Author: Dr Ewa Neumann
Posted: 1 July 2009 18:44
In writing this how-to apply contact lenses post I shall try not to sound too much like your mum, but there are some important steps.
Firstly - always, always wash your hands properly before applying contact lenses. Always avoid using products containing lanolin and don't use oily or overly scented soaps as they can also damage your contact lens.
I advice my patients to have a routine for applying their contact lenses so that they get used to it and it becomes habit. So I shall say the same to you: Always start with the same eye, it does not matter if your prefer right or left as long as you always start with the same one. This can help it to become automatic and will also help you not to mix them up.
Once you have cleaned your hands and have chosen the eye to start with, follow the steps below
- Whether you are using daily contact lenses or monthly contact lenses, give your contact lens container a little shake, this will help to loosen the contact lens if it has become stuck to it. If you have to pull the lens out with your finger you are likely to damage it
- Squirt some contact lens cleaning solution into the palm of your hand (clean yes?) and then slide the lens out of its case and into it. Rinse your contact lens thoroughly with your contact lens cleaning solution.
- Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger, which should be fairly moist.
- With the thumb and fingers of your other hand, pull down on your lower eyelid and up on your upper eyelid.
- You can now apply your contact lens by placing it on the white of the eye closest to your ear or alternatively you could position the contact lens on your eye while looking upward - whichever you find to be easier.
- Roll your eyes in a big circle to get the lens to settle and then blink once or twice.
You should now find that your contact lens is comfortable and you are able to see clearly if a little watery at first.
