Home > Contact Lenses > Contact Lenses Handling

Handling of Your Contact Lenses…Insertion, Removal, Cleaning and Storage

The first step before ever handling your lenses is to ensure your hands are thoroughly cleaned and dried using a lint free towel. Use soap that is deodorant and lotion free. Make sure the sink drain is also closed.

How to tell if the lens is inside out

Place the lens on your finger tip to inspect the contact lens curvature. It the lens is in the right position, the edges will appear to point almost straight up. If the lens is inverted, the lens edges will appear to flare out slightly. (see images below). This may be difficult to determine until you have more practice.

Contact Lens Insertion

Position the lens in a bowl shape on the end of your middle or index finger. Ensure your finger is dry. While looking in a mirror, bring the lens towards the largest area of your eye. Immediately prior to the lens contacting your eye, look up so that it will be placed on the lower white part. Gently release your upper eyelid, then look down and release your lower eyelid. Slowly close your eyes, and look around in every direction to help the lens centre.

Contact Lens Removal

Remain focused on a point to the outside of your eye. Gently slide the lens towards the opposite side of your gaze. You may need to repeat this a few times before the lens will move. While doing this, ensure your focus is constant, as any eye movement will re-centre the lens. Once the lens has reached the corner of your eye, it should fold and be easily removed.

Cleaning and Storage

Upon removing your contact lens, place it in the palm of your hand and wet it with a few drops of solution. Rub your lens with your finger for at least 10 seconds to loosen debris. Turn the lens over and rub for another 10 seconds. Store the lenses in fresh solution overnight, ensuring that the lens is fully submerged. The lenses should soak for a minimum of 6 hours for proper disinfection. Remember to keep track of which lens belongs in which eye.

When the lenses are ready to insert after disinfection, pour out the solution. Rinse the inside of the case and lids with warm to hot water. Let your case and lids air dry throughout the day.

Contact lens cases should be replaced at least every 3 months. On a weekly basis dip your case into near boiling water for 2-3 minutes.