Putting on contact lenses may not be easy and even a little scary the first time you do it. Do not worry! After doing a little practice, this task is actually simple and easy. To put contact lenses in your eyes, hold your eyelids open so you can fit them easily on your eyes. When it's time to remove your contact lenses, use the same process to remove them. In addition, use contact lenses properly so that eye health is maintained.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Attaching Contact Lenses to Eyes
Step 1. Wash your hands with warm water and unscented soap
Wet hands, then apply soap and scrub for at least 30 seconds. Rinse hands thoroughly to remove soap residue. Dry your hands by patting them with a clean microfiber towel to avoid lint.
- Always dry your hands with a clean, dry towel.
- The best option is a microfiber towel because it doesn't leave hair and lint on your hands, which could get on contact lenses. If you don't have a microfiber towel, try letting your hands air dry if you have sensitive eyes.
Step 2. Open the lid of one of the contact lens cases and set it aside
Only open one case (for 1 eye side) at a time so that both sides of the contact lens are not mixed or accidentally damaged. Get used to always open one side of the same first. For example, you can get into the habit of opening the contact lens for the right eye first, then the left.
Step 3. Use your fingertips to slide the contact lens out of the case
Tilt the case toward you, then press the contact lens lightly with your finger. Once the contact lens is on your fingertip, gently pull the finger out of the case and transfer the contact lens to your palm.
- Do not use your fingernails to remove contact lenses as this can damage them.
- Be careful when handling contact lenses as they can be easily damaged.
Tip:
If the contact lens gets stuck on the side of the case, gently shake the case to remove it. You can also spray contact lenses with a cleaning solution to wet them.
Step 4. Rinse the lens with a cleaning solution
Place the contact lens in the center of the palm, then spray the contact lens solution over it. Look at the contact lenses to see if there is any dirt stuck to them. You don't need to scrub it if there's no dirt there.
- If there is dirt on the contact lenses, spray a large amount of the solution on the lenses, then rub lightly with your fingertips to remove the dirt.
- Never use tap water on contact lenses. Only clean contact lenses using a special solution for contact lenses.
Step 5. Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger with the concave side facing up
Place the contact lens on the skin of the finger, not on the nail. Make sure that the concave part of the contact lens is on the tip of your finger facing up, and that the side of the lens is not stuck to your finger. The shape will be similar to a small bowl.
If the tip of the lens is wide, it means it is upside down. Place it back on your palm and use your fingertips to gently press and flip the lens so that it is positioned correctly
Step 6. Hold the eyelid open using the middle finger and the other hand, if necessary
Turn your face in the mirror. Next, gently pull your eyelid down using the middle finger of the hand holding the contact lens. You may need to open your upper eyelid if your eyes are very sensitive to touch. Gently use the other hand to lift and hold the upper eyelid from blinking. This makes the eyes more open, which makes it easier for you to put on contact lenses.
The upper eyelid must be held open if you keep blinking or your eyes are very small. This is normal if you are using contact lenses for the first time because your eyes are not used to being exposed to foreign objects. Over time, you may not need to open your upper eyelid anymore
Step 7. Place the contact lens on the eye calmly and steadily
Try not to blink or move suddenly. It's probably best to keep your eyes up so you don't blink accidentally on reflex. Also, try not to focus on the eye that the contact lens will be entering so that you don't blink.
Step 8. Gently place the contact lens on the iris
Hold the contact lens close to the eyeball, then press lightly. Contact lenses will stick to the eyes easily because they are sucked in by moisture. Next, lift your fingers away from your eyes.
Contact lenses must be attached to the iris, which is the part of the eye that has color. If possible, try placing the contact lens directly in this area
Variation:
If you keep blinking, look up and place the contact lens on the white of your eye. Hold the eye open and move the eye downward toward the contact lens. Next, gently lift the upper eyelid and lower it on the contact lens. The final step, press the eyelid lightly to remove air bubbles so that the contact lens adheres tightly.
Step 9. Release your eyelids and blink slowly until the contact lenses feel comfortable
Blink slowly a few times, being careful not to move the contact lens out of position. Look in the mirror to check if the contact lenses are in place and you can see them. Pay attention to whether the eye is sore or irritated. Contact lenses should feel comfortable.
If the eye is painful and itchy, remove the contact lens and clean it with a solution. After that, try re-entering it
Step 10. Repeat this process on the other lens
If you have both contact lenses in your eye, look around to make sure you can see well. When finished, discard the contact lens solution that was in the container, then rinse and close the container.
Never reuse a solution that has been used because it can increase the risk of eye infections. Only use new contact lens solution
Method 2 of 3: Removing Contact Lenses
Step 1. Wash and dry your hands
Wet your hands with warm water, then scrub them for about 30 seconds with soap. Rinse your hands thoroughly, then use a clean microfiber towel to dry them.
- Make sure that there are no towel fibers stuck to your hands.
- Make sure you use a clean, dry towel.
Step 2. Lubricate your eyes with contact lens-safe eye drops if you have dry eyes
This is only optional, but can be useful if the contact lens dries out when it sticks to the eye. These eye drops will wet the contact lens so you can easily remove it later. Put about 2 to 3 drops of rewetting drop (lubricant solution) on the eye to moisten it.
- Check the packaging to make sure that the rewetting drops are safe to use on contact lenses. Otherwise, don't use it because it can damage the contact lens.
- If there is no rewetting drop, you can moisten the eye with a saline solution. Do not use contact lens cleaning solutions as they can dry out and irritate your eyes.
Step 3. Pull the eyelid down using your finger
Use your middle finger to open the lower lid so that the whites of your eyes are visible. Continue to hold the eyelid when you remove the contact lens.
If the contact lens slides out of place before you remove it, blink a few times to bring the lens back into the iris
Step 4. Touch and slide the contact lens down using your index finger
Use the pad of your finger to touch the tip of the contact lens. The contact lens will stick to the pad. Next, slowly slide the contact lens to the bottom of the eye. Contact lenses will feel folded when they reach the tip of the lower eyelid.
Step 5. Stick and press your index finger and thumb on the outside of the contact lens to remove it
Gently press the two fingers around the contact lens, then pull the lens out of the eye. Be careful when handling contact lenses so as not to accidentally tear or tear them.
Only use the finger pad when touching contact lenses. Contact lenses can be damaged if you use your nails
Step 6. Place the contact lens on the palm and clean it
Place the contact lens on the palm of the hand facing up, then spray it with contact lens cleaning solution. Rub each side of the lens gently to clean it. After that, rinse the contact lenses again to clean the remaining dirt.
Throw away old or damaged contact lenses
Step 7. Put the contact lenses in the case and pour in the new contact lens solution
Gently insert the contact lens into the case, then pour the new contact lens solution into it. Put the lid on the case to keep the contact lenses safe.
- Make sure you have placed the lens in the case at the correct part of the eye.
- Do not use old contact lens solutions. Only use a new solution each time you store contact lenses.
Step 8. Repeat this process on the other contact lenses
Gently pull on the lower eyelid and remove the contact lens on the other eye. Clean the lens with contact lens solution, then put it in the case in the correct part of the eye. Fill the container with the contact lens solution, and seal it tightly.
Tip:
It is very important to care for contact lenses by cleaning them daily and storing them in a new solution. Eye health is very important. Don't take the risk!
Method 3 of 3: Practicing Good Habits
Step 1. Check contact lenses for rips, tears, or dirt before you put them on
Do not put contact lenses in your eyes if they are potentially irritating. Hold the contact lens close to the eye and check for dirt or damage.
- Discard contact lenses that look damaged and use new ones.
- If there is dirt and dust on the contact lenses, rinse and clean the lenses with contact lens solution.
Step 2. Change contact lenses as directed by your doctor
Most contact lenses are designed for single use, which means you have to change them frequently. Depending on the type and brand of contact lenses you use, your doctor may tell you that you should replace them every day, every week, every two weeks, or every month. Always follow this schedule and change contact lenses as directed. This is useful for keeping your eyes healthy.
- Soft contact lenses are usually replaced daily, weekly, biweekly, or monthly. Extended wear contact lenses can be worn overnight, and usually need to be replaced weekly, biweekly, or monthly, depending on the brand and your needs. Rigid gas permeable lenses are made of rigid and durable materials that can be used for up to 1 year. However, the doctor will give additional cleaning instructions to treat it. This type of lens is rarely prescribed by doctors.
- Never try to save money by wearing contact lenses for too long. Contact lenses have been designed to last a certain period of time. If the time period has expired, the contact lenses will begin to deteriorate and become uncomfortable to wear. These lenses also tend to collect bacteria, germs, and debris that can harm the eye.
Step 3. Sleep with your contact lenses in place only if your doctor approves it
You may find it difficult to take off your contact lenses every night, but this is a very important thing. Sleeping with contact lenses that are not designed for long-term use can dry out your eyes, get bacteria, and put you at risk for serious complications (such as ulcers). Always remove contact lenses at night unless your doctor allows you to wear them at bedtime.
If you have dry eyes, you may not be able to sleep while wearing contact lenses even if your doctor allows you to. Consult a doctor if you have dry eyes
Step 4. Clean or replace the contact lens case every 3 months
Over time, the contact lens case will get dirty. To clean it, boil water in a saucepan, then place the contact lens case in boiling water for at least 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and remove the contact lens case from the water using a slotted spoon or tongs. Let the container cool before you handle it. After that, rinse the container with a saline solution before you use it again
Alternatively, buy a new container (and this is probably the safest option)
Warning:
If the container looks damaged or cracked, replace it immediately even if you just bought it. Cracked or damaged containers increase the risk of infection.
Step 5. Avoid using saliva or tap water to clean contact lenses
Never clean contact lenses by placing them in your mouth because they can get very dirty. Saliva is a non-sterile material, and it can transfer bacteria and germs to contact lenses. Tap water is also not sterile and can allow bacteria or chemicals in the water to stick to contact lenses. In addition, saliva and water make contact lenses dry. Only use contact lens solution to clean them.
You should always carry contact lens solution with you when you leave the house. You can bring the solution packaged in a small bottle (which is usually used for samples) so that it can be put in a bag easily
Step 6. Use eye drops that are safe to use on contact lenses
Most eye drops can dry out contact lenses, even though they say they are designed for dry eyes. If you want to moisturize your eyes when you wear contact lenses, read the description on the eye drops to see if the product is safe for contact lenses.
Eye drops that are safe for contact lenses are usually displayed near contact lens solutions that you can buy at drugstores. You can also buy it over the internet
Step 7. Remove contact lenses before you shower (either by soaking or using the shower)
Contact lenses can be damaged easily if exposed to tap water and foam from personal care products. This can dry out contact lenses and leave harmful residue and bacteria. Always remove contact lenses before you take a shower to avoid damaging them.
Your eyes can become infected if you keep your contact lenses on while showering or soaking in the tub
Step 8. Avoid swimming or soaking in hot tubs when contact lenses have not been removed
Swimming pools, drains, and hot tubs are full of germs, bacteria, and sometimes chemicals. Water splashes that touch the skin can get into the eyes and contact lenses, which can damage or contaminate the lenses. This can cause your eyes to become irritated or infected. So, remove your contact lenses before you get into the water, then put on your glasses.
Wearing contact lenses while swimming is unsafe even if you just cleaned them
Step 9. Provide spare glasses that suit your current eye condition
While you may wear contact lenses most of the time, you should have spare glasses to wear when you are not wearing them. Wear glasses at night to give your eyes a break from contact lenses. Also, wear glasses if your eyes are irritated or you suspect you have an infection.
- Go to the eye doctor if you suspect you have an eye infection.
- If you don't have much money to buy spare glasses, look for cheap glasses. For example, you can buy glasses over the internet with prices starting from Rp. 100 thousand. Ask your doctor for a copy of the prescription for your eye condition along with the distance between the pupils (this measure is required if you want to buy glasses).
Tips
- Most people find it difficult to put on contact lenses the first time they do it. So, don't worry if you are experiencing it too. If you're feeling frustrated, take a break to calm yourself down. After that, try again.
- When you first put on contact lenses, you may feel strange. This is completely normal.
- If contact lenses fall from your eyes, rinse them thoroughly using contact lens solution.
- If the contact lens feels no longer suitable for the eye condition, consult a doctor. Your doctor will advise you to try another brand.
- Make sure fingers are dry and contact lenses are wet. This is so that the contact lens can slip off your finger easily when you put it on.
Warning
- Never use hand sanitizer before you put on or remove contact lenses. In this situation, hand sanitizer cannot replace regular hand soap.
- If your eyes feel gritty, sore, or red, don't wear contact lenses. Instead, put on spare glasses and go to the eye doctor.
- If your eyes have pain or discomfort, even after you have removed your contact lenses, consult an ophthalmologist.
- Put on contact lenses first before you put on makeup so that contact lenses are not contaminated. At the end of the day, remove contact lenses before you remove eye makeup.
