Eye Society

How to put in your contact lenses

Nov 6, 2024

If the thought of touching your eyeball gives you pause, you may think you could never successfully insert contact lenses. While newbies to contacts sometimes struggle, you can learn to do it almost in your sleep (or, at least, during the groggiest part of your morning routine).

“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.”

Basic steps for inserting contacts

Get ready to practice by implementing the following steps for inserting contacts so you're a pro at putting your daily lenses in.

Scrub up. While you don't need to give yourself the surgeon's pre-OR treatment, you want clean, dry hands before handling contact lenses.

Check your lenses. Remove each lens from the case and look for debris or damage — basically, anything that might rub your eye the wrong way.

Ensure the lens isn't inside out. Look at the side. It should look like a bowl and not flare out on the edges.

Use one hand to hold your eye open and your dominant hand to position the lens. You should use two fingers to hold your upper and lower eyelid to keep yourself from blinking.

Insert the lens. You don't have to press hard. Contact lenses act as little suction cups, so you just need to get the edges to your eyeball, and they should grab hold.

Blink slowly. Don't bat your eyes rapidly. Once in place, your contact needs a moment to get itself together, and slowly blinking helps it do that.

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How to clean contact lenses

Cleaning your contact lenses before you insert them or after you take them out can help support comfort while wearing them. 

Cleaning techniques

Start with clean hands. Put a contact lens in your palm and add some contact lens solution. Rub it carefully with a finger in a circular motion. Rinse with contact lens solution and then pop the lens in your eye or a storage case.

Choosing the right cleaning solutions

Start by asking your eye care professional what solution they might recommend. Then, consider your options, such as multipurpose solutions that rinse, disinfect, and store lenses. This is a common choice and one that may work for you. Just remember that basic saline solutions store lenses but don't provide disinfectant properties. 

If you have rigid gas permeable lenses, you need a specialty solution, and it's always important to check for sensitivities. Look for products designed for sensitive eyes to reduce irritation related to wearing contacts. 

Can you put contact solution in your eyes?

Typically, contact solution designed to disinfect and clean your contacts isn't meant to be dropped directly into your eye. Avoid using it to treat eye irritation and wetness. You can, however, use saline solution in your eye (or just invest in some rewetting drops, which come in handy containers that make it easier to lubricate your eyes).

Signs of Dirty Contacts

Blurry vision, discomfort such as feelings of scratching or itching, and lenses that look dirty are all signs your contact lenses could use a good cleaning. 

Why You Shouldn't Wear Dirty Contacts

Wearing dirty contacts can increase the risk of eye infections and vision concerns. It can also create eye dryness and fatigue or cause allergic reactions if the grime caught on your contacts is pollen or another allergen. 

Using a Contact Lens Inserter

Contact lens inserters can help you insert contacts if you don't want to put your finger near your eyeball.

When and How to Use an Inserter

Consider using an inserter if you struggle to use your fingers to insert contact lenses for any reason. Every inserter has its own mechanism, but they hold the contact lens secure, and you can release the lens once it's in place by pressing a button or pulling the inserter away from the eye.

Benefits of Using an Inserter

An inserter can be a more hygienic method. It can also make the process more consistent, reducing the chances of irritating or scratching your eye when inserting contacts. 

Prioritize Contact Care

Caring for your contact lenses and inserting them correctly can help increase your enjoyment of wearing contacts. Discover great deals on contacts and learn how to renew your prescription online so you can keep wearing the contacts that work for you.

Everything you need to know about contact lenses

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Free shipping for contact lenses

See how to get free shipping on affordable lenses, as well as the time it takes to get them and how to save time and money on the entire process.

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How much do contacts cost?

How much are contact lenses? Compare the prices of daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly contact lenses and find the best option for you.

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Where to order contacts online

See where to order contacts online, according to price and shipping times. Compare top online retailers to find the best deal for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re still curious about contact lenses, read the questions below.

How often should I replace my contact lens solution? 

Every time you store your contact lenses, dump out the old solution and replace it. Avoid reusing solution, as you could have introduced bacteria and dirt when handling your contacts the last time. You definitely don't want to incubate microorganisms in the tray with your contacts.

What should I do if my contact lenses cause discomfort after insertion? 

Remove the lens to avoid further irritation. Clean the lens and check for damage before reinserting it. If it continues to bother you, take out your lenses and consult with an eye care professional if you can't find any reason for the irritation.

Can I sleep in my contacts if they’re not designed for overnight wear? 

No, this is definitely a case of "use as prescribed." Contacts that aren't designed for overnight wear aren't designed to support your eye health if you leave them in while sleeping. 

Original published: 6/19/2020
Updated: 11/6/2024