How to Insert and Remove Contact Lenses
Step-by-step technique for putting lenses in and taking them out safely, including troubleshooting common first-time difficulties.
Beginner's Guide to Contact Lenses
Everything you need to know about lens types, fitting, and wear before getting your first pair.
Trying contact lenses for the first time is a big step, and it's completely normal to have questions. Whether you've just been prescribed contacts or you're simply curious about making the switch from glasses, this guide covers everything you need to know before your first pair. Contact lenses are a safe, clinically proven option for correcting short-sightedness, long-sightedness, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Getting started comes down to three things: your prescription, your wearing habits, and the health of your eyes.
Types of Contact Lenses
Most contact lenses worn in Australia are soft lenses, replaced on a daily, fortnightly, or monthly schedule. For first-time wearers, daily disposables are the strongly recommended starting point, as there is no cleaning required and the lowest risk of complications.1
Daily disposables
Worn once and discarded at the end of the day. No cleaning routine, just a fresh lens every morning. The simplest and safest option for new wearers.
Recommended for new wearersFortnightly lenses
Replaced every two weeks. Require nightly removal and cleaning with a multipurpose or hydrogen peroxide solution. A natural next step once you've built confidence with dailies.
IntermediateMonthly lenses
Replaced every 30 days from the date of opening. Require a consistent cleaning routine and are most cost-effective for wearers who use lenses every day.
Cost-effectiveBeyond replacement schedule, lenses also come in specialist designs for specific vision needs:
Toric lenses
Specifically designed to correct astigmatism. Available in daily, fortnightly, and monthly schedules from all major brands.
Multifocal lenses
Designed to correct presbyopia, which is the gradual loss of near vision that typically begins in your 40s. Provide clear vision at near and far distances.
Coloured lenses
Available with or without vision correction. Must still be fitted and prescribed by an optometrist, regardless of whether they carry a prescription.
Important
Contact lenses should only be ordered online if they have been prescribed by your optometrist and you have worn them before. If you are considering a new lens brand or type, consult your optometrist first and request a trial pair before purchasing.
Do You Need a Prescription?
Yes, and it's not the same as your glasses prescription. A contact lens prescription includes two additional measurements that determine how the lens sits on the surface of your eye: base curve (BC) and diameter (DIA). Get these wrong and the lens won't fit correctly, no matter how accurate the vision correction is.
Base Curve (BC)
Determines the curvature of the back surface of the lens, matched to the shape of your cornea. A lens with the wrong base curve will sit incorrectly and feel uncomfortable.
Diameter (DIA)
The width of the lens across its surface, ensuring it correctly covers the cornea. Lenses of the wrong diameter can move excessively or restrict oxygen flow.
A contact lens prescription is issued by a registered optometrist following a fitting appointment. In Australia, it's recommended to have this reviewed annually to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your prescription stays accurate.2
What Happens at a Fitting?
A fitting is a straightforward appointment, usually 30 to 45 minutes. Your optometrist will walk you through everything before you leave with your first pair.
Step 01
Measure corneal curvature
Determines the correct base curve for your prescription.
Step 02
Assess your tear film
Checks for any dry eye concerns that may affect lens comfort or suitability.
Step 03
Discuss your wearing habits
How often you plan to wear lenses and for what activities determines which schedule suits you best.
Step 04
Trial lens fitting
A trial lens is placed on your eye to check fit, comfort, and vision clarity.
Step 05
Learn to insert and remove
Your optometrist will show you the correct technique before you leave. They won't send you home until you can do it safely on your own.
A follow-up appointment is usually scheduled one to two weeks later to confirm everything is fitting well.
How to Insert and Remove Your Lenses
Good technique makes a significant difference to comfort and eye health. The key steps for insertion:
Step 01
Wash and dry your hands
Use a mild, unfragranced soap and dry completely with a lint-free towel. Never let tap water remain on your hands.
Step 02
Check the lens orientation
The lens should form a smooth bowl shape on your fingertip. If the edges flare outward, it's inside out. Flip it before inserting.
Step 03
Hold your eyelids open
Pull your upper eyelid up and lower eyelid down, pinning your lashes out of the way.
Step 04
Place the lens and blink slowly
Look straight ahead and gently bring the lens to your eye. Blink slowly to centre it. No pressing is required.
For removal, look upward, pull down your lower eyelid, slide the lens onto the white of your eye, then gently pinch it away. If the lens feels dry or stuck, apply rewetting drops first — never force it off. See the full step-by-step guide for detailed instructions and troubleshooting.
Your First Week
It's normal for lenses to feel noticeable at first. Most wearers stop being aware of them within a few days as the eyes adjust. Some mild dryness or slight blurring early on is also expected. This usually settles as your tear film adapts to the lens.
Normal in the first week
- Lenses feeling noticeable
- