Contact Lenses: How to Wear and Take Care of Them

Contact lenses are one of the most popular and convenient vision correction tools. However, many first-time users find it difficult to properly wear and care for their contact lenses. 

In this post, your trusted eye doctor at Nova Vision Center shares the steps to properly wearing and removing contact lenses. We also share a few tips on how to clean and store them.

How to Wear Your Contact Lenses

Here are the steps you should follow when putting on your contacts:

1. Wash your hands with water and gentle soap. Avoid using soap that has extra oils or fragrances as it can stick to the surface of the lens. Dry your hands completely after.
2. Ready your contact lens container. Take note of which lens goes to which eye as each lens may have different measurements and power.
3. Carefully pick up one of your lenses using your fingers. Avoid using your nails when handling your contact lenses.
4. Rinse the lens with the lens solution and then put it on the tip of your dominant hand’s index or middle finger. Check if you have the correct side of the lens. Make sure it forms a bowl shape and the edges are turned up. If not, reverse the lens then rinse it again using your solution.
5. Pull up your upper eyelid with the fingers on your other hand, look straight or upward, and carefully place the lens on the surface of your eye. You should feel the lens sticking onto your eye. Then, slowly close your eyes. Gently blink until your lens properly settles. Repeat the same steps for your other eye.

How to Remove Your Contact Lenses

Follow these steps to safely remove them from your eyes:

1. Properly wash your hands and dry them. Once done, clean your storage case and throw out any leftover lens solution inside the container. Wipe the case with a clean piece of cloth. Then, refill the container with a lens solution.
2. Stand in front of a mirror and pull down your lower eyelid with your non-dominant hand.
3. Gently pinch your lens off the surface of your eye using the pads of your finger. Don’t use your nails as you might harm your eye.
4. Carefully place your lens in the right container. Always remember which lens belongs to which eye and case. Contact lens cases usually have separate containers for the left and right lenses, and they are labeled to identify where the left and right lenses are.
5. Repeat the same steps for your other eye. Once done, close the caps on your lens container and store them properly. Avoid placing them in areas that are too cold or are under direct sunlight.

Get expert eye care from a trusted optometrist today. Nova Vision Center is an eye care specialist that has been providing high-quality optometric services for over 60 years. From pediatric vision care to eye injury treatments, our eye doctors are fully trained and qualified to care for your eye needs.

For inquiries or appointments, call us at (703) 578-3600 or fill out our contact form. We serve patients in Alexandria and Arlington, VA.