For new contact lens wearers, the freedom from glasses is often overshadowed by the struggle of learning how to put something in their eyes. When I first got contacts, it took me five minutes to put each lens in. A friend of mine said it took her ten minutes each eye and another friend almost gave up on contacts altogether because he was having so much trouble putting them in. There was no one to give us any tips when we first started wearing contact lenses, but now as a veteran contact lens wearer, I want to share what I have learned with the newbies.
The key to caring for contact lenses starts with the cleaning solution. After I got my first contacts, I was given ReNu contact solution. I later tried a different brand and it irritated my eyes terribly, so I went back to ReNu. I suggest sticking with whichever brand of solution works for you because they are not all created equally.
Before you insert your lenses, wash your hands with an unscented soap. I prefer Dial Gold antibacterial soap, which rinses clean. Scented soaps leave your hands smelling great, but the residue from them can irritate your eyes. I suggest not drying your hands after you wash them because towels and paper towels may leave fibers on your hands that can get on your lenses and in your eyes.
To retrieve your contacts, quickly dip your index finger into the lens case and the lens should stick to your fingertip. Don’t pinch the lens with your nails because they are fragile and can easily tear. Next, make sure your contact lens is not inside out. A lens that is ready to be inserted is in the shape of a half sphere. If the shape is not quite right, it’s likely that the lens is inverted. You will definitely be able to tell once you put it in your eye because it will be uncomfortable.
Next, place the lens in your hand with some solution and cleanse it by gently rubbing it with your finger. Afterwards, place the lens on your index finger while using your other hand to lift your eyelid. (I discovered that putting a little solution in the lens before inserting it combats dryness and there is no need to purchase extra moisturizing drops.)
The mistake new contact lens wearers make is looking forward while trying to insert the contact, but it’s best to look to the side. Gently place the lens in your eye and when you look forward, the lens should slide into place. Avoid blinking too soon because you may knock the lens out of your eye. It will take a while to get used to inserting your lenses, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes second nature. Don’t get discouraged by the struggle you will encounter at first because once you become a contact lens pro, you won’t want to go back to glasses!
