Content

• To step
• Method 1 of 2: Put on contact lenses
• Method 2 of 2: Remove contact lenses
• Tips
• Warnings
• Necessities

Contact lenses are a good alternative to glasses. You can see through them better and they don't fall off your head when you bend over or when you are exercising. However, it can be difficult to put in lenses if you are not used to this yet. Below is a step-by-step description of how to properly insert your lenses.

To step

Method 1 of 2: Put on contact lenses

1. Make sure your lenses are properly stored. This actually means two things:
   • Always keep your lenses in lens solution, unless you use disposable lenses. Lens solution ensures that your lenses are cleaned, rinsed and disinfected.
   • Dispose of your lenses on the recommended date. You should dispose of most lenses after one day, after a week, or after a month. Check when your lenses should be thrown away and don't wear them much longer than that.
2. Wash your hands with soap. Rinse them well so that there is no soap on your hands. Dry your hands with a towel (because paper towels or toilet paper can leave bits of paper behind) or, if possible, a hand dryer.
3. Remove one contact lens from the package. Look carefully to see if it is for your left or right eye, unless the strength is the same for both eyes.
4. Place the lens on the index finger of the hand you use the most. (Be careful otherwise it will damage the lens or turn it inside out.) Make sure you have the lens with the concave side up on your fingertip and that the side is not sticking to your skin.
   • The lens should only touch the skin of your finger and not your nail. It may be easier if you put a little solution on the place where you put the lens on.
   • If it is a soft lens, make sure the lens is not inside out. This sounds logical, but it is sometimes difficult to tell the difference.
   • While the lens is on your finger, check that it is not torn or dirty. If you see dust or dirt, rinse the lens with solution.
5. Repeat this procedure with the other lens. When you're done, rinse the lens solution from the lens case down the sink and close the case.

Method 2 of 2: Remove contact lenses

1. If desired, put some eye drops in your eye beforehand. You don't necessarily have to do this every time, but it does help if you want to take your lenses off and your lenses are not moist enough so that they do not move with your eye. Then put a few eye drops in your eye beforehand.
2. Ready!

Tips

• Put in your lenses before putting on makeup so you don't get makeup on your lenses. At the end of the day, take off your lenses before removing your make-up. (The rubbing motion while removing your makeup can damage or tear the contact lens.)

• It can be quite frustrating if you don't get the lens right away. Just wait a few minutes and then try again! It is easier to put in the second lens.
• Smoke, showering, or swimming in a lake or pool can irritate your eyes. If it doesn't take too long, you can close your eyes for a moment. But if it takes longer, it is better to wear goggles or goggles.
• Practice, practice, practice! After a week you will be a bit used to it.
• If your finger is dry when you put the lens in, it will stick better to your finger making it easier to put it in.
• If you are wearing contact lenses for the first time, it is better to only wear them for a few hours a day. Take them off right after you get home from work or school so your eyes can rest. If your eyes feel a little dry during the day, put some eye drops in your eye; not too much, otherwise your lenses could slip right out of your eyes.
• It is often easier to put on your lenses for the first time with an optometrist or ophthalmologist. This is often a requirement too, but if not, suggest it.
• Contact your doctor if you feel that your lens does not fit your eye. He or she can probably order a different brand or type of lens for you. You should have your eyes checked regularly so that your strength can be adjusted if necessary.
• To see where your finger ends up, you may find it easier to look at the reflection of the lens on your eye on your finger.
• If you have trouble not blinking while putting on your lens, practice this by putting a drop of solution on your eye, aiming it at the whites of your eyes, and gently touching it.
• It can be scary at first to put a lens in your eye, but it's very easy (especially if you look to the side and then place the lens in the center of your eye)! It may seem scary, but it really isn't! I got contact lenses today and the people at the eye clinic are so friendly and really want to help you!
• If the lens falls out of your eye, rinse it well with solution. (Always do this!) It's a good idea to put your lenses over a sink as it makes it easier to find them. Do let the sink drain first. It is also useful to have a good and clean mirror nearby - especially if the mirror is enlarged.
• Wait a while in the morning until your eyes are used to the light before putting on your lenses. Also wash your face first and remove sleep from your eyes.

Warnings

• Never rinse your lenses with plain tap water! This will only make them dirty (or even drier than before). Tap water and even filtered water can contain chemicals and bacteria.
• If you go skiing or snowboarding with lenses in, make sure you wear goggles, otherwise your lenses may get stuck on your eyes. If this happens, see an eye doctor right away.
• Never use a hand cleaner before putting your lenses in or out. (But wash your hands!)
• If your eyes feel gritty, sore, or look red, DO NOT put in your lenses.
• You should pay more attention to contact lenses than glasses. You should always clean and store them properly in the evening. Glasses can only get in the way of sports or other daily activities. Take a good look at what options you have before you switch to lenses.
• Always take off your lenses before going to sleep, unless your doctor has prescribed lenses to keep you on for a long time. You can save some time by leaving your lenses on, but you can also get a sore on your cornea! If you have sensitive eyes, you may experience pain and sensitivity to light the next day. But even people with less sensitive eyes will eventually suffer from this. If you have to, just throw away your contact lenses before going to sleep. If you have a sterile container and lens solution, this is a good alternative to a lens case. You may have to wear sunglasses the next day if you forget to take them off, so make sure you have prescription sunglasses. It can be difficult to put in your lenses the next day.
• If you put your lenses in and they don't feel right, take them off right away and rinse them with solution. If it still doesn't feel right then let them out and consider seeing a doctor.
• Do not try to put your lenses inside out, as this can cause small cracks.
• See an eye doctor if you experience pain or discomfort, even after taking your lenses off.

Necessities

• Mirror
• Contact lenses
• Contact lens solution
• Lens case
• Glasses in case something happens to your lenses
• Eye drops to moisturize itchy eyes
• Travel size eyeglass