Putting in and taking out contact lenses

Putting in and taking out contact lenses

Prepare yourself

Wash your hands with a mild soap, rinse and dry with a lint-free towel. Make sure the sink drain is closed before manipulating the lenses. Lens powers are usually not the same for both eyes, so make sure you put the correct lens on each eye. Make it a habit to always start with the same eye (left or right of your choice). This way you avoid confusion. Carefully remove the lens from the packaging or lens holder. Do not use tweezers or other objects. Avoid touching the lens with your nails. This can damage the lens. 

For soft lenses:

1. Check the lens

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and hold it up to the light. Make sure it is clean, dust-free and has no cracks or damage. If the lens is damaged, do not use it!
Make sure the lens is not inside out. A lens that is placed on the eye inside out can feel uncomfortable and does not provide clear vision.

Method 1: 

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and look at the shape. If the edges fold inwards nicely (the lens resembles a bowl) it is in the correct position. If the edges curl outward (the lens looks like a dinner plate) the lens is inside out and needs to be turned over.

Method 2: 

hold the lens between your thumb and index finger. Gently bend the edges of the lens together. If the edges lean towards each other, the lens is in the right position. If the edges fold 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're left-handed, left is easier).
Make sure your finger is dry, otherwise the lens will stick and it will be difficult to insert them.
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 lift the upper eyelid slightly.
Place the lens directly on the eye.
Look down, release the lower eyelid and then the upper one.
Blink carefully. The lens centers automatically. Repeat the actions with the other lens.

For hard lenses:

• Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger, keeping the eyelids well apart.
• Place the lens directly on the cornea.
• Check whether the lens is properly seated by looking around you.
• Follow the same procedure with the second lens. If you drop the lens, rinse it thoroughly with sterile saline or an all-in-one solution.
• If the lens irritates after use, it may be that there is dust underneath it, for example. Then take the lens out again, rinse it and reinsert it. If the irritation persists, consult your contact lens specialist as soon as possible.
• Never use a damaged lens!

A hitch in the cable...

• You were unable to insert your lens? Then rinse them briefly with a sterile saline solution before trying again.
• The lens is not centered on the eye. Occasionally it can happen that the lens moves to the white part of the eye during insertion or while wearing. If that is the case, look where the lens is and massage the lens back to the place between the eyelids.
• There's something on the lens. Take out the lens and see if any cosmetics or dirt particles are left behind. Rinse the lens thoroughly with sterile saline before reinserting the lens into the 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?

Handling your lenses is a matter of routine: once you have mastered the different actions, everything runs very smoothly. Only you can ensure that your contact lenses are worn, replaced and maintained as recommended by your eye care professional. Taking care of your contact lenses may seem like quite a job, but you will soon notice that it is not so bad. In addition, the new generation maintenance products make it a lot easier for you. 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 the lower eyelid down with the middle finger. Make sure the lens is on the eye.
• Place the tip of the index finger on the lens and then look upward. This will shift the lens downward onto the white part of the eye.
• Pluck the lens there between your thumb and index finger.
• Clean and disinfect the lenses or discard them (depending on the lens type).
• Repeat the above procedure for the other lens. If you have difficulty removing the lens, place a few comfort drops or sterile saline solution in the eye, wait a moment and try again.

For hard lenses:

There are different methods to remove the lenses. You can best judge for yourself which method is the easiest for you. Below you will find 2 described:

Method 1: 

Bend your head slightly forward and hold one hand so that you can catch the contact lens.
Place the index finger of the other hand at the outer corner of the eye and look at the tip of the nose. Make your eyes wide. If you now forcefully pull your eyelids outwards and blink, the contact lens will automatically 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 via our website or visit one of the Oogwereld stores to receive advice from our experts.