For anyone new to contact lenses, the process of putting them in can seem daunting at first. The idea of touching the eye often makes beginners nervous, but with the right technique, it becomes a simple, safe, and routine part of daily life.
Many first-time wearers gain confidence within just a few days of practice. Proper hygiene, preparation, and technique are the keys to success. This step-by-step guide explains exactly how to insert contact lenses correctly and comfortably while keeping the eyes healthy.
How to Put in Contact Lenses – A Detailed Guide
If you are planning to use contact lenses everyday then you must know the essential steps involved and master how to insert contact lenses. Let’s learn how to put in contact lenses in a safe way. Here is a useful video that explains the correct way to put in contact lenses –
Step 1 – Wash and Dry Your Hands Thoroughly
Clean hands are the most important part of lens hygiene. Fingers naturally carry oils, dirt, and bacteria that can irritate the eye or cause infection.
To prevent contamination:
- Use mild, non-fragrant soap and wash thoroughly.
- Rinse well to remove any residue.
- Dry with a lint-free towel to avoid fibers sticking to the lenses.
Skipping this step is one of the most common causes of eye irritation and infection among contact lens users.
Step 2: Prepare the Lenses and Your Workspace
Choose a clean, well-lit area with a mirror at eye level. Lay a towel or soft cloth on the surface so the lens won’t be lost if dropped.
- Open your lens case or blister pack carefully.
- Identify the right and left lenses — always start with the same eye first to avoid mix-ups.
- For reusable lenses, ensure they’ve been disinfected overnight in fresh lens solution, not water.
Never rinse lenses with tap water or saliva, as these can introduce harmful microbes.
Step 3: Inspect the Contact Lens
Before putting the lens in, take a moment to inspect it.
- Check for damage: Look closely under a light for tears, cracks, or debris.
- Confirm orientation: Place the lens on the tip of your finger and check its shape. If the edges flare outward like a bowl with a rim, it’s inside out. A properly shaped lens looks like a smooth, symmetrical “U.”
If the lens appears dusty, rinse it gently with fresh multipurpose solution before inserting.
Step 4: Position Yourself Properly
Positioning makes the process easier. Stand or sit in front of a mirror with good lighting.
- Place the lens on the tip of your index finger on your dominant hand.
- Use the middle finger of the same hand to pull down your lower eyelid.
- With your other hand, gently lift your upper eyelid.
Keeping both lids steady prevents blinking and allows for accurate placement.
Step 5: Insert the Contact Lens
Now it’s time to place the lens on the eye.
- Look straight ahead into the mirror, or slightly upward.
- Bring the lens toward your eye slowly.
- Gently place it on the colored part of your eye (the iris).
- Look downward briefly, then release your eyelids.
- Blink naturally a few times to help the lens settle.
When correctly placed, the lens should feel smooth and nearly invisible. If it feels uncomfortable or causes tearing, remove it, rinse with solution, and try again.
Step 6: Check Lens Position
After inserting the lens, ensure it’s centered and comfortable. Signs of proper placement include:
- Clear, consistent vision when looking in different directions.
- No visible lens edge or white halo in the mirror.
- No burning, stinging, or excessive watering.
If discomfort continues, the lens may be inverted, torn, or have a speck of debris underneath. Remove, clean, and reinsert it.
Step 7: Repeat for the Other Eye
Once the first lens feels comfortable, repeat the same process for the second eye. Always maintain the same order — right eye first, then left (or vice versa) — to develop a consistent, reliable routine.
Step 8: Clean Up and Store Properly
Once your contact lenses are comfortably in place and your vision is clear, it’s time to give a little attention to the tools that help keep them safe — your lens case and solution. Many people overlook this final step, but it’s one of the most important habits for maintaining healthy eyes. Think of it as tucking your lenses into a clean, germ-free home for the night.
After inserting your lenses, always discard any leftover solution from the case. Never “top off” or reuse the old liquid — that’s a direct invitation for bacteria and fungi to grow. Fresh solution ensures your lenses stay disinfected and your eyes remain free from infection. If you’re wearing daily disposable lenses, your job is even simpler. Just remove and discard them at the end of the day — no cleaning, no storing, no fuss. It’s the most hygienic option available and a great choice for people with sensitive eyes or busy schedules.
For those who use bi-weekly or monthly lenses, extra care is essential. Once your lenses are in your eyes, rinse the case thoroughly with fresh multipurpose or disinfecting solution — never tap water. Tap water may look clean, but it can harbor microorganisms like Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe corneal infections. After rinsing, leave the case open and upside down on a clean tissue to air-dry completely. Moist, enclosed spaces are breeding grounds for bacteria, so drying is just as important as cleaning.
As a golden rule, replace your lens case every three months, even if it still looks new. Over time, invisible biofilms — thin layers of bacteria — can build up on the plastic surface. Regular replacement reduces the risk of contamination and keeps your lenses fresh and safe for daily wear.
And one final touch: always close your solution bottle tightly after use, store it in a cool, dry place, and avoid touching the nozzle tip to any surface — including your lenses. Small steps like these go a long way toward protecting your eyes.
Meanwhile, read this article if you want to know the benefits of wearing contact lenses.
Step 9: Give Your Eyes Time to Adjust
New contact lens wearers may need a few days to adapt. Begin by wearing lenses for 4–6 hours daily, gradually extending the time as your eyes become comfortable.
Mild dryness or irritation can occur during the adjustment period, but persistent redness, sharp pain, or blurred vision should never be ignored. If these symptoms occur, remove the lenses and consult an eye care professional.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Wearing Contact Lenses
Even seasoned contact lens users sometimes slip into habits that can harm their eyes without realizing it. Contact lenses are delicate medical devices that demand care and discipline — not just accessories to enhance vision. Avoiding the following mistakes can make the difference between healthy, comfortable eyes and painful complications.
1. Sleeping in lenses not designed for overnight wear
Many people accidentally fall asleep wearing their lenses, thinking it’s harmless. However, even a short nap with regular lenses can deprive the cornea of oxygen, leading to dryness, irritation, and, in severe cases, infection. Lenses labeled for “daily wear” must always be removed before bed. Only specific “extended wear” lenses are approved for overnight use — and even then, only under professional supervision. Giving your eyes a break each night allows them to breathe and regenerate.
2. Cleaning or rinsing lenses with tap water
Tap water may seem clean, but it can contain Acanthamoeba and other microorganisms invisible to the naked eye. When these organisms attach to your lenses, they can cause serious infections such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, a painful and potentially vision-threatening condition. Always use fresh, sterile contact lens solution recommended by your optometrist. Never substitute it with water, saliva, or homemade saline mixtures.
3. Extending wear beyond the recommended schedule
Every lens — whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly — has a specific lifespan determined by its material and design. Wearing lenses past their intended use period can lead to protein and bacterial buildup, reducing oxygen transmission and irritating the eyes. Many infections and corneal ulcers occur simply because users “stretch” their lenses for a few more days. Replacing them on time not only ensures comfort but also protects against long-term damage.
4. Using expired or low-quality cleaning solutions
Contact lens solutions lose their sterilizing effectiveness after expiration. Cheap or non-branded solutions may also lack adequate disinfecting agents, leaving lenses vulnerable to contamination. Always check expiration dates, seal integrity, and brand reliability before use. If a bottle has been open for more than 90 days, it’s best to discard it. Your lens solution is as important as the lenses themselves — treat it like a medical-grade product, not a simple rinse.
5. Ignoring discomfort, redness, or skipping eye checkups
Discomfort is your eye’s natural way of signaling that something isn’t right. Yet many users brush it off, thinking it’s just temporary dryness or fatigue. Persistent irritation, redness, or blurred vision can be early signs of infection, corneal hypoxia, or even allergic reactions. Never ignore these warning signs. Remove your lenses immediately and schedule an eye exam. Routine checkups — ideally every 6 to 12 months — allow your eye care professional to detect early issues and ensure your prescription, fit, and lens type remain suitable.
Improper hygiene, overwear, and neglect are the three biggest culprits behind contact lens-related problems. These habits can cause microbial keratitis, corneal ulcers, and chronic dryness, all of which may lead to permanent vision damage if untreated. By following safe lens practices, using only approved cleaning products, and respecting your replacement schedule, you can enjoy the freedom and clarity that contact lenses offer — without compromising your eye health.
Final Words
Learning how to put in contact lenses safely takes patience and practice. Once proper hygiene and handling techniques become routine, wearing lenses becomes effortless.
Clean hands, a calm approach, and consistent care ensure comfortable, healthy vision. When handled correctly, contact lenses provide clarity, confidence, and freedom — allowing wearers to see and live without the limitations of glasses.
Just follow a simple rule – Always keep it clean, keep it calm, and never ignore what your eyes are trying to tell you.
