How to Insert and Remove Colored Contact Lenses Safely

Quick answer

To insert colored contact lenses safely, wash and dry your hands, place the lens on your index finger, pull your upper lid up and lower lid down, look up, and gently place the lens on your eye. To remove, wash your hands, look up, slide the lens down with your fingertip, and pinch it off gently. Always clean and store lenses in fresh solution.

Prepare your hands and workspace

Before touching your lenses, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them with a lint-free towel. Avoid oily or scented soaps that can leave residue. Work over a clean, well-lit surface like a bathroom counter or a table with a mirror. Keep your lens case, solution, and a small mirror within reach so you don't have to search for them mid-insertion. If you wear makeup, apply it after inserting lenses to avoid smudging or contaminating the lens.

Check the lens before insertion

Examine the lens for tears, debris, or dried-out edges. Place it on your fingertip and look at its shape: a healthy lens forms a smooth bowl (like a taco shell standing up). If the edges flare outward like a bowl, it's inside out and will feel uncomfortable. Rinse the lens with fresh contact lens solution—never tap water—before inserting. If you use a contact lens cleaner, follow its instructions for rinsing and storing. A clean lens reduces the risk of irritation and infection.

Insert the lens with steady hands

Stand or sit in front of a mirror. Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Use your middle finger to pull your upper eyelid up against your brow bone, and your other middle finger to pull your lower eyelid down. Look straight ahead or slightly up. Gently place the lens on the center of your eye. Release your eyelids slowly, then blink a few times to center the lens. If it feels uncomfortable, remove it, check for debris or inside-out orientation, rinse, and try again.

Remove the lens without pinching your eye

Wash and dry your hands again. Look up and use your middle finger to hold your upper eyelid open. With your index finger, gently slide the lens down to the white part of your eye (sclera). Then pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger and lift it away. Avoid pinching the lens directly over your cornea. If the lens feels stuck, apply a few drops of sterile saline or contact lens solution and blink to loosen it before trying again.

Clean and store lenses properly

After removal, clean the lens with fresh contact lens solution and place it in a clean lens case filled with fresh solution. Never reuse old solution or top off the case. Replace the solution daily, even if you don't wear the lenses. Clean your lens case with solution and let it air-dry face down. Replace the case every one to three months. If you use a contact lens cleaner, follow the product instructions for use and storage. Proper cleaning extends lens life and protects your eyes.

Avoid common mistakes that cause irritation

Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade saline to rinse or store lenses. Don't sleep in colored lenses unless your eye care professional approves. Avoid wearing lenses longer than recommended, and never share lenses with anyone. If your eyes become red, irritated, or painful, remove the lenses immediately and consult an eye doctor. Keep your nails short and smooth to avoid tearing the lens. Always insert lenses before applying makeup and remove them before taking makeup off.

Step-by-step: Insert and remove colored lenses

1. Wash and dry your hands: Use soap and water, then dry with a lint-free towel. Avoid oily or scented soaps. Checkpoint: hands are clean and dry before touching lenses.
2. Inspect and rinse the lens: Check for tears or debris. Ensure the lens is a smooth bowl, not flared. Rinse with fresh contact lens solution. Mistake to avoid: using tap water or saliva to rinse.
3. Insert the lens: Hold upper lid up, lower lid down, look up, and place lens on your eye. Blink to center. Checkpoint: lens feels comfortable and vision is clear.
4. Remove the lens: Wash hands, look up, slide lens down to the white of your eye, pinch gently and lift away. Mistake to avoid: pinching directly over the cornea.
5. Clean and store: Clean lens with fresh solution, place in clean case with fresh solution. Replace solution daily. Checkpoint: case is clean and filled with fresh solution.

Helpful accessories for lens care

• Contact lens cleaner: Compact lens cleaners for on-the-go hygiene that help keep lenses clean and clear. Handy for travel or quick cleanings, reducing the risk of irritation from dirty lenses.
• Inspire lens case brown: Inspired by lens case in brown, ideal for carrying lenses in your bag or on trips. A dedicated case keeps lenses protected and makes storage more hygienic.
• Oval lens case silver: Oval lens case in silver with an original look. A stylish case encourages proper storage and makes lens care more enjoyable.