How to Put in Contact Lenses: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Contact lenses provide a convenient alternative to glasses, especially for sports and activities that benefit from an unobstructed field of vision. One of the first key steps in transitioning to contact lenses is learning how to insert them. While many people think it’s a difficult task, it's actually quite manageable. With a little practice, most users quickly become comfortable with the process. All it takes is some patience and a steady hand. This guide is here to help you feel confident and prepared as you learn to put in your contact lenses.
How to put contact lenses in for the first time
There are three popular methods of putting in contact lenses, including: applying front-on, side application, and the look-up method.
Step 1: Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them using a clean, lint-free towel.
Step 2: Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger from your dominant hand.
Step 3: Check that the lens is correctly oriented. It should look like a smooth, rounded bowl—if the edges flare out, it’s inside out.
Step 4: With your other hand, gently lift your upper eyelid to keep it from blinking.
Step 5: Use the middle finger of your dominant hand (the one holding the lens) to pull down your lower eyelid.
Step 6: While looking straight ahead, carefully place the lens onto the surface of your eye.
Step 7: Blink a few times to help the lens settle into place.
Step 8: Repeat the same steps for your other eye.
Step 1: Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger from your dominant hand.
Step 2: Use your other hand to gently lift your upper eyelid and hold your eyelashes out of the way.
Step 3: Look toward your nose, using a mirror for guidance.
Step 4: Tilt your head slightly downward toward your dominant hand.
Step 5: With the middle finger of the hand holding the lens, pull down your lower eyelid to expose as much of the white part of your eye as possible.
Step 6: Gently place the lens onto the white part of your eye, then look directly into the lens—this helps it move naturally into position on your cornea.
Step 7: Move your eyes left to right and up and down to help the lens settle and release any trapped air bubbles.
Step 8: Repeat the process for the other eye.
Step 1: Place the lens on the index finger of your dominant hand.
Step 2: Use your other hand to pull up your eyelashes and upper eyelid.
Step 3: Repeat steps 1-3 from the above-mentioned ‘Apply from the side’ method. Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down your lower eyelid to maximise the white space.
Step 4: As the method’s name suggests, look upwards.
Step 5: Quickly place the lens on the white space towards the bottom of your eye.
Step 6: Look down into the lens, and it will naturally be attracted to the surface of the eye.
Step 7: Move your eyes from side to side and up and down to get rid of air bubbles.
Step 8: Repeat for the other eye.
