Soft Contact Lens Insertion and Removal
Recommended cleaning solutions:
Optifree: Amazon Link
Biotrue: Amazon Link
Clear Care: Amazon Link (Do not use this solution for Insertion and Removal, only for overnight cleaning).
Preparing the Lens for Wear
It is essential that you learn and use good hygienic methods in the care and handling of your new lenses. Cleanliness is the first and most important aspect of proper contact lens care. Your hands should be clean and free of any foreign substances when you handle your lenses.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap, rinse completely, and dry with a lint-free towel before touching your lenses.
- Avoid the use of soaps containing cold cream, lotion, or oily cosmetics before handling your lenses, since these substances may come into contact with the lenses and interfere with successful wearing.
- Handle your lenses with your fingertips, and be careful to avoid contact with fingernails.
Inserting contact lenses
The One-Hand Placement Technique
- Place the lens on your index finger. Be sure the lens is right-side-out (the edges should turn up, not out).
- With your head up, looking straight ahead, pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your placement hand
- Look up steadily at a point above you. Then place the lens on the lower white part of your eye.
- Remove your index finger and slowly release the lower lid.
- Look down to position the lens properly.
- Close your eyes for a moment: the lens will center itself on your eye.
The Two-Hand Placement Technique
- With the lens on your index finger, use the middle finger of the other hand to pull the upper lid against the brow.
- Use the middle finger of your placement hand to pull down the lower lid and then place the lens centrally on your eye.
- While holding this position, look downward to position the lens properly.
- Slowly release your eyelids.
Tips:
- If you accidentally place an inside-out lens on your eye, one of the following signs should signal you to remove and replace it correctly.
- Less than usual comfort
- The lens may fold on the eye
- Excessive lens movement on blink
- Blurred vision
- If the lens folds and sticks together: Place the lens in the palm of your hand and wet thoroughly with the recommended re-wetting solution. GENTLY rub the lens between your index finger and palm in a gentle back and forth motion
- If the lens flattens or drapes across your finger, the lens or your finger may be too wet. To correct this, dry your finger by transferring the lens several times from one index finger to the other, drying the opposite finger each time.
Removing contact lenses
Always remove the same lens first.
- Wash, rinse, and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Always be sure that the lens is in the correct position on your eye before you try to remove it (a simple check of your vision, closing one eye at a time, will tell you if the lens is in the correct position). Look up and slowly pull down your lower lid with the middle finger of your removal hand and place your index finger on the lower edge of the lens. Squeeze the lens lightly between the thumb and index finger and remove it. Avoid sticking the edges of the lens together.
- Remove the other lens by following the same procedure.
Hard Contact Lens (RGP) Insertion and Removal
Recommended cleaning solution:
Boston Simplus Cleans and Conditions 2 in 1: Amazon Link
Clear Care with Hydraglyde: Amazon Link (Do not use this solution for Insertion and Removal, only for overnight cleaning).
Recommended inserting solutions:
Refresh preservative free tears: Amazon Link
AddiPak Saline: Amazon Link
Recommended removal plunger if needed:
DMV hard contact lens remover: Amazon Link
ORTHO K lens Insertion and Removal
Recommended cleaning solution:
Boston Simplus Cleans and Conditions 2 in 1: Amazon Link
Clear Care with Hydraglyde Amazon Link (do not use this solution for Insertion and Removal, only for daytime cleaning).
Boston Protein remover (alternative to clear care) - please ask the doctor or contact lens technician for instructions before using this: Amazon Link
Recommended inserting solutions:
Refresh preservative free tears: Amazon Link
AddiPak Saline: Amazon Link
Recommended removal plunger:
DMV hard contact lens remover: Amazon Link
How to Insert Your Contact Lens
STEP 1: A few minutes before bed, wash and dry your hands completely using soap and a clean towel. Do
not use alcohol sanitizer to clean your hands.
STEP 2: Rinse lenses using solution to remove dirt or debris, using your fingers to clean the lens. (Use
appropriate Hard Contact Lens Solution, or Hydrogen Peroxide as instructed) Tip: You don't want to mix up
your lenses so remember to always insert and remove the lens for your RIGHT eye first.
STEP 3: Put the lens on the tip of your index finger. Place a drop of Refresh tears inside the bowl of the
lens.
