Top tips for putting in and removing contact lenses
More and more people have switched to wearing contact lenses from traditional spectacles as they allow for comfortable wear, without the need to look after an expensive pair of frames. Unlike older designs, modern technology has advanced so much that contact lenses are now available in a number of types, giving wearers a range of options. The modern choice has allowed for comfortable daily wear, avoiding irritation and dry eye, and providing visual clarity. No longer will you have to find a frame that suits your face or keep your glasses safe. Wearing contact lenses daily makes clearer vision simple. The reason some people are reluctant to switch over to contact lenses, however, is the process of getting used to putting in and removing contact lenses. London opticians, Camden Opticians Group, have offered their advice and top tips for wearing contact lenses.
Follow this step-by-step guide for putting in you contact lenses
Preparing to wear your contact lenses
To ensure you are putting your contact lenses in correctly, preparation is key. When removing the lens from the packet, make sure your hands are clean and you have placed the lens onto your finger in the correct position. The lens should appear as a bowl shape with the dome side touching your finger for ease of application.
Placing the lens over your iris
When putting the lens into your eye, use a finger on the opposite hand to the eye you are placing the lens into. With the other hand, open your eye wide and proceed to place the lens over your eye. Follow by doing this with the opposite eye.
Adjusting the position of your lenses
When placing your contact lenses, look straight ahead into a mirror and avoid blinking where possible. Once placed, wait for your eyes to adjust then scan the room with your eyes, looking left, right, up, and down. This will help the contact lenses to sit comfortably. If you feel the lens in either eye is not placed comfortably, keep your finger on the centre of the lens, and move this around slowly to release any trapped air that may be sitting under the lens. Follow up by closing your eye and massaging your eyelid with your fingertip to position the lens to the centre of your eye. Sometimes you may need to remove the lens and follow this step-by-step again if it is still not comfortable.
Getting used to wearing contact lenses
For new contact lens wearers or those who have switched to a new type of lens, it can be daunting at first to get used to wearing contact lenses. As with glasses, patience is key. It will take a few weeks to fully adjust to wearing your new contact lenses, so it is imperative you give yourself this time to get used to wearing them. If you are struggling after a few weeks and do not feel comfortable with the lenses you have been provided, your optician could suggest a different type of lens. There are many types of contact lenses, so do not be afraid to trial these options to find your perfect match.
A step-by-step for removing your contact lenses
Thoroughly clean your hands
To remove your contact lenses, your hands need to be clean and dry. Always wash your hands before touching your eyes and contact lenses to avoid contamination.
Preparing to remove your contact lenses
When removing your lenses, always have your contact solution, eye drops, and case ready to keep them sanitised. If you are using daily disposables these can be thrown away after removal.
Use your finger to pull down your lower eyelid, then pull up your upper eyelid to hold your lashes against your brow to easily remove your lens.
Removing your contact lenses
To gently remove the lens from your eye, take your index finger and thumb and pinch the lens. As you do this look around while the lens slides down onto the white of the eye. Allow the lens to drop off onto your finger. Follow this guide for the other eye.
Conclusion
With a little patience, and taking note of the tips to ensure you are putting in and taking your lenses out properly to avoid any risk of infection and/or eye irritation, most people so fine they are comfortable wearing contact lenses. Of course, for the minority that struggle to get used to them, they can always revert to wearing glasses or even consider laser eye surgery, but contact lenses are worth persevering with. Do remember that there are lots of different types of contact lenses, so there is sure to be an option that works for you.