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Your guide to contact lenses

Everything you need to know to confidently put in and take out your contact lenses.

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Your step-by-step contact lens guide

Inserting and removing contact lenses takes a little practice, but once you’ve mastered the basics and your confidence grows, you won’t give it a second thought. So we’ve put together a step-by-step guide to help you safely insert and remove your contact lenses.

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Putting contact lenses in

1
Step one
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This stops any bacteria transferring to your eye and helps prevent eye infections.
2
Step two
Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean, lint free towel.
3
Step three
Avoid getting your contact lenses wet, as it may contain bacteria that can cause infections.
4
Step four
Establish a routine, especially if you have different prescriptions for each eye.
5
Step five
For daily disposable contact lenses, use a fresh lens from the pack; for monthly/fortnightly lenses, clean the lens with contact lens solution before insertion.
6
Step six
Check the lens for proper orientation; it should be bowl-shaped with a lip.
7
Step seven
Lift your eyelid and bottom lash gently with your fingers while looking down into a mirror.
8
Step eight
Place the lens on the eye while looking straight ahead into the mirror.
9
Step nine
After placing the lens, expel air bubbles by looking left and right, then release your eyelids gradually.
10
Step ten
Repeat on the other eye!

Taking your contact lenses out

1
Step one
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap. This stops any bacteria transferring to your eye and helps prevent eye infections.
2
Step two
Dry your hands thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel.
3
Step three
Establish a routine to consistently handle your contact lenses, starting with the same lens each time.
4
Step four
Check the lens position in the mirror, ensuring it’s correctly centred over the coloured part of your eye.
5
Step five
Gently lift your eyelid and bottom lash using your index and middle fingers, respectively.
6
Step six
Lower your chin to create more space for lens removal. Look straight ahead and slowly bring your index finger towards your eye, pressing gently but firmly on the lens. Slide the lens downward onto the white part of your eye for safe removal.
7
Step seven
Use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens and remove it from your eye.
8
Step eight
For daily disposables, dispose of the contact lenses in the bin. For monthly/fortnightly contact lenses, clean them with the solution and store them in a case with fresh solution.
9
Step nine
Repeat the process for the other eye!

Need help with contact lenses?

Whether you’re new to contact lenses, thinking about trying them, or simply looking for a refresher on how to insert and remove them safely, our opticians can help. Book a contact lens appointment for expert advice on the best lenses for your lifestyle and prescription.

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Types of contact lenses at Scrivens

Types of contact lenses

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Contact lens myth-busting

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Lensplan

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of contact lenses are there?

At Scrivens Opticians, we offer a variety of contact lenses. Choose from our two standard types of lenses: daily disposables and fortnightly/monthly disposables. Need specialist contact lenses? We also provide specialist options, such as multifocal contact lenses, gas-permeable lenses and Dreamvision contact lenses at selected branches. Find out more about our range here.

How much are contact lenses?

The cost of your contact lenses will depend on your prescription, wear schedule and the brand you choose. With a wide range of contact lenses available, our Optometrists or Contact Lens Opticians are happy to walk you through your prescription and contact lens options. Simply get in touch with your nearest Scrivens branch today – our team is more than happy to answer any questions you have.

How do you put contact lenses in?

It can appear daunting at first, but contact lenses are easy to apply and are very comfortable. We’ve created an easy step-by-step guide to help you insert contact lenses safely and comfortably. Visit our how-to page for full instructions.

What is Lensplan?

Lensplan is our longstanding direct to home contact lens subscription scheme making our customers’ lives easier than ever. Our contact lens subscription is suitable for new wearers and customers on a Pay-As-You-Go basis. Alongside a personalised contact lens package, including free aftercare, members of Lensplan benefit from discounts on our glasses range, as well as exclusive special offers throughout the year. To find out more visit our dedicated page.

How long does it take to get used to wearing contact lenses?

It is entirely normal for eyes to take some time to adjust to contact lenses. On average, it can take about 10-12 days for your eyes to adjust to wearing lenses. However, your Optometrist can offer a more personalised estimate based on your specific type of contact lenses and wearing schedule.

How do you clean contact lenses?

The wearing regime decide to go for will determine how you clean your contact lenses – daily disposables do not require cleaning as you use a new pair everyday. However, monthly contact lenses should be cleaned each time they are worn and stored after use. Make sure to follow the full care instructions provided and ensure that you have thoroughly washed and dried your hands before handling your lenses. Also, make sure to avoid using water to clean or store your lenses, as this can damage them, and use a solution instead. During your consultation, your Optician will provide expert tips and recommendations on how to keep contact lenses clean. Book your free assessment today.