STEP 4: Use your free hand, hold your upper eyelid in place so that you don’t blink.
STEP 5: Rest your inserting hand on a mirror placed flat on the table top. Using the middle finger of the
inserting hand, pull down on your lower eyelid.
STEP 6: Looking down, place the lens on the colored part of your eye. The lens should cover your iris
completely, and hence will feel uncomfortable for the first few days. This is normal with Ortho K lenses.
You will adapt to this slight discomfort in 3 to 4 days. If you don’t then please speak to your doctor.
STEP 7: Gently close your eyes, so that the lens centers. Inspect to make sure there are no bubbles trapped
underneath the lens.
STEP 8: The lens will feel slightly uncomfortable if this is your first time wearing Ortho K lenses. If there is
extreme discomfort or bubbles, take it out and check for damage or debris. Use solution to rinse it and
reinsert with Refresh tears in the bowl.
How to Remove Your Contact Lens
STEP 1: When you wake up, wash and dry your hands completely using soap and a clean towel.
STEP 2: Use the plunger provided in your started kit with a drop of Refresh tears in it.
STEP 3: Touch the center of the lens with the plunger top, apply a moderate amount of pressure to create
suction.
STEP 4: Once you feel the plunger suctioned to the lens, gently remove it from your eye.
STEP 5: Use the same procedure to remove the other lens. Clean and store in your lens case with fresh
solution.
DO’S
DO clean your lenses before and after every use with the Boston Simplus 2 in 1 cleaner + conditioner.
DO make sure you are at least getting 7 hours of sleep every night to achieve the desired Ortho K effect.
DO use Hard CL solution on Hydrogen peroxide only. Do not use water, saline, saliva, or other liquids.
DO replace your CL case every month as you replace your solution bottle or clean it on the top rack of your
dish washer.
DO complete your follow up as per the doctor’s instructions to verify Ortho K progression.
DO use “Refresh for contacts” as needed for dryness, and wear Sunglasses to protect your eyes when
wearing contact lenses.
DO NOT’s
DO NOT CLEAN YOUR HANDS WITH ALCOHOL SANITIZER before insertion or removal of Contact Lenses.
DO NOT WEAR THESE LENSES DURING THE DAY TIME WHEN AWAKE
DO NOT use your Ortho K lenses for longer than 1 year.
DO NOT order your contact lenses from unverifiable online sources, as you may be given incorrect brand
and power of contact lenses that can harm your eyes. Elite Family Vision PLLC is not responsible for incorrect
Contact Lenses dispensed to the patient with an expired prescription or proper verification.
RISKS
Risk Level High: Dry eye – patients may experience mild to moderate dry eye during the first few days of CL
wear. Please use Refresh preservative free as needed, until your eyes have adjusted to these lenses.
Risk level Low: Corneal abrasions from improper insertion. Please follow instructions as shown during
insertion and removal training. Avoid trapping bubbles while inserting these lenses to avoid lens shifting.
Risk level Low: Conjunctivitis – please follow appropriate hand washing and lens cleaning techniques to
avoid infections.
If your eyes become extremely RED, PAINFUL, or experience discharge, remove your contact lenses and call 832-685-2020 for further instructions.
Hybrid Contact Lens Insertion and Removal
(Synergeyes or Duette Lenses)
Recommended cleaning solution:
Clear Care with HydraGlyde: Amazon Link (do not use this solution for Insertion and Removal, only for overnight cleaning).
Recommended inserting solutions:
Refresh preservative free tears: Amazon Link
AddiPak Saline: Amazon Link
Recommended removal plunger if needed:
DMV hard contact lens remover: Amazon Link
Before You Start
Practice Makes Perfect
Once you receive your lenses in your eye care professional's office, you may want to practice the "removal technique" with the lens on your knuckle, to get familiar with the lens, and where to "pinch" for simple removal. With a little practice, you'll quickly get the hang of the lens removal, and be on your way to experiencing the clarity and comfort of hybrid lenses!
How to use Hydrogen Peroxide/ Clear Care cleaning solution
Clear Care Contact lens cleaning solution can be used with soft, hard and hybrid lenses. Please note that you must follow these specific instructions to avoid damaging your eyes. Do not use this solution during insertion and removal. This solution should be used only for cleaning and storage.