If you find eyeglasses uncomfortable, contact lenses are an excellent alternative to vision care. However, learning how to wear these devices properly can take some time. If you’re adjusting to life with contacts, Kato & Shoji Optometrists in Honolulu, HI, offer a simple guide to safely inserting and removing your lenses.

How to Correctly Put in Contact Lenses

The first step to putting in your contacts is to ensure there’s no risk of dirt or debris adhering to the surface. Not only will these particles cause discomfort, but they may also increase your risk of developing an infection. To keep them clean, thoroughly wash and dry your hands before handling contacts. If your lenses have been used before, thoroughly rinse them in contact solution.

Next, place the outer curve of the lens on your index finger, while using the other fingers to pull down on your lower eyelid. With your other hand, pull up on the upper eyelid so you won’t blink while inserting the lens. As you glance upward, gently place the contact on the surface of the eye until it attaches. Finally, blink a few times to ensure the device is properly positioned.

How to Properly Remove Contact Lenses

Removing your contact lenses is similar to putting them in, just in reverse. As before, you’ll want to make sure your hands are clean and dry to lower the risk of eye infection. As you use one hand to pull down on the lower eyelid, use the other hand’s index finger to touch the edge of the lens. Next, drag the device toward the bottom of the eyelid until it separates from the eye. If you can’t get the contact to slide off your eye, you may gently squeeze it so that it pops off the surface.

If your contact lenses are reusable, use the proper solution to clean them. If they are disposable, throw them away.

If you want to switch to contact lenses for the first time, the specialists at Kato & Shoji Optometrists can help. After determining your prescription through an eye exam, these Honolulu, HI, optometrists will outfit you with the best lenses to fit your lifestyle and preferences. They will also take time to review proper contact lens care tasks and ensure you understand how to put them in and take them out. Visit this vision care provider online to learn more about their state-of-the-art resources and services. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 988-7748 to reach their Manoa Road clinic or (808) 735-8080 to speak with the Kapahulu Avenue location.