Preparation

• To ensure a safe and mess-free contact lens insertion, preparation is needed.
  
  First you must wash your hands with either a glycerin bar or emollient-free liquid soap. This is important because these types of soap remove the oil from the hands and do not add additional oils that can smear or smudge the contact lens. It is best to insert contacts over a sink; however, if sitting at a desk or vanity makes you most comfortable, this is acceptable as well. Keep in mind that a clean sink with the drain plugged is an easier surface to find a contact if it were to fall from your finger or eye. Plus if you wear hard lenses, they will make a sound when they hit the sink.
  
  Always start with the same eye each time. Most contact lens instructions recommend beginning with the right eye; however, if you are left-handed and using your left hand feels more natural, then begin with your left eye.
  
  

Inserting Hard Contact Lenses

• Gently insert your finger into the open contact lens case, and lift out the lens. The lens should automatically stick to your finger. Place the lens on the index finger of your right hand, with the outward curve resting on the tip of your index finger. Take your left hand and raise your upper lid near the lash line. Now take the middle finger of your right hand and gently pull down your lower lid. With your eye wide open, gently insert the contact onto the eye. Release the eyelids and blink slowly. Your lens should be centered on the middle of your eye; if it is not, close your eye and use your finger to align the lens through your closed eyelid. This prevents you from smudging or damaging the lens. Repeat for your left contact insertion.
  
  

Soft Contact Lens Insertion

• Pour the contents of the right lens case into the palm of your clean right hand. Place the lens on the tip of your right index finger. Take your left hand and raise your upper lid near the lash line. Now take the middle finger of your right hand and gently pull down your lower lid. Look upward, and gently place the contact on the eye. Release both lids and slowly close your eyes. Open your eyes slowly. The contact should center on the middle of your eye. If it is not centered, apply a few drops of re-wetting eye drops in the eye and hold eye open for 10 seconds. The lens should naturally slide toward the center of your eye, aligning itself. Repeat for your left contact insertion.