How to Put in Contact Lenses Step-by-Step
1. Wash your hands
Before anything else, wash your hands with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel.
This matters more than people think. Anything on your hands goes straight onto the lens and then into your eye.
2. Take the lens out and rinse it
Place the lens in your palm and rinse it with fresh contact solution.
Never use water. Even clean-looking water can carry bacteria that shouldn’t be near your eyes.
3. Make sure it’s not inside out
Set the lens on your fingertip.
It should look like a smooth bowl.
If the edges flare outward, it’s flipped the wrong way.
4. Gently hold your eye open
Use one finger to lift your upper eyelid, creating enough space for the lens.
Some people look straight ahead. Others look slightly up. Either is fine.
5. Place the lens on your eye
Bring the lens toward your eye slowly and let it touch the surface.
You don’t need to press. It will settle into place on its own.
6. Blink and let it settle
Blink a few times and look around.
If the lens feels comfortable and your vision is clear, you’re done!
A Few Things To Remember
- Put them in the same order every time so you don’t mix them up
- Keep your nails short while you’re learning
- Go slowly, especially at the beginning
Most people struggle putting them in for the first few days. That’s totally normal.
If Something Feels Off
If your lens feels scratchy, blurry, or uncomfortable:
- Take it out
- Check for damage, ripping, or debris
- Rinse it again with solution
If there’s any damage or debris that’s not removed with solution, throw out that lens and open a fresh one.
Taking Your Contacts Out
At the end of the day, removal is usually easier.
- Wash your hands again.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Slide the lens slightly downward, then pinch it lightly to remove.
Safety Tips
- Never sleep in your contact lenses
- Never shower or swim in them
- Don’t wear them longer than they’re designed for. For example, make sure to change into a fresh pair of bi-weeklies after two weeks of use.
If your eye becomes red, painful, or sensitive to light, take them out and consult your eye doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use water instead of contact solution?
No. Never use water. Even clean-looking water can carry bacteria that aren’t safe for your eyes. Always use fresh contact lens solution.
How can I tell if my contact lens is inside out?
Place it on your fingertip. If it looks like a smooth bowl, it’s correct. If the edges flare outward, it’s inside out and needs to be flipped.
What’s the easiest way to keep my eye open?
Use one finger to gently lift your upper eyelid. Some people look straight ahead, others slightly upward. Both are fine, it just takes a little practice to find what feels natural.
Do I need to press the lens onto my eye?
No. Just let it lightly touch your eye. The lens will settle into place on its own.
What should it feel like when it’s in correctly?
You should barely feel it. Your vision should be clear and comfortable after a few blinks.
Is it normal to struggle at first?
Yes. Almost everyone struggles for the first few days. It gets much easier with practice.
What if my lens feels uncomfortable or blurry?
Take it out right away. Check for tears or debris, rinse it with solution, and try again. If it still feels off, use a fresh lens.
How do I take my contacts out?
Wash your hands, pull down your lower eyelid, slide the lens downward, then gently pinch it to remove.
Can I sleep, shower, or swim in my contacts?
No. Avoid all of these. It increases your risk of irritation and infection.
How often should I replace my lenses?
Follow the schedule your lenses are designed for. For example, bi-weekly lenses should be replaced every two weeks, even if they still feel fine.