New wearer guide

How to insert and remove contact lenses in 8 simple steps

Need additional support? Check out this interactive video.

Easy steps to insert contact lenses
Easy steps to insert contact lenses

Step 1

Wash and dry your hands using mild soap and a lint-free towel. Make sure your hands are completely dry. If your hands are wet the contact lens could stick to your finger. Pro-Tip: Start with the same eye every time to avoid accidentally switching your lenses in case your left and right eyes use different prescription powers.

Step 2

Remove your lens from its blister pack. Gently scoop your lens onto the tip of your index finger. When you have the lens on your finger, use your other hand to gently pinch it and flip it over so it sits on top of your finger like a bowl. If you don’t think it looks like a bowl, check to see if it’s right side up. You shouldn’t see any tears or scratches. Pro-Tip: How to check if your lens is right side up. Gently pinch the lens and it should start to fold closed. If it starts to flatten out, flip it over and try again.

Step 3

Place the lens in your eye. Place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower eyelashes and pull down the lower lid. Use the forefinger or middle finger of the other hand to lift the upper lid. Place the lens on the eye. Pro-Tip: You may feel some air bubbles come out as you put it on – this is normal.

Step 4

Gently release the lids and blink. The lens will center automatically. If everything looks and feels fine, you’re all set. Now repeat with your second lens! Pro-Tip: Remember to take your time and be gentle as you place the lens on your eye. If you’re still having trouble, watch our video on how to insert and remove contact lenses.


Easy steps to remove contact lenses

Step 1

Wash and dry your hands using mild soap and a lint-free towel. Dry your hands with a lint free towel before handling your contact lenses. Pro-Tip: Make a habit of removing your lenses in the same order you put them in to avoid mixing up your left and right lenses.

Step 2

Look up and open wide. Keep your head still but look upward with your eyes. Slide the lens to the lower part (white) of the eye using the forefinger.

Step 3

Squeeze off softly. Gently pinch the lens between the thumb and forefinger. Remove the lens. Be sure to use a gentle touch so you don’t damage the lens.

Step 4

If you wear 1-day contact lenses, you can dispose of the lenses in your trash after you remove them. Never flush your lenses or rinse them down the drain. If you wear lenses that are worn multiple times before replacement—2-week or monthly replacement depending on the schedule advised by your eye care professional, clean and store them according to the instructions provided by your eye care professional. Learn more about cleaning and disinfecting lenses here.

Easy steps to remove contact lenses

Want to support a brighter future for our planet?

Here's how to properly and easily dispose of your CooperVision contact lenses and packaging:

  • Contact lenses: Dispose of your contact lenses in a waste/garbage receptacle and follow guidance of your local sanitation authorities for further disposal – do not place contact lenses into drainage systems!

Depending on local recycling/sanitation vendors, the following can be included alongside other recyclable materials for regular pickup in ordinary bins. One of the most important tenants of recycling is to keep similar materials together, which makes sorting easier and prevents cross-contamination. Please check with your local government office and/or service contractor to ensure acceptance.

  • Outer paperboard cartons: made from standard paperboard materials which are classified as recyclable paper (#21 PAP or #23 PAP, depending on location) in a typical household collection.
  • Individual plastic blisters: classified as a #5/PP plastic, a designation similar to yogurt cups and hummus containers.
  • Foil blister covers: remove the foil from contact lens blisters, then place collected foils together in a small ball in the recycling stream, allowing for better opportunity for it to be sorted as part of municipality’s process.

Interested in being more sustainable?
Ask us about the first net plastic neutral1 contact lens: clariti® 1 day or visit CooperVision.com/plastic-neutrality
Certified plastic neutral by Plastic Bank

Questions? Check out frequently asked questions!
1. CVI data on file 2020. Sustatinability report, clariti® 1 day in US. Based on top 4 global contact lens manufacturers. clariti® 1 day orders includes clariti® 1 day sphere, clariti® 1 day toric, and clariti® 1 day multifocal product sold & distributed by CooperVision in the US.