How to Put in Contact Lenses for Beginners: Easy Steps

Quick Answer

Wash your hands, check the lens isn't inside out, place it on your index finger, hold your eyelids open, and gently place the lens on your eye. Blink slowly to settle it. Practice makes this process feel natural in a few tries.

Prepare Your Workspace and Hands

Start by washing your hands thoroughly with a mild, fragrance-free soap. Avoid soaps with oils, lotions, or perfumes — these can transfer to the lens and cause irritation. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to prevent fibers from sticking to the lens.

Set up a clean, well-lit area with a mirror. Keep your lens case, solution, and a backup pair of glasses nearby. Never use water or saliva to wet or clean your lenses — only sterile contact lens solution.

Check the Lens Before Insertion

Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and hold it up to the light. If the edges flare outward like a bowl, it's inside out. A properly oriented lens forms a smooth, U-shaped cup with edges that curve upward evenly.

If you accidentally insert a lens inside out, it may feel uncomfortable or shift on your eye. Remove it, rinse with solution, flip it, and try again. Always inspect the lens for tears or debris before each use.

Insert the Lens Step by Step

Stand in front of a mirror. Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open by pressing gently against your brow bone. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. This keeps your eye open and reduces blinking.

Look upward or straight ahead into the mirror. Gently place the lens on the lower part of your eye (the sclera), not directly on the pupil. Release your eyelids slowly and blink a few times to center the lens. If it feels off, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid to reposition it.

Troubleshoot Common Issues

If the lens sticks to your finger, your finger may be too wet. Dry it slightly before trying again. If the lens folds or flips during insertion, rinse it with solution and restart. A lens that feels gritty or blurry may have debris — remove, clean, and reinsert.

First-time users often experience mild tearing or blinking. This is normal. Take a deep breath, relax, and try again. If discomfort persists after a few attempts, remove the lens and check for damage or dirt. Never wear a damaged lens.

Step-by-Step Insertion Guide for Beginners

1. Step 1: Wash and Dry Your Hands: Use mild soap and a lint-free towel. Avoid lotions or oily soaps. Common mistake: using scented or moisturizing soap — this can transfer residue to the lens and cause irritation.
2. Step 2: Inspect the Lens: Place the lens on your fingertip and check it's not inside out. Look for tears or debris. Common mistake: inserting an inside-out lens — it will feel uncomfortable and may not stay in place.
3. Step 3: Hold Your Eyelids Open: Use one hand to hold your upper lid, the other to pull down your lower lid. Look upward or into a mirror. Common mistake: blinking or closing the eye too early — practice holding the lids steady before bringing the lens close.
4. Step 4: Place the Lens on Your Eye: Gently set the lens on the lower white part of your eye, not directly on the pupil. Release lids slowly and blink. Common mistake: placing the lens on the pupil — it's easier to start on the sclera and let blinking center it.
5. Step 5: Center and Settle the Lens: Close your eye and gently massage the lid. Blink several times until the lens feels comfortable and vision clears. Common mistake: rubbing the eye vigorously — this can dislodge or damage the lens. Use gentle pressure.

Lenses That Make the Process Easier

• Younth Brown Color Contact Lenses: Jeucons Younth Brown — Yearly Color Contact Lens, available from 0° to 1000° power, MDA certified. A soft, natural brown tone that enlarges eyes without looking fake — great for beginners who want subtle enhancement and a wide prescription range.
• Natural Olivia Choco – Super Natural Choco Brown Contact Lenses: Primocon Natural Olivia Choco — Ultra-Natural Choco Brown Contact Lens, available from 0° to 800° power. Designed to look so natural that people think you were born with beautiful brown eyes — ideal for first-timers who want a no-fuss, realistic look.