How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses Safely

Before You Touch Your Lenses

Every safe contact lens routine begins with clean hands and a clean environment.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your lenses.

• Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel.

• Avoid oily or heavily moisturising soaps that may leave residue on your hands or lenses.

• Handle your lenses over a clean, dry surface and keep them away from tap water.

• Develop a consistent routine, such as starting with the same eye each time, to help avoid mixing up your lenses.

How to Insert Soft Contact Lenses

1. Place the lens on the tip of a clean, dry index finger.

2. Check that the lens is clean, undamaged and correctly oriented. A properly oriented soft lens should form a smooth bowl, with the edges pointing upward rather than flaring outward.

3. Hold your upper eyelid securely and gently pull down your lower eyelid.

4. Gently place the lens onto your eye, following the technique recommended by your eye care professional.

5. Slowly release your eyelids and blink gently to allow the lens to settle.

If the lens remains uncomfortable, remove it. Follow the cleaning and disinfection instructions for your lens and care system before attempting reinsertion. If discomfort persists, contact your eye care professional.

How to Remove Soft Contact Lenses

1. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before removing your lenses.

2. Look upward and gently pull down your lower eyelid.

3. Using the pad of your fingertip, gently slide the lens toward the white part of your eye.

4. Gently pinch the lens between the pads of your thumb and index finger and remove it.

Avoid using your fingernails or sharp objects. If the lens is difficult to remove or your eye becomes painful or irritated, stop and contact an eye care professional.

Cleaning, Disinfection and Storage

Use only the lens care solution recommended for your lens type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Always use fresh solution. Never “top off” or reuse solution left in the lens case.

• Rub and rinse reusable lenses with the recommended solution, unless your eye care professional or the product instructions advise otherwise.

• Never rinse or store contact lenses in tap water, bottled water or saliva.

• Empty the lens case after each use, clean it as directed, and allow it to air-dry.

• Replace your lens case regularly, following the care-system instructions or the advice of your eye care professional.

• Replace your contact lenses according to their prescribed replacement schedule.

Daily Habits That Help

• Do not sleep in contact lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear and recommended by your eye care professional.

• Avoid swimming, showering or using a hot tub while wearing contact lenses.

• Insert your lenses before applying make-up and remove them before taking make-up off.

• Keep a pair of up-to-date glasses available so you can give your eyes a break when needed.

• Attend regular eye examinations and contact lens reviews as recommended by your eye care professional.

• Never continue wearing a lens that causes persistent discomfort, redness or changes in vision.

When to Stop Wearing Contact Lenses and Seek Advice

Remove your contact lenses immediately and seek advice from an eye care professional if you experience:

• Eye pain or significant discomfort
• Persistent redness or irritation
• Blurred vision or any change in vision
• Increased sensitivity to light
• Excessive tearing or unusual discharge
• Persistent burning, itching or a gritty sensation

Do not continue wearing your lenses if these symptoms occur. Prompt professional assessment is important, particularly if symptoms are severe, worsening or do not improve after lens removal.

Important Information

Sources & Further Reading

Prepared by JAZALAH TRADING LLC - Education & Resources

This guide is provided for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional eye examination, diagnosis, fitting or advice. Contact lenses are medical devices and should be selected, fitted and used under the guidance of a qualified eye care professional.

Always follow the instructions provided by your eye care professional and the manufacturer of your contact lenses and lens care products. If you experience pain, persistent redness, changes in vision or other concerning symptoms, remove your lenses and seek professional advice promptly.

CDC — Healthy Contact Lens Wear and Care

U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) — Contact Lenses

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