how to insert your contact lenses

Step by step: applying contact lenses

• 1. Prepare the lens

  Remove the lens from the packet and place on the opposite fingertip to the eye you wish to put it in. Make sure your lens is in the correct position, it should be bowl-shaped in appearance. The lens should sit on the flat part of the tip of your finger, for easier application.

• 2. Place the lens over your iris

  Hold your eye open with your middle finger on the lower eyelid, and your index finger holding your eyelashes against your brow. For the right eye use your right hand to hold open your right eye and use your left hand to insert. Simply repeat for your left eye.

• 3. Insert and centre the lens

  When applying the lens, look straight ahead into the mirror, trying not to move your upper eyelid or blink. Once the lens is in place, wait a few seconds for the lens to settle, then look left, right, up and down to allow it to sit comfortably. Finally, slowly remove your finger from your eyelid and gently close your eye.

• 4. Adjust for comfort

  If it feels like it isn't sitting comfortably, there may be an air bubble. Keeping your finger on the centre of the lens, move it around a little to dislodge any air that may be trapped underneath, so the lens fits closely to the shape of your eyeball. You can also close your eye and gently massage your eyelid with your fingertip to move the lens to the centre of the iris. If your lens still doesn't feel comfortable, remove it, clean it with solution, give your eyes a break and return to step 1.