Is this your first time wearing contact lenses? Don’t worry — it is perfectly normal to feel a little nervous or find it tricky at first. With a few tips and a bit of practice, you will be inserting and removing them with confidence in no time.
How to put in contact lenses
Follow these 2 simple steps to insert your lenses correctly. Before putting in your lenses, always wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with a lint-free towel.
1. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger
Open the blister pack, take out one lens and place it on the tip of your index finger. Make sure it is not inside out — it should sit on your finger like a bowl. Some brands even include a ‘1 2 3’ indicator on the lens so you can tell if it is the wrong way round.
2. Insert the lens
Use the index finger and thumb of your other hand to hold your eyelid open, then gently place the lens on your eye. When inserting, you can look upwards or straight ahead — some people find one easier than the other, so choose what works best for you.
That’s it — it really isn’t difficult. It just takes a little practice and patience while your eye gets used to the lens.
If dust, dirt or make-up residue settles on a lens, remember to clean it only with contact lens solution — never water.
How to take out contact lenses
You can remove your lenses in 2 quick steps.
Note: Before removing your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly and dry them with a clean towel.
Always start with the same eye each time.
Important note: If you wear reusable lenses, immediately half-fill your lens case with the appropriate solution before you begin.
Your lens case has a designated compartment for the right lens (R) and the left (L). Open the compartment for the lens you will remove first and add solution. This helps you keep track of which lens goes where.
1. Hold your eyelid open
Use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to hold up your upper eyelid, and the middle finger of your writing hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
2. Remove the lens
Look upwards, then use the thumb and index finger of your writing hand to slide the lens downward slightly and gently pinch it to remove it. If you pinch the lens without sliding it down first it will still come out, though you increase the risk of tearing it.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions our customers ask about contact lenses:
Can I use water to rinse my lenses?
Absolutely not.
Water is considered an enemy of contact lenses, starting with tap water. Water can contaminate lenses and carries a serious risk of eye infection.
Can I travel with contact lenses?
Of course. If you wear monthly or bi-weekly lenses, remember to bring your solution with you. At Lenstore.ie you can also find travel-size solutions for convenience at affordable prices.
Can I wear make-up with contact lenses?
Yes, but always handle your lenses with clean hands. Insert your lenses before applying make-up and remove them before taking make-up off.
Can I wear contact lenses if my eyes are irritated?
No — we recommend switching to glasses until the irritation has passed.
Is it safe to wear contact lenses before going to the hairdresser?
No — we advise removing them beforehand, as aerosol sprays and hairdryers can damage your lenses.
Can a contact lens end up behind the eye and get stuck?
Absolutely not — it is impossible. The conjunctiva, the membrane that covers the eyeball and the inside of the eyelids, acts as a barrier and prevents any foreign body from passing through. A contact lens simply cannot travel behind the eye.
Can contact lenses get stuck in the eye?
No — they are designed to be removed easily.
It’s my first time wearing lenses. Which contact lenses are best for me?
Want to find out which lenses suit you best? Visit our page: Which are the best contact lenses for me?