Easy to Follow Steps on How to Use Contact Lenses Properly With Infographic

Many people have that perfect vision that don’t fail them, while some need a bit of help to make sure that they see the world as it is, blur-free. People usually begin with the help of glasses, however, not everybody likes to wear them, it is because of either aesthetic or personal reasons. 

Contact lens are great human creations. Nobody would even notice that you’re wearing one and you will be able to see everything at all the tiny details. However, unlike with glasses, contact lenses are a bit more invasive because they need to be worn carefully, as they sit directly on top of the eye. This means that you need to learn how to insert and remove them.  It is quite a learning process for those who will be using them for the first time. There are people who never learn how to use their contacts the best way so as not to experience discomfort or damage so they just end up giving them up. Luckily, this should not be the case if you know the proper way to do it. Surprisingly, there’s a whole lot to learn about contacts than most of us probably think. One good example is, a lot of people get surprised when they learn that contacts should be replaced regularly, the same with the case they are stored in. In short, it is important to have proper orientation when you are first prescribed with lenses; it isn’t too hard to make your contact lens experience worry and hassle-free.

Here are the things you should know  to make sure your experience is as breezy as possible: 

How to Insert Contact Lens Properly 

The correct way to put contact lens demands following the steps with great attention to every detail. This is best done in front of the bathroom mirror. 

1. First thing, wash your hands with oil-free and unscented soap, this is because others with these ingredients may just stick or linger to the lens in the end, and this is not good
2. Second, so that the lens would not be stuck in the case, especially at the bottom, shake the case a little bit.
3. In order to get the lens from the case, use your fingertips. Avoid using your nails to pick them up or else you may end up tearing it up.
4. When you already have the lens in your hand, use the solution to wash them. Never ever use tap water to wash them off.
5. Next, using your dominant hand’s pointer finger, place the lens on its tip, making sure that the edges do not flare out.  It should look like a bowl when you hold it up to the light.
6. Now, using your non-dominant hand, hold your upper and bottom eyelids.  You may also use the dominant’s hand middle finger to hold the bottom eyelid, whichever you feel comfortable using.
7. Next, it is now time to place the contacts onto your first eye, other people find it easy when they are looking forward, while some feel comfortable when they are looking towards the ceiling. So whichever makes you comfortable, it’s fine.
8. Lastly, gently close your eyes to allow the lens to settle, you may also roll your eyes to put it in place.  Try to blink and check them in the mirror to make sure they properly in place.

Sounds like they are not that complicated, however, some beginners made mistakes in following these steps. Please remember these whenever you put your lenses on.

Make sure that you do not mix up your right and left lenses.  To do this, always start with your right lens when putting them on.

It is advisable that your nails are kept short while you are still on the learning curve, in this way, you don’t scratch your eyes accidentally. When you are used to inserting and removing them, then you may have your nails longer.

It is best to have your eyes hydrated and moist all the time so drink plenty of water so the process will be very smooth and comfortable. You may also use drops that are meant only for contact wearers.

How to Properly Remove Contact Lens

As always it is best to perform this with you in front of the bathroom mirror.

1. First, as before, make sure that you wash your hands clean with a mild soap before you remove your contacts. Dry your hands well.  We need to avoid any pathogens to reach your eye.
2. Put enough drops of the solution to the eye, this is to lubricate them for easy removal.
3. Then using your non-dominant hand’s index finger hold your top eyelid and with your dominant hand’s index finger, gently pull your lower eyelid down. Gently tilt your head up.
4. Next, using the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand, gently squeeze to remove the lens.
5. That is all you need to learn in removing the contact lens.  In addition, it is best if you can take out the same side every day, so that you won’t mix up the right and the left lens.  They are definitely not interchangeable.

It doesn’t end here, there is still the need to clean and store them before you sleep.

How to Clean and Store Contacts Properly 

In order to keep the eye healthy, it is important to clean and store contacts the right way.  Don’t be too sloppy doing this because you may endanger your eyes’ health. 

1. Begin with washing the storage case.  You may use either hot water or the saline solution to wash the case.  Place it upside down removing the leads to dry.
2. Next, pour a sterile cleaning solution in the case.  This solution is used to sterile the lens and is different from the saline solution.
3. Then,  wash the lens with the solution intended for it.  Make sure you gently clean inside out using your finger.
4. After you are done, you can now place the lens in the right case. Don’t forget to check if it is the correct side.
5. Do the same with the other lens. Let the lens soak in the solution when you are not using them. 

See, it is very simple, just make sure you thoroughly clean both the case and the lens, since bacteria may likely enter and harm your eyes. Also, take note that lenses, as well as cases, are not made to be used for a very long time. Ideally, cases are only used for 3 months. Now that we are finished with steps in inserting and removing contacts, we can now go to some frequent questions usually asked by beginners. 

General Tips You Need to Know

It is imperative that you stay focus and relax either in putting on or removing contacts because if not you may end up repeating it many times before you can get successful and for sure that is when you are not that anxious. The less anxious you are in inserting them, the lesser the chances of you ending up breaking the lens or hurting your eye.  Just think about this, don’t be scared because millions of people are wearing them regularly and they do so without any complications.

Do not forget or neglect your responsibility when it comes to cleaning them.  It is crucial that you clean them properly because if you don’t pathogens or harmful microbes may pile up not only in the case but also in your lens and that is something that we try to avoid.

When contacts are hydrated they will be comfortable to wear so don’t forget to bring eye drops and cleaning solutions wherever you go, in case there is a need to rehydrate lenses and eyes. This will lessen the dry and itchy feeling on the eye.

Instructions from your doctor must be followed to the letter. He will let you know how long you can just wear your contacts and keep the case. He will also inform you of the appropriate saline solution, cleaning solution and eye drops you can use with your specific contacts.  This is very important if you want to feel comfortable wearing them.

Take note and feel how your contacts are working when you wear them. Do they still work, fit o feel like the time you first wore them. Observe your eyes and see if they cause some redness.  This is essential to ensure your eyes health and safety. 

For sure now, you are already acquainted with how to care and use contacts properly, so it is time for you to know some general questions that you yourself may have about them.

How to Know if My Contacts are Inside Out? 

If you are wearing soft lenses, chances are, you may likely wear them inside out if you are not careful. This may not lessen the lens’ lifespan, however, it may cause you some discomfort.

To make sure you are not wearing your lenses inside out, hold it and let it sit on top of your index finger. If it looks like half of a sphere, then it is the correct side, if it resembles a bowl then it is inside out.

How to Know if I Am Still Wearing My Contact Lenses? 

Even experienced ones may lose track of them, especially if they have gotten used to them or are very comfortable wearing one.  There is always a chance that contacts may have fallen out or may have taken some stroll, especially if you feel weird about your eyes. There are times that they may disappear under your eyelids but this usually happens, so don’t worry too much about it. 

First, check the surroundings before you focus on your eye.  Try the nearby ground and area, it could be there.  Usually, they have a green and blue tint with them, so it would be easier to find them.

Next, go in front of the mirror and examine your face.  There are times that contacts fall out and lay on the cheek. However, you are probably looking at your eyes, If you will look closely, you will notice that there is an outline of your contacts around the iris so if you see it, that means it is still there. The next thing to do is to slowly rub the upper eyelid if the contacts have slightly folded.  Next, hold the lower eyelids down to see if the lens is there.  Lastly, also check the upper eyelid, if it is there, just close eyes and blink and it will automatically lead to the iris of your eye.

How to Read Prescriptions of Contact Lenses? 

There are times that you need to learn your lens information because you have to tell it to another doctor or to inform your family and friends who are quite curious about it. Not so much information can be found on the label, so you need to learn about this.

OD is referring to the right eye’s parameters, while OS is referring to your left eye’s.

SPH is referring to that lens power’s amount prescribed to alter the eyes’ vision. refers to the amount of lens power you’ve been prescribed to correct your vision. 

CYL & Axis are there when you need lenses to help cure astigmatism 

ADD is additional amplifying power, they are found on progressive, bifocal, and reading lenses.

How Long Can I Wear My Contact Lenses? 

Contact lenses are meant to be worn every day, how long you wear them each day is the question. The doctor will tell you how long you can just wear them.  The usual recommendation is from 8-15 hours every day. 

There are also some aspects that need to be considered just like when you feel that your eye is becoming sensitive or dry. This means that you need to take a break.  So give your eyes some rest for one to two hours.  Clean them and store them in the case. If in case this usually happens, then check it with your doctor.  There are now lenses meant for those people who have dry eyes.

Experts also advised that your remove lenses an hour before sleeping to help the eyes recuperate before sleeping.

Can I Sleep With My Contact Lenses On? 

The answer to this is definitely no. There are contacts that are worn overnight, but only a few people can get this.  Anytime that you need to fall asleep, you have to take out your contacts.

If you wear the lens for a long period of time, there will be a greater chance of bacterial infection. The cornea will get irritated and lenses will be greatly dehydrated. It will be very difficult for you to remove them. 

We also need to give the cornea a break from the lens even for just a few hours.  You may have overnight lenses but they also need to be taken out when you go to bed for cornea’s sake.

Conclusion 

So, there you go, now that you have read this guide, you are now well informed and equipped to handle any problems you may encounter when you wear your contacts every day. These lenses may overwhelm you at first since you are putting a foreign object over your eyes, but in time, it will be just like a second nature. The proper way to insert and remove them is very important to avoid physical damage to the eyes.  The steps on cleaning and storage will help the chances of infection turn to zero. They are meant to help you medically so make sure that you take care of them too.