Instructions for Inserting Contact Lenses
If you have never worn
contact lenses before, the procedure for
inserting them onto the surface of your eye
may initially seem quite daunting. However,
with practice inserting your contact lenses
can become as routine an activity as tying
your shoes or applying your makeup. Here are
a few tips that can make the procedure go
easily for you:
Wash Your
Hands
Tip: Before handling your lenses,
you need to be sure to wash your hands with
fragrance free soap to remove any bacteria.
Also, avoid using perfumes or lotions before
inserting your contact lenses. Then, make
sure your lenses are clean and free from
deposits or rips.
-
Always start with the
same lens (left or right), so that you
do not become confused and get them
mixed up
-
Take the lens out of the
storage case with one finger
-
Rinse lens with the
solution that your eye doctor has
recommended. It is important that the
lens is free of any dust or debris.
-
Place the lens on the
tip of your index finger
-
Make sure the lens is
right side out. Many contact lens makers
put small letters or numbers on their
soft contact lenses as a way to ensure
they are right side out. If you can read
the letters or numbers, it is correct,
but if they are backwards, the lens is
inside out.
-
Use the fingers on your
other hand to hold your eyelids open
-
As you are looking up,
place the lens on the lower white of
your eye
-
Close your eye slowly
and hold it shut for a moment
-
Blink several times to
set the lens in place over your cornea
-
Repeat for the other
eye.
Additional
Tips
If your eye feels irritated
after inserting your contact lens, remove
the lens and blink several times to clear
dust or eyelashes off your eye. Then, rinse
the lens with solution and try again. If the
problem persists, try another pair of lenses
if you are using disposable contact lenses
or contact your optometrist.
Also, it is a good idea to have
your eye doctor walk you through the process
the first time to be sure you are doing it
properly. And for all of you ladies out
there, a general rule of thumb is to put
hairspray on before putting in your lenses
and put makeup on after putting them in.
With a little practice, most
people are soon inserting their contact
lenses without a second thought.
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