Learn how to put in contacts & more useful tips for contact wearers

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How to put in contacts, how to take contacts out, and other useful tips for using contact lenses.

There are two common schools of thought about wearing contact lenses. Either you think of them to be convenient and life saving, or you find the idea of putting your fingers in your eyes, quite frankly, terrifying.

Wherever you stand on this scale of opinion, if you’re considering contact lenses, or already wear them, this guide will offer you some helpful tips.

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• Where should I start if I’m considering contact lenses?
• How to put in contacts?
• How to take out contacts?
• Some useful tips for contact lens wearers.
• How to take out contacts with long nails?
• Contact lenses in a nutshell.

Where should I start if I’m considering contact lenses?

Some people are surprised to learn that their prescription for contact lenses differs from that of their glasses. Whether or not you currently wear glasses, if you are considering adding contact lenses into your lifestyle, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor for a complete contact lens assessment. 

Just as with corrective eyeglasses and progressive lenses , there is a wide selection of brands and lens types to suit your optical needs and complement your lifestyle. You have the options of single vision and multifocal contact lenses. Within these categories, there are also options that consider things like UV protection, moisture levels, oxygen flow, and astigmatism.

You also have the convenience of choosing the lifespan of your lenses. Daily contact lenses can be discarded after each use. Extended-wear contact lenses (weekly, monthly and yearly) should be discarded as frequently as their name suggests, and require careful cleaning and storage between each use.

Once you and your optometrist have determined the right lenses for you, it’s important to know the best and safest way to look after them.

How to put in contacts?

With enough practice, putting in your contact lenses will become second nature. To start with, it might seem a little challenging, so we’ll outline some helpful suggestions:

Most popular contact lens brands.

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Step 1: Before anything, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean towel.

Step 2: Some people find it helpful to put in contact lenses in front of a mirror.

Step 3: It’s recommended to always start with the same eye. This is especially helpful for those with different prescriptions in each eye.

Step 4: Using your finger tips, remove the lens from its packaging or storage case, and place it on one finger tip or in the palm of your hand. Ensure that the lens is the right way up (some contacts have laser markings with numbers to help identify if the lens is inside out).
Step 5: Check there are no tears or any elements of dirt on the lens, and discard or clean with contact lens solution as necessary.

Step 6: With the lens on the tip of your index finger, use the middle finger of the same hand holding the lens to gently pull down the lower lid. Then use the opposite index finger to lift your upper eyelid.

Step 7: Look up and carefully put the lens on the white of your eye.

Step 8: Look down and blink, to center the lens.

Step 9: If the lens feels comfortable (i.e. you don’t actually feel it) and you can see properly, the lens is inserted correctly. If you feel any discomfort or see any blurring, remove the lens and start again.

As you find your rhythm and the process becomes easier, you may find it more comfortable to use different fingers, or a different method entirely. 

How to take out contacts?

Taking out your contact lenses is much easier, but requires the same level of care.

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Step 1: First and foremost, always wash your hands with soap and water and dry with a clean towel.

Step 2: If the lens you are removing is for extended wear and will need to be stored, ensure your contact lens case is clean and dry. Add the sterilizing solution before removing your contact lenses for your own convenience.

Step 3: Look up, and using your middle finger, pull down your lower eyelid (again, many find this more comfortable to do in front of a mirror).

Step 4: With the index finger of the same hand, slide the lens down to the white of the eye, and with the help of your thumb, gently pinch the lens to remove it from your eye.


Step 5: If the lens you have removed is a daily, it should be discarded. Otherwise, clean and store according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

Some useful tips for contact lens wearers.

Here we’ll outline a few tips to help get the most out of your contact lenses and reduce the risk of irritability and infection:

Don’t wear your lenses longer than is recommended as this increases your chances of eye infections.

Don’t use water or saliva to clean your lenses as they can contain microbes that cause eye infections.

Consult your optometrist if you’re considering changing to a new type of lens to ensure they’re a suitable option for you.

Don’t wear your contact lenses in the shower or while swimming. As mentioned, water can cause infections. If you’re a professional swimmer there are a range of prescription swim goggles to offer optimal vision while you’re in the pool.

Put in your contacts before putting on makeup, and take them out before removing makeup. This avoids contamination that can lead to eye infections. 

Remove your contact lenses if you are unwell. An illness like the common cold can increase the risk of spreading germs to your eyes, resulting in infection.

Keep your fingernails short when handling your contact lenses. If you do choose to keep your nails long, scrub your nails with a nail brush when washing your hands to keep them clean and avoid eye infections. 

How to take out contacts with long nails?

The process for putting in and taking contact lenses out with long nails remains the same as mentioned above. If your nails are too long to be able to use your finger tips, you can use the sides of your fingers. 

Under no circumstances should you use any other apparatus (such as tweezers or cotton buds) to insert or remove contact lenses. This can cause damage to your eyes and to your lenses.

Contact lenses in a nutshell.

Despite seeming like a lot of hard work, contact lenses are an easy and convenient solution for those that choose them. They allow you to afford switching up your style with non-prescription sunglasses. You can also pair them with non-prescription blue light blocking glasses for the times you’re sitting at your screen. 

Our final tip: Even the most seasoned contact lens wearers will tell you, always keep a pair of back up prescription glasses on hand.