New Wearer
What You Need to Know for Contact Lens Wear & Care
If you’re about to get your first contact lenses or have just started wearing them, you’re going to love them.
Of course, like any new experience, wearing contact lenses can take a little time to get used to. But soon enough, wearing and caring for your contact lenses will seem as simple and routine as brushing your teeth every day.
Just follow your eye care professional’s instructions and Patient Information Booklet and get more great information via the links below.
How to Put in Contacts
If you’re like most new wearers, putting your contact lenses in probably makes you a bit nervous. No worries, that’s normal. But you’ll be surprised how easy it is and how quickly you get used to it.
When you want to insert your contact lenses, make sure you’re in front of a mirror with the following items handy:
- Oil-free soap to wash your hands
- A lint-free towel to dry your hands—contact lenses can stick to wet fingers
If you wear reusable contact lenses that need to be cleaned and stored overnight, you will also need:
- Contact lens solution for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses—do not use hand soap or tap water to clean contact lenses.
- Contact lens case
Remember: Water and contact lenses do not mix. You should never, ever clean or store your contact lenses in water.
Follow these simple steps to insert your contact lenses…
Keep both eyes open while inserting each contact lens.
Step
1
Always wash and dry your hands first.
Always wash your hands with oil-free soap to help keep germs off your contact lenses and eyes. Dry your hands with a lint free towel before handling your contact lenses.
Step
2
Gently scoop your lens onto the tip of your index finger
Make sure your lens curves upward, like a bowl. You shouldn’t see any tears or scratches.
Start with the same side every time. Because your left and right eyes are different, your left and right contact lenses are too. To avoid accidentally switching your lenses, always start with the right eye first.
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.
Step
4
It’s all done in a blink!
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!
Putting your contact lenses in should not be physically uncomfortable. If you do experience any pain during insertion, your lens may have a speck of debris on it, or be scratched or torn. Remove the lens, clean and disinfect it with lens solution, and inspect carefully before trying again. If you are still experiencing discomfort, please see your eye care professional.
How to Take Out Contacts
Just like putting your contact lenses in, removing them may feel a little unnatural at first. But just like tens of millions of other lens wearers—from children to senior citizens—you’re going to get the hang of it with a little practice. Just take your time and relax. You’ve got this.
Whether you’re taking your lenses out or putting them in, you should always be in front of a mirror with the following items in easy reach:
- Oil-free soap to wash your hands
- A lint-free towel to dry your hands—contact lenses can stick to wet fingers
If you wear reusable contact lenses that need to be cleaned and stored overnight, you will also need:
- Contact lens solution for cleaning and disinfecting your lenses—do not use hand soap or tap water to clean contact lenses.
- Contact lens case
Remember: Water and contact lenses do not mix. You should never, ever clean or store your contact lenses in water.
Follow these simple steps to remove your contact lenses…
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
1
Wash and dry your hands
Always wash your hands with oil-free soap to help keep germs off your contact lenses and eyes. Dry your hands with a lint free towel before handling your contact lenses.
Step
2
Look up and open wide
Keep your head still but look upward with your eyes. Look up and 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 soft touch so you don’t damage the lens.
Step
4
Dispose or clean
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.
Cleaning and Caring for Contact Lenses
If you wear 1-day contact lenses, there’s no cleaning or disinfecting to worry about at all: Every time you put on contact lenses, it’s a fresh new pair.
Wearers of 2-week and monthly replacement lenses have a little more work to do—it’s very important, but it’s also very simple!
Follow these simple steps with each lens every time you remove them—also, please carefully follow your eye care professional’s instructions for cleaning and storing.
Never rinse your contact lenses with hydrogen peroxide solutions or put these solutions in your eyes. For more information on how to properly use peroxide solutions, please click here.
Step
1
After removing the lens, cup it in the palm of your hand and squeeze fresh contact lens solution onto the lens. Your solution instructions will tell you how many drops to use.
Step
2
Use your opposite index finger to gently rub the lens around in this solution, again following the solution instructions.
Step
3
Put the lens in your storage case, cover it with more fresh solution, then shut the case. Please note, the solution should not be topped off in the case. Whenever you’re not wearing your lenses, keep them covered in solution inside of your case. The solution instructions will tell you how long they need to soak before they are safely disinfected.
More Lens Care Tips
Handle your contact lenses gently. They’re soft and can tear, so avoid letting them touch your fingernails or jewelry. If a lens tears, throw it away.
Use only fresh contact lens solution to clean and store your lenses. This minimizes the risk of germs and other contaminants getting on your lenses. Never use tap water, previously used solution, or saliva. The solution should not be topped off in the lens case.
Rinse out your case with lens solution every time you take your lenses out to wear. Leave the case uncapped and upside down in a clean, dry place. Be sure to replace your lens case often, at least once every 3 months.
Always remember to wear your contact lenses according to the schedule prescribed by your eye care professional—wearing them for longer than they’re intended can be bad for your eyes. If you have any questions about your schedule or any other aspect of contact lens care, your eye care professional is your best source of advice.