Tips for Contact Lens Wearers

Most contact lens users have several questions and doubts regarding the use of contact lenses. These tips should help you to deal with some everyday contact lens concerns.

Right side of the lens

Most first time wearers want to know which side of the contact lens is the right side as well as if it is being worn inside out. To ensure that you are wearing your lens correctly, place the lens on your finger so that a cup is formed. Then, hold the lens up directly in front of your eyes so you're looking at the side of the cup. If the lens forms a ‘U’, it is in the correct position; however if you see the ‘U’ with its edges flopping, then it is inside out.

Wash hands thoroughly

Before applying your contact lenses, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly. Avoid using excessively oily or scented soaps and products containing lanolin which might adhere to the surface of the lens causing the vision to blur. Always start with applying the same contact lens in the same eye, so as to avoid messing up the lenses between the right and left eyes.

Wearing contact lenses

After washing the contact lens, place it on the tip of your middle index finger which should be left semi-dry. With the fingers and thumb of your other hand, simultaneously pull up on your upper eyelid and down on your lower eyelid. Position the lens on your eye while looking upward or forward. Roll your eyes in a circle to settle the lens and then blink.

Removal of contact lenses

The same routine of washing hands has to be followed even while removing the contact lenses. Ensure that the mouth of the drain is covered if you are standing in front of the basin. To remove soft contact lenses, look upward or sideways while you pull down on your lower eyelid. With a finger, gently maneuver the lens onto the white of your eye; then gently pinch the lens together with your index finger and thumb and lift it off the eye. It is better to have your finger nails cut short to avoid damaging or tearing your lens. Rigid contact lenses can be removed by pulling on the skin of the eye towards the ear. Bend forward and hold the palm below the eye to gently catch the falling lens.

Make-up and contact lenses

Ensure that you do not get makeup in your eyes when you are wearing contact lenses. Put in your contact lenses before applying your makeup.

Wash your hands thoroughly to make sure that no creams, oils, or lotions transfer on to the lenses.
Use only non-allergic make-up.
Choose water-based rather than oil-based creams.
Apply eyeliner only on the portion of your lashes that is well away from your eye.