It IS possible to get those contacts onto your eyes!  Yup. Sometimes it takes more time and practice but there are very few people who cannot master contact lens insertion.  PRACTICE is the key!

Many of our patients are challenged when it comes to inserting and removing contact lenses.  Why?  They may blink a lot, have trouble touching their eyes,  have small eyes, etc.  Putting contact lenses in and taking them out is easier than you might think. It may take a few days for your eyes to get used to the feeling of wearing lenses. If you’re having trouble don’t force it, give yourself plenty of time to get comfortable. There’s no rush, you can always try again tomorrow.  Contact lenses for kids are great for self confidence and for kids who play sports (worn with sports safety glasses is important)!

Here are some great tips from our very own experts: Watch our very own Asst Mgr, Ashtin teach contact lens insertion

  1. Practice not blinking by taking your index finger and placing it on the upper eyelid. Then, take the thumb of the same hand, and place it on the lower eyelid. Finally, with your other hand, pretend you‘re putting lenses into your eyes. Make sure the hand that is holding the eyelid open stays steady.

  2. Before you start, wash your hands with soap (preferably non-perfumed, anti-bacterial liquid soap), then rinse and dry your hands with a lint-free towel — do NOT use a paper towel.

  3. Check that the lens isn’t inside out

    To do this, just put the lens on the tip of your finger and hold it up to the light. If the edges flare out, it’s inside out. Some lenses have a 1, 2, 3; indicator—make sure the digits aren’t backwards. It should look like a bowl with straight edges.

    Follow this eye opening technique to put on your contact lenses

    5.  Using your right hand gently hold your upper eyelid with one finger so you don’t blink or get your eyelashes in the way, and carefully pull down your lower eyelid with your other fingers.

    Try this placement technique when putting on your contact lenses

    6.  Move the contact lens toward your eye steadily. Look upward as you place it on your eye, and slowly release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment to allow the lens to settle. Repeat for your other eye.

    Watch another video here:  

    Troubleshooting Tips

    Still having trouble? Try these troubleshooting tips for putting in contacts:

    • If you’re struggling, experiment with different methods to figure out which works best for you. For example, you might try placing the lens on a different finger, looking up rather than straight ahead, or only pulling down your bottom eyelid.
    • If you are having trouble getting your eyes to stay open during the process, try practicing with clean hands. Take your finger and slowly move it toward your eye (without blinking) a couple of times before applying your contacts. This will help ease your eyes into the process. Remember that during the application process, your finger won’t actually touch the eye itself.
    • You may find it easier to pull the bottom lid down rather than trying to keep the top lid open.
    • Are your lenses folding over after application? You might be blinking too fast afterward, prohibiting the lens from settling and suctioning to your eye. Try holding your eye open with your fingers for a few seconds after you apply the lens.
    • If your contact lens is sticking to your finger, be sure that your finger is dry. If your finger is wet, the contact lens will cling to it.
    • If you’re struggling to pull your eyelids up or down, be sure that your eyelids and fingertips are dry. If they’re moist, you might find it difficult to get a grip.
    • Does your lens feel uncomfortable, and is your vision blurry? Your lens may be inside out. Remove it, check that it’s right side out, and reinsert it.