Contact Lens Insertion and Removal (Soft Contacts): Teen Version

How do I put my lenses in?

Always wash your hands before handling your contact lenses. Wash your hands carefully with plain soap and water. Don’t use soaps that contain deodorants, moisturizers, fragrances, or oils. These substances can get on your lenses and irritate your eyes.

Always starting with your right lens helps you get each lens in the correct eye. Shake your lens case from side to side to make sure that the lens is not stuck to the case, then pour the lens into your palm. Hold the lens between your thumb and forefinger and rinse it well with sterile saline solution.

Put the lens on the tip of your index or middle finger, right side up. When it is right side up, the lens will look rounded like a bowl, with the edges going up. A lens that is inside out will have straighter sides and edges that turn out instead of up. Another way to tell whether your lens is right side up is to hold the lens between your thumb and forefinger and try to roll the edges in, like a taco. If the edges come together easily, the lens is right side up. If they won't roll toward one another, the lens is inside-out.

Using your opposite hand, pull your upper eyelid open by grasping it near your lashes. Then pull your lower eyelid down. (Or you can hold your upper eyelid up with your index finger and your lower eyelid down with your middle finger.) Bend over and look straight ahead, as if you were looking beyond the finger holding the lens. Then touch the lens to your eye. Let go of your lower lid then your upper lid. Repeat with the left lens.

How do I take my lenses out?

Always wash your hands before you take your lenses out. Again, start with your right lens.

There are two ways to take your lenses out:

1. Look up, pull your lower lid down, and slide the lens down onto the white of your eye. Pinch the lens to remove it.
2. Pull your lower lid down with your fourth finger and squeeze the lens gently between your second and third finger. Then pull the lens away. This method is especially good for people with long fingernails.

What should I do if I have trouble?

If you need help, see your eye care provider.