Soft Contact Lens Insertion & Removal

Before You Begin

• Always handle your lenses in the same order (right then left) to avoid mixing them up
  
• Work over a clean, flat surface with a light-colored towel beneath in case you drop a lens
  
• Ensure your nails are trimmed and smooth to avoid damaging the lenses
  
• Replace your contact lens case every three months

How to Insert Contact Lenses

STEP 1: PREPARATION

1. Thoroughly wash and dry your hands with antibacterial soap
2. Remove the lens from its case and place it in the palm of your hand
3. Check that the lens isn’t inside out – edges should form a smooth, perfect bowl shape
4. Rinse the lens with fresh contact lens solution if recommended by your eye care professional

STEP 2: INSERTION

1. Place the contact lens on the tip of your right index finger.
   • Keep your finger dry but the lens wet
   • Ensure the lens is centred on your fingertip
2. Using your other hand:
   • Pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger
   • Pull up your upper eyelid with your other middle finger
3. Look straight ahead into a mirror and:
   • Bring the lens close to your eye
   • Gently place it on the coloured part of your eye
   • Don’t press hard – let the lens naturally adhere to the eye
4. Slowly release your eyelids
5. Blink several times
6. Look in different directions (up, down, left, right) to remove air bubbles and centre the lens
7. Once your lenses are in place, wipe their case with a tissue and leave it to air-dry.

How to Remove a Soft Contact Lens 

STEP 1: PREPARATION

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with antibacterial soap
2. Ensure you have your contact lens case ready with fresh solution

STEP 2: REMOVAL

1. Look up towards the ceiling
2. Pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger
3. Pull up your upper eyelid with your other middle finger
4. Using your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the bottom edge of the lens
5. Carefully slide the lens down onto the white of your eye before pinching it off
6. Place the lens directly into the appropriate case compartment filled with fresh solution