Expert Contact Lens Wear Tips

1. Inserting Contact Lenses

Wearing contact lenses for the first time can make many people who have never used them before quite apprehensive. Most eye care providers will advise their patients on the use of contact lenses. There are many different methods for inserting contact lenses. The steps listed below are frequently recommended for first time wearers and they can take precations from contact lens problems:

Wash hands thoroughly and away from contact lens infections
Place the lens on the tip of the index finger of the hand that you normally use.
Pull the lower lid down with the middle finger of the same hand
Pull the upper lid up with the index finger of the other hand
Place the lens on the white area below the pupil
Release the eyelids and look downward and close the eye

2. Wearing the right contact lens in the right eye.

Many contact lens wearers do not have the same prescription in both eyes. Thus it is important to ensure that you wear the right prescription in the right eye. It is recommended that you insert and remove the same lens first each time to reduce the chance of inserting the contacts in the wrong eye or the wrong side of the case.

3. Wearing makeup with contact lenses

Typically, it is better to insert soft contact lenses before applying makeup while hard contact lenses should be inserted after applying makeup. Avoid lash extending and water-proof mascaras; eyeliner should not be applied inside the lash line. Eye shadows should be used sparingly to avoid debris falling into the eye and damaging or staining the lens.

If you wear eye makeup frequently, read the labels of makeup brands carefully to ensure that they are tested and approved for contact lens wearers.

4. Hairspray with contact lenses

Ideally, hairspray should be applied before contact lenses are inserted into the eyes. Often some residual amount of spray is left in the air for a few seconds which can adhere to the contact lenses and cause mild discomfort and infection. If it is necessary to insert contact lenses before using hairspray, close your eyes while spraying and for a few seconds after that.

5. Removing Contact Lenses

It is easier to remove contact lenses than wearing them. The steps for removing contact lenses usually include the following:

Wash hands thoroughly
Insert rewetting drops if the eyes feel dry
Pull the lower lid down with the index finger of the dominant hand
Look up slightly and pull the contact lens downward towards the white of the eye
Gently pinch the lens between the thumb and index finger

6. Time schedules for contact lenses

New contact lens wearers may require a short time to adjust to the lenses before they are able to wear their contact lenses for extended periods. An eye care provider will recommend a wearing time schedule for these new wearers which should be followed strictly to avoid discomfort and damage to the eyes.

7. Makeup Removal with contact lenses

Ideally make up should be removed after contact lenses are removed. During the process of removing makeup, debris can enter the eye and cause discomfort or damage through infection.

For more info about contact lenses and uses of lenses check our article on specialized uses of contact lenses.