Eye Society

Categories
AllContactsGlassesExamEye Health
Home  |  Contacts  |  How to put in contact lenses: a beginner-friendly step-by-step guide

How to put in contact lenses: a beginner-friendly step-by-step guide

Learning how to put in contacts for the first time can feel a little intimidating. 

You know the goal is to place a tiny lens on your eye, but your eyelids seem determined to blink at exactly the wrong moment. The good news? Almost every contact lens wearer starts there. 

Putting in contact lenses is one of those skills that feels awkward at first and surprisingly easy after a little practice. The key is having a simple routine and following the same steps every time. 

Here’s how to put in contacts safely and confidently. 

Set yourself up for success 

A good setup makes inserting contact lenses much easier. 

Before inserting your contacts: 

  • Wash your hands with soap and water 

  • Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel 

  • Check the lens for damage or debris 

  • Make sure the lens is right-side out 

  • Start with the same eye every time 

  • Use a clean mirror in a well-lit space 

Starting with the same eye each day helps prevent accidentally switching your left and right lenses. 

Wash and dry your hands 

Clean hands are one of the most important parts of wearing contacts. 

Wash thoroughly with soap and water, then dry your hands completely. 

A few additional tips: 

  • Avoid heavily scented soaps 

  • Avoid oily lotions before handling lenses 

  • Don’t handle contacts with wet fingertips 

  • Make sure no lint is stuck to your fingers 

Clean fingers help reduce irritation and lower the risk of eye infections. 

How to tell if a contact lens is inside out 

One of the most common beginner mistakes is putting a lens in backward. 

Fortunately, it’s easy to check. 

Place the lens on the tip of your finger and look at it from the side. 

Correct orientation 

A properly positioned contact lens should look like a smooth bowl. 

The edges should point straight upward. 

Inside-out lens 

An inside-out contact lens often looks more like a plate. 

The edges flare outward instead of forming a smooth bowl shape. 

A simple way to remember it: 

  • Bowl shape = good to go 

  • Flared edges = flip it over 

If a lens goes in backward, it usually feels uncomfortable and may move around more than normal. 

Hand positioning 

Before inserting the lens, get comfortable with your hand positions. 

Place the contact lens on the tip of your dominant index finger. 

Then: 

  • Use the middle finger of that same hand to pull your lower eyelid down 

  • Use your opposite hand to gently hold the top eyelid open 

Holding both eyelids helps prevent your blink reflex from taking over at the last second. 

Many beginners find it easiest to lean over a bathroom counter or table, so the lens has somewhere safe to land if it falls. 

How to put in contacts: step-by-step 

Once you’re ready, follow this simple method. 

Step 1: Hold your eyelids open 

Looking straight into the mirror, gently pull your lower eyelid downward. 

Then use your other hand to lift and hold the upper eyelid near the lashes. 

Try not to squeeze or pull too hard. The goal is simply to keep your eyelids from blinking while you position the lens. 

Step 2: Place the contact lens on your eye 

With the lens resting on your index finger: 

  1. Look straight ahead or slightly upward. 

  1. Slowly bring the lens toward your eye. 

  1. Gently place the lens onto the colored part of the eye or the white area just below it. 

Don’t rush this step. 

You don’t need to press hard. A contact lens naturally adheres to the tear film on the surface of your eye. 

Step 3: Let the lens settle 

Once the lens touches your eye: 

  1. Slowly release your lower eyelid. 

  1. Slowly release your upper eyelid. 

  1. Blink gently a few times. 

Avoid squeezing your eyes shut. 

A few slow blinks usually allow the lens to center itself naturally. 

After a moment, your vision should become clear, and the lens should feel comfortable. 

“How To Put In Your Contact Lenses” is the first video in a three part series aimed to help you learn the ins and outs of contact lens wear.

Don’t forget to also check out “How To Take Out Your Contact Lenses” and “How To Clean Your Contact Lenses.”

How do you know if the contact lens is in correctly? 

Most of the time, you’ll know pretty quickly. 

A properly positioned contact lens should: 

  • Feel comfortable 

  • Stay in place 

  • Provide clear vision 

  • Be easy to forget once it’s settled 

You may notice the lens for a few seconds after insertion, but you shouldn’t feel ongoing irritation. 

If you do, something may need adjusting. 

What if you blink every time? 

If you’re wondering why everybody else seems able to touch their eye while you can’t, don’t worry. 

This is probably the most common challenge new wearers face. 

A few tricks: 

  • Practice holding your eyelids open before inserting the lens 

  • Look slightly upward while inserting  

  • Take a deep breath before each attempt 

  • Slow down 

  • Keep practicing the same hand placement 

Your blink reflex gets less sensitive with experience. 

What if your eyes water? 

A little tearing is completely normal, especially when you’re learning. 

If your eyes water excessively: 

  • Pause for a minute 

  • Let your eyes relax 

  • Dry the tears gently 

  • Try again 

Many first-time contact wearers find inserting lenses gets much easier after a few days. 

What if the lens feels uncomfortable? 

If the lens feels scratchy, irritating, or unusually noticeable: 

  1. Remove it. 

  1. Inspect it for debris or damage. 

  1. Make sure it’s right-side out. 

  1. Clean it according to your lens care instructions if appropriate. 

  1. Try again. 

Never continue wearing a lens that feels painful. 

Common problem-solving guide 

Problem: The lens won’t stay on my finger 

Likely cause: 

  • Your finger is too wet 

Try: 

  • Drying your fingertip more thoroughly 

Problem: I keep blinking 

Likely cause: 

  • Natural protective reflex 

Try: 

  • Holding both eyelids more firmly and practicing the motion without the lens first 

Problem: The contact feels uncomfortable 

Likely cause: 

  • Inside-out lens or debris 

Try: 

  • Remove, inspect, flip if necessary, and reinsert 

Problem: My vision is blurry 

Likely cause: 

Try: 

  • Blink a few times or remove and reinsert the lens 

Contact lens habits to follow from day one 

Learning to insert contacts is only part of the process. 

A few simple habits can help keep your eyes comfortable and healthy: 

  • Use fresh contact lens solution when required 

  • Remove lenses if they become painful or your vision stays blurry 

And one important reminder: 

Unless your eye doctor specifically prescribes lenses approved for overnight wear, don’t sleep or nap in your contacts. 

Even a short nap can increase dryness, irritation, and the risk of complications. 

It gets easier, promise 

Putting in contact lenses can feel challenging the first few times, but that’s completely normal. 

Most people go from needing several attempts to being able to insert their contacts in seconds. The secret is consistency. Use the same routine, the same hand positions, and the same steps every day. 

And remember: if the lens doesn’t feel right, take it out, reset, and try again. A little patience goes a long way when you’re learning. 

Also wondering how to clean or take out your contacts?

 

Did you know you can order contacts online? 

Once you’ve mastered putting in your contacts, keeping a fresh supply on hand is the easy part. With 1-800 Contacts, you can order your contact lenses online and have them shipped directly to your door.  
 
If you need to renew your prescription, our online vision exam, ExpressExam, may be an option depending on your eligibility and location. 

Original published: 6/19/2020
Updated: 9/10/2026