Inserting and removing contact lenses can feel a little daunting at first — but with a little practice, it quickly becomes second nature. Our team at Eyes At Narangba walks every new contact lens wearer through this process, and we're always here if you need a refresher.
Start with clean hands — every single time.
This is the single most important step in safe contact lens handling. Before touching your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, making sure to clean between your fingers and under your nails. Rinse well and dry with a disposable paper towel — cloth towels and lint-free towels can still harbour bacteria or leave fibres that irritate your eyes. Get this right and you've done the hardest part.
How to insert your contact lenses
- Remove the contact lens from the case with your index finger, taking care not to touch the inside surface of the lens.
- Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Check it's the right way out — it should look like a bowl, not a saucer with flared edges.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger to create a pocket.
- Look up and position the lens over your eye, centring it over your pupil.
- Gently release your lower eyelid and close your eye for a few seconds.
- Roll your eye slowly in a circle to help the lens settle into place.
How to remove your contact lenses
- Look up and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger.
- Use your index finger to slide the lens down to the white part of your eye.
- Pinch the lens gently between your index finger and thumb and lift it away from your eye.
Additional tips for safe contact lens wear
- Never touch the inside of your lens with your fingers. If you do, rinse it with fresh contact lens solution before inserting.
- Clean and disinfect your lenses with contact lens solution before and after wear to remove dirt, debris, and bacteria.
- Store monthly and fortnightly lenses in a clean contact lens case when not in use to keep them fresh and moist.
- Replace your lenses on schedule — daily lenses are single use, fortnightly lenses every two weeks, and monthly lenses every month. Don't stretch them out.
- Replace your contact lens solution regularly. If your solution has expired or been open for more than 90 days, discard it and start fresh. And whenever you buy new solution, replace the case too — old cases can harbour bacteria even after cleaning.
Troubleshooting common issues
Dry eyes: Try using a lubricating eye drop before inserting your lenses. Our team can recommend drops that are compatible with contact lens wear.
Blurry vision: If things look blurry after insertion, your prescription may have changed. Book an eye exam with us and we'll check.
Lens stuck in your eye: Blink a few times first. If it's still stuck, try gently sliding it down with your finger. If you can't remove it yourself, call us or see your optometrist straight away — don't force it.
Any questions or concerns about your contact lenses? Our team at Eyes At Narangba is always happy to help. Serving patients in Narangba and across North Brisbane, Queensland.
