properly balanced on your finger.
  
• Once on the eye, gently slide it towards the cornea (over the colored area of your eye)
  
• Don't close your eye yet! Your almost there.
  
  
• Slowly take your finger straight back, keeping your eyes open.
  
• Gently let go of your lids, look down towards the floor.
  
• Slowly close your eyes.
  

Congratulations! You just put on your contact lens.
Repeat for the other eye. You can use the same hands here. Everything is the same, except you are working with the other eye.

When practicing, Just remember to relax and keep your eyes open.
The first week is the most frustrating. Before you know it, you will be able to put your lenses on without even thinking.

I am sure you did great, now go out and enjoy the fantastic vision you get with your new lenses.

Steve Cogger is a contact lens specialist in New York City. Find out more of the great information he shares with all contact lens wearers, visit All-About-Contact-Lenses.com