by AJ Roderick

Created on: November 16, 2009

If you have recently decided to use contact lenses to improve your vision, here are a number of tips to assist you in their day to day use. With the proper methods of application, along with maintenance and storage you will be able to develop a simple routine that takes mere minutes to execute.

Step One: Clean Hands
The first step in learning how to use contact lenses is to keep your hands clean at all times. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, rinse off any excess, and make sure they are dried completely. This will eliminate any foreign bacteria from entering your eye, or attaching itself to the lens. Note: avoid soaps which contain grit (ex-foliating) or oils (moisturizers) in order to avoid these substances from being transferred to the lens.

Step Two: Handling the Lens
Take a lens from the package or solution container, and examine it for scratches or tears. If the lens is damaged, do not put it into your eye. Torn contact lenses are extremely difficult to remove. Check the profile of the lens by placing it on the tip of your finger. If the edges of the lens curve outward, the lens is inside out. The lens should appear like a small bowl on the tip of your finger.

Step Three: Inserting the Lens
This step is often the most difficult when you are first learning how to use contact lenses. Begin with the right eye. Place the lens on your index finger. With your middle finger, pull down your lower eyelid. Using your other hand, lift your upper eyelid to allow enough room for the lens to be safely placed. Put the lens into place, release your lids and blink slowly.

Repeat the same step for your other eye.

If the lens is off center, resulting in blurred vision, close your eyelid and gently massage it into place with your fingers.

Step Four: Removing the Lens
There are two methods to remove a contact lens from your eye.

The pinch method: Look upwards and slide the lens down using your index finger. Pinch the lens, ensuring your fingernails do not make contact with the lens or your eye. Remove the lens.
The pop method: Place your hand underneath your eye to catch the lens as it comes out. Put your index finger on your upper eyelid in the center, and place your thumb on the lower eyelid in the center. Lightly push on your eye and force your lids to blink until the lens releases itself.

Step Five: Cleaning the Lens
Maintenance is the next step in learning how to use contact lenses. Using the solution provided from your optometrist, place some of the liquid into the lens trays, and place your lenses into container. Ensure the solution completely covers the lens and seal it tight. This will disinfect and remove any bacteria or dirt that has accumulated over the course of the day.

Only use the proper for cleaning your contact lenses. Tap water, and saliva are not recommended for cleaning contact lenses.

These five tips on how to use contact lenses should help you in developing your daily eye-care routine, and proper maintenance will extend their usage. Always remember to practice proper hygiene when inserting them into your eyes, and place them using the methods explained above. Finally, you can say goodbye to bulky frames and enjoy your clear vision.

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