Introduction
Putting on contact lenses for the first time can feel intimidating. Your eyes are sensitive, and the idea of touching them directly goes against every natural instinct. But with a little practice and the right technique, how to put on your contact lenses becomes as effortless as brushing your teeth. Whether you're new to colored contact lenses or switching from glasses to soft contact lenses, this guide will walk you through exactly how to put on contact lenses safely and comfortably.
At
LolaDiva, we believe that beautiful eyes start with healthy habits. Let's get you confident with your lens insertion in minutes.
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Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands Thoroughly
Before you touch anything near your eyes, contact lens hygiene is non-negotiable. Use a mild, oil-free soap and rinse your hands thoroughly. Dry them completely with a lint-free towel or a microfiber cloth — moisture and lint can transfer to your contact lenses and cause eye irritation or blurry vision. Avoid soaps with heavy fragrances or lotions, as these residues can stick to the lens surface and sting your eyes.
Pro tip: Always put on your soft contact lenses before applying makeup to minimize contamination and give you a clearer view in the mirror.
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Step 2: Prepare Your Lens and Check the Lens Orientation
Remove one lens from its contact lens case or blister pack. Place it on the tip of your index finger (dominant hand) and inspect it carefully.
- Right-side out: The lens should look like a smooth, bowl-shaped curve with edges curling slightly inward.
- Inside out: The edges will flare outward like a saucer or dome.
If your lens is inside out, simply flip it gently. Some colored contact lenses also have tiny inversion markings (numbers or shapes) to help you identify the correct orientation. If you notice any tears, rips, or debris, discard the lens and use a fresh one.
Looking for lenses that are easy to handle for beginners? Our
yearly contacts are designed with contact lens comfort and durability in mind, making them ideal for daily practice.
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Step 3: Hold Your Eyelids Open
This is where most beginners struggle — the blink reflex. Here's how to put in contact lenses without blinking:
- Use your non-dominant hand to gently lift your upper eyelid and hold your eyelashes against your brow.
- Use the middle finger of your dominant hand (the one holding the lens) to pull down your lower eyelid.
Think of it as "pinning" your lids in place to expose as much of your eye as possible. Don't yank — gentle, steady pressure is all you need.
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Step 4: Place the Lens on Your Eye
Look straight ahead into a mirror, or slightly upward — whichever feels more natural. Slowly bring the lens toward your eye and gently place it on the colored part of your eye (the iris) or the white area just below it.
You don't need to press. The natural moisture of your eye will pull the lens off your finger and adhere it to the surface. Once the lens is in place, slowly release your lower eyelid first, then your upper eyelid.
Pro tip: If you're squeamish about touching your eye directly, try placing the lens on the white part of your eye while looking to the side. Then look straight ahead — the lens will naturally slide into position over your iris.
For those who prefer a low-maintenance option,
daily colored contact lenses eliminate the need for cleaning and storage — just insert, wear, and toss at the end of the day. These are perfect contact lenses use and throw style for busy lifestyles.
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Step 5: Blink and Settle the Lens
Close your eyes gently and blink a few times. This helps the lens center itself and settle into the correct position. You can also look up, down, left, and right to help remove any trapped air bubbles.
If the lens feels uncomfortable or your vision is blurry, it may not be centered properly. Gently massage your closed eyelid with a fingertip to reposition it, or remove the lens, rinse it with fresh contact lens solution, and try again.
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Step 6: Repeat for the Other Eye
Always start with the same eye every time (for example, right eye first). This prevents mixing up lenses if your eyes have different prescription lenses. Follow the exact same steps for your second lens.
If you need vision correction without changing your eye color, our
clear contact lenses offer the same comfort and ease of insertion with a completely transparent look.
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Common Mistakes Beginners Make (And How to Avoid Them)
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Mistake
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Why It Happens
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Solution
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Blinking before the lens touches the eye
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Natural
blink reflex
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Practice holding your lids open without the lens first
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Lens keeps falling off finger
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Finger is too wet or dry
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Keep fingertips slightly moist but not dripping
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Lens feels uncomfortable after insertion
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Lens is inside out or has debris
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Remove, rinse, inspect, and reinsert
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Eyes feel dry or irritated
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Overwearing or poor hydration
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Use rewetting drops approved for
soft contact lenses
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Essential Hygiene Tips for Safe Lens Wear
Your eye health depends on consistent contact lens hygiene. Follow these rules every single time:
- Never use tap water or saliva to rinse or store your lenses — both contain microorganisms that can cause serious infections.
- Replace your contact lens case every 1–3 months and rinse it with fresh solution daily, letting it air dry.
- Don't sleep in your lenses unless they are specifically approved for overnight wear.
- Follow your wearing schedule — daily contact lenses go in the trash after one use; monthly disposable contact lenses must be replaced after 30 days.
- Always use fresh contact lens solution — never "top off" old solution in your case.
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How Long Does It Take to Get Used to Contact Lenses?
Most first-time wearers adapt within 3 to 7 days. It's completely normal to feel slight awareness of the lens for the first few hours. Start by wearing them for 4–6 hours on day one, then gradually increase your wear time. If discomfort persists beyond a week, or if you experience redness, pain, or discharge, remove your lenses and contact your eye care professional immediately.
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FAQ: How to Put On Your Contact Lenses
Q: What if I can't stop blinking?
A: Practice makes perfect. Try holding your eyelids open without a lens first to train your muscles. Looking slightly upward or to the side while inserting can also reduce the blink reflex. This is the most common challenge when learning how to insert contact lense.
Q: Can I use tools to put in my lenses?
A: Most eye care professionals recommend using your fingers for soft contact lenses. Tools are generally only recommended for people with limited dexterity, and only under professional guidance.
Q: What if I drop my lens?
A: If it's a contact lenses use and throw type (daily disposable), discard it and use a new one. For reusable lenses, rinse thoroughly with fresh solution and rub it gently in your palm before reinserting.
Q: Should I put on my contacts before or after makeup?
A: Always before. Makeup particles can contaminate your lenses and cause eye irritation.
Q: How do I know if my lens is inside out?
A: The "bowl vs. saucer" test is the easiest way. A properly oriented lens forms a smooth bowl with edges curling inward. An inside-out lens has flared, outward-turning edges.
Q: Is it safe for beginners to wear colored contact lenses?
A: Yes, as long as they are FDA/CE compliant and fitted by an eye care professional. At LolaDiva, all our colored contact lenses meet strict safety standards for comfortable, worry-free wear.
Q: How do I put contact lenses in if I have long nails?
A: Use the pad of your finger, not the tip, to handle the lens. Alternatively, consider using a lens inserter tool recommended by your eye care professional.
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Ready to Master Your Lens Routine?
Learning how to put on your contact lenses is a skill that pays off every single day. With clean hands, the right technique, and a little patience, you'll go from nervous beginner to confident wearer in no time.
Shop now and see the world in a whole new color.
