Contact lenses tips
We want to make sure your eyes stay happy and healthy wearing contact lenses. If you’ve got a question about your lenses, like how to put them in, take them out, or clean them – have a look through our tips and advice.
Getting started with contact lenses
Let’s start with the basics.
If you’re having trouble putting in contact lenses, this quick video should tell you everything you need to know.
Putting in contact lenses
- First wash and dry your hands.
- Open the foil (for daily disposables) or case lid (for reusable lenses), and scoop your lens out using your index finger.
- Check the lens looks okay - it should be a bowl shape. If it has a lip it means it’s inside out.
- Before you put it on, hold it up and check for any tears or bits of debris.
- If it’s dirty then use some fresh solution to clean it, but if it’s damaged you’ll have to throw it away.
- The easiest way to insert your lens is to place it on the tip of your index finger and with your free hand, pull the top eyelid up – this will help you to stop your blinking reaction.
- Pull your bottom eyelid down and bring the lens towards the centre of your eye.
- You won’t have to press it onto your eye – it will go into place on its own (good news if you’re a bit squeamish about touching your eye).
- Once the lens is on move your eyes from side to side and then close them both. This gets rid of any air bubbles trapped under the lens and makes sure it’s in the right position.
- Then just repeat on the other eye. Easy peasy.
You’ve mastered putting them in, but what about taking them out again? Have a look at this video about removing your lenses.
Taking out contact lenses
- Before you do anything, make sure you wash and dry your hands.
- Look straight into the mirror, tilt your head down slightly and pull your lower eyelid down.
- Using your finger move the lens down onto the white of your eye and then gently pinch it out.
- Now just repeat on the other eye. Simple.
Looking after your contact lenses
If you look after your lenses, you’ll look after your eyes. Learn about how to clean your lenses and what you can do to make sure you wear your lenses comfortably.
It’s important to clean and take care of your lenses, so that the risk of eye infections is kept to a minimum. If you wear reusable lenses, you’ll need to stick to a cleaning routine to make sure your eyes stay in tip-top condition.
- After taking out your lenses, rub them gently with a few drops of solution for about 20 seconds.
- To store your lenses, place them carefully in your contact lens case. The case should be clean and filled with fresh solution.
- If you’re unsure about the best way to keep your lenses and case clean, check the instructions on your solution to make sure you’re doing everything exactly as you should.
- Don’t forget: never use tap water to clean your lenses or contact lens case as this can lead to eye infections.
Tips for comfortable wearing
Have a look through some of our top tips for wearing your contact lenses comfortably.
- Check that the prescription on the lens packaging is correct
- Check your contact lens solution instructions before use
- Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses or touching your eye
- Insert your lenses before applying eye make-up
- Return for all the aftercare visits recommended by your optometrist
- Contact us if you have any concerns or queries, however trivial they may seem
- Stop wearing your lenses if your eyes become red or sore – contact us for advice
- Throw away your lenses after the recommended period
- Clean your lens case regularly and allow it to air dry
- Replace your lens case regularly
- Replace the tops of solution bottles after use
- Use fresh solution to store your lenses
- Dispose of solution bottles after the recommended period
- Wear your lenses longer than advised
- Ignore problems or discomfort with your lenses
- Hesitate to contact us if you have a problem
- Handle your lenses with sharp nails as they can easily tear
- Use tap water to store, clean or rinse your contact lenses or case
- Use your lenses for swimming, hot tubs or water sports, unless wearing goggles
- Wear your lenses when showering unless you keep your eyes firmly closed
- Lick your lenses
- Sleep in your lenses (unless advised by your optometrist, as this can increase the risk of infection)
- Wear your lenses if you are using eye drops prescribed by your doctor
- Change your cleaning regime without contacting us for professional advice
- Reuse the solutions of saline in your lens case
Eyes don’t feel quite right?
If you’re concerned about any symptoms you experience, you’ll find information and advice about common eye conditions on our Eye Health section. But if you’re ever really worried, come and see us in store.