Inserting and removing contact lenses

Inserting and removing contact lenses

Prepare yourself

Wash your hands with mild soap, rinse, and dry them with a lint-free towel. Make sure the sink drain is closed before handling the lenses. Lens prescriptions are usually not the same for both eyes, so be sure to put the correct lens on each eye. Make it a habit to always start with the same eye (left or right, as desired) to avoid confusion. Carefully remove the lens from the packaging or lens case. Do not use tweezers or other objects. Avoid touching the lens with your fingernails, as this can damage it. 

For soft lenses:

1. Check the lens

Place the lens on your index fingertip and hold it up to the light. Make sure it's clean, dust-free, and free of cracks or damage. If the lens is damaged, do not use it!
Make sure the lens isn't inside out. A lens placed inside out can feel uncomfortable and doesn't provide clear vision.

Method 1: 

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and look at its shape. If the edges fold inward nicely (the lens resembles a bowl), it's positioned correctly. If the edges curl outward (the lens resembles a plate), the lens is inside-out and should be inverted.

Method 2: 

Hold the lens between your thumb and index finger. Gently fold the edges of the lens toward each other. If the edges bend toward each other, the lens is correctly positioned. If the edges pull away from each other, the lens is inside out.

2. Place the lens on the eye

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger (if you are left-handed, the left is easier).
Make sure your finger is dry, otherwise the lens will stick and it will be difficult to insert.
Look straight ahead in the mirror and concentrate on your eyes, not your hands.
Place the middle finger of the same hand on your lower eyelid and pull it down slightly.
Use the fingers of your other hand to slightly lift your upper eyelid.
Place the lens directly on the eye.
Look down, release the lower eyelid, then the upper one.
Blink carefully. The lens will center automatically. Repeat the process with the other lens.

For hard lenses:

• Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger, holding your eyelids well apart.
• Place the lens directly on the cornea.
• Check that the lens is in the correct position by looking around you.
• Follow the same procedure with the second lens. If you drop the lens, rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline solution or an all-in-one solution first.
• If the lens irritates after insertion, there might be a speck of dust underneath. Remove the lens, rinse it, and reinsert it. If the irritation persists, consult your contact lens specialist as soon as possible.
• Never insert a damaged lens!

A spanner in the works...

• Didn't you manage to insert your lens? Rinse it with sterile saline solution before trying again.
• The lens isn't centered on the eye. Occasionally, the lens may shift to the white part of the eye during insertion or wear. If this happens, check where the lens is and gently massage it back into place between the eyelids.
• There's something on the lens. Remove the lens and check for any remaining cosmetics or dirt particles. Rinse the lens thoroughly with sterile saline before replacing it in your eye.
• The lens is inside out. See above under "Check the lens."
• The lens is torn or damaged. If this is the case, the lens should never be used. Discard the lens and insert a new one, or contact your eye care professional.
• If your vision is still not clear and the lens does not feel comfortable after checking the above, remove the lenses and contact your specialist.

How to manipulate lenses?

Caring for your lenses is a matter of routine: once you've mastered the various steps, everything goes very smoothly. Only you can ensure that your contact lenses are worn, replaced, and cared for as recommended by your eye care professional. Caring for your contact lenses may seem like a chore, but you'll soon find that it's not so bad. Moreover, the new generation of care products makes it much easier. So enjoy your lenses and protect your eyes.

How to remove lenses?

For soft lenses:

• Wash, rinse, and dry your hands. Close the sink drain.
• Pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger. Make sure the lens is in place.
• Place the tip of your index finger on the lens and then look up. This will shift the lens downward onto the white part of your eye.
• Pluck the lens there between your thumb and index finger.
• Clean and disinfect the lenses or throw them away (depending on the lens type).
• Repeat the above procedure for the other lens. If you have trouble removing the lens, apply a few comfort drops or sterile saline solution to the eye, wait a moment, and try again.

For hard lenses:

There are several methods for removing lenses. You can best judge which method is easiest for you. Two are described below:

Method 1: 

Tilt your head slightly forward and hold one hand so that you can catch the contact lens.
Place the index finger of your other hand at the outer corner of your eye and look at the tip of your nose. Widen your eyes. When you pull your eyelids outward vigorously and blink, the contact lens will naturally fall into your hand.

Method 2: 

Using a suction cup:

Look in the mirror and carefully place the suction cup on the lens.
Remove the lens from the eye using the suction cup.

Need new lenses?

Order your lenses through our website or visit one of the Oogwereld stores to get advice from our experts.