How To Insert Contact Lenses

Find everything you need to know about inspecting, preparing and inserting your contact lenses. If you have never worn contact lenses before, this easy-to-follow guide will help you get started. If you already wear contact lenses, you may learn some helpful tips and tricks from our experience. Plus, the checklist for coloured contact lenses differs slightly from regular contact lenses.

If you are new to wearing contact lenses, skip ahead to our checklist to find out what you need to look for when your contact lenses arrive. We also have a section on preparing your contact lenses for use to help you get started, below. Once you are ready, come back to these instructions to insert your contact lenses. We always recommend reading all the information in our Safety Guides before wearing your contact lenses, including our article about Removing Contact Lenses.

Are you ready to insert your contact lenses? Read our beginner’s guide to inserting contact lenses whether you are a first-time contact lens wearer or need a refresher.

1. Make sure you have correctly prepared your contact lenses by soaking them in fresh contact lens solution for at least 2 hours before use. Always thoroughly wash your hands before handling contact lenses. (For more information about preparing your contact lenses, see below)
2. Inspect your contact lens before inserting it into your eye. Look for signs of damage or debris and do not insert if you notice any problems.
3. Place the lens on the tip of your forefinger, making sure your contact lens is the correct way up. The edge should look like a soft U rather than a V.
4. Place the middle finger of the same hand close to your lower eyelid. With the middle finger of your other hand, raise your upper eyelid.
5. Look up at the ceiling or straight ahead and gently place the contact lens into the lower part of your eye.
6. Hold the lens on your eye for a second to allow the moisture to help it stay in your eye.
7. Gently release your eyelid and close your eye for a moment. 
8. Blink several times to help the contact lens to settle in the correct position. It will centre itself automatically.
9. Repeat for your other eye. 
10. Ensure your contact lenses are centred and you can see clearly with no irritation or discomfort.

Preparing Your Contact Lenses For Use

It is important not to skip preparing your contact lenses for use. Your contact lenses will arrive in blister packs or vials with contact lens storage solution. This solution is a higher concentration of contact lens solution in order to preserve the contact lenses after they have been manufactured. However, this solution can cause your eyes to sting or become irritated.

• To ensure your contact lenses are the correct PH for your eyes and therefore prevent irritation and stinging, you must soak them in fresh contact lens solution. 
• Get your sterile contact lens case and fill it with contact lens solution so the lenses are completely submerged. 
• Make sure to thoroughly wash your hands with antibacterial soap before handling your contact lenses. 
• Take out the contact lenses from their packaging using either your finger or sterilised contact lens tweezers. Only use contact lens tweezers as these have soft tips that won’t cause your lenses to tear.
• Place your lenses in the contact lens case and make sure the contact lens solution fully covers the lenses.
• Screw on the airtight top and leave the lenses in a cool and safe place to soak for at least 2 hours.

Checking Your Contact Lenses

Before you insert your contact lenses it is important to check them for any signs of damage and check they are suitable for your eyes.

Before Opening The Packaging, check:

• Are the contact lenses in date? Only wear contact lenses that haven’t expired.
• Are the contact lenses the colour and design you expected? If you think the lenses may not cover your eye colour, they do not look as expected, or you have received an incorrect product, please contact our customer services team for assistance at info@funkylenses.com.
• Do the contact lenses match your eye measurements? Check the base curve and diameter are suitable for you for a comfortable fit.
• Have you received the correct prescription strength for your eyes? (where applicable)
• Are there any signs of damage to the packaging or has the solution leaked out? Contact our customer services team at info@funkylenses.com in the rare event you receive damaged contact lenses and include a picture in your email so our customer services team can help.
• Are there any signs of damage to the surface of the contact lenses?

We hope you found this guide helpful and feel more prepared for inserting your contact lenses for the first time. Whether you want to level up your cosplay or only wear coloured contact lenses for Halloween, it is important to follow the steps in this guide every time, no matter how experienced you are. Making sure your hands are clean and your lenses are ready to use is essential to having a safe and comfortable experience.