Introduction
For many people, contacts are a safe and convenient alternative to glasses. But if you’ve never put them in before, it can be daunting. It’s essential to learn how to put in contacts safely and correctly to avoid any discomfort or complications. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to put in contacts, covering everything from hand-washing to troubleshooting.
Step-by-Step Guide
The first step when putting in contacts is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Then, dry them with a clean towel or paper towel. Next, clean your contacts by rubbing them gently with a few drops of solution, then rinse them with fresh solution. Remember to replace your lens case every month and clean it with solution, not water. The following are steps to follow:
- Gently hold the lens with the tip of your index finger.
- Use your other hand to hold your eyelid open wide.
- Place the contact on the lower part of your eye.
- Lift your finger gently, so the lens settles onto your eye smoothly.
- Blink several times to ensure that the lens is in the right position.
- Repeat the process for the other eye.
Note that it might take a bit of practice to get it right, so if you’re having difficulty, don’t hesitate to seek help from your eye doctor. For those who are new to contact lenses, try finding the right position in front of a mirror, using your middle finger to hold the eyelid open, and applying a slight downward pressure. Taking the time to find the optimal positioning will prove beneficial in the long run.
Video Tutorial
For a visual aid, we have included a video tutorial below for you to follow while putting in contacts. It will show you the step-by-step process mentioned above, and you can easily pause, rewind or replay whenever you need to.
Beginner’s Guide
Sometimes contacts may be more comfortable or practical to wear than glasses, but everyone has different preferences and needs. If you’re wondering about the differences, here are the basics to understand before getting started:
- Hard Lenses – Made of a rigid material, these lenses are less comfortable but can offer clearer vision for those who have specific needs.
- Soft Lenses – Made of a flexible silicone hydrogel material, these lenses are the most common contact lens type because of how comfortable they are.
- Daily Disposables – After wearing them for a day, disposable lenses are thrown away, so they don’t need to be cleaned or stored overnight.
When wearing contact lenses, be sure to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor carefully. You should also familiarize yourself with the lens specifications and follow the care and replacement schedules suggested.
Common Mistakes
The following are some of the common mistakes that people make while putting in contacts, which can lead to discomfort or more serious issues:
- Not cleaning your hands – Dirty hands can lead to eye infections.
- Using old solution – Always use fresh solution as old or expired liquid is unlikely to keep your contacts clean.
- Using the wrong cleaning solution – Always consult your eye doctor to ensure that you’re using the correct cleaning solution or lens care system for your lenses.
- Not replacing your lenses regularly – Failing to replace your lenses per your eye doctor’s recommendations can lead to a buildup of bacteria on the lenses, which can increase the risk of eye infections.
- Storing lenses in water – Storing lenses in tap water increases the risk of infection due to the microorganisms found in water that can cause damage to the eye.
Troubleshooting
If you have issues while wearing contacts, try these possible solutions:
- Dry eyes – Use lubricating drops or saline solutions, or speak to your eye doctor about a contact lens-compatible solution to keep your eyes hydrated.
- An accidentally dropped contact – Make sure the contact is still clean and moist before inserting it back into your eye. If it’s been exposed to dust or debris, clean it with solution before reinserting it.
- Red eyes – Take out your contacts right away if you notice redness or irritation and consult your eye doctor if necessary.
If your issues persist even after taking steps to fix them, please contact your eye doctor for assistance.
Conclusion
Putting in contacts is an important skill to master for many people who prefer it over glasses. In this article, we’ve provided a step-by-step guide, covering all aspects from hand-washing and cleaning lenses to common mistakes and troubleshooting. Be sure to consult your eye doctor for a proper fitting and any lingering questions you may have. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you on how to safely and comfortably insert contact lenses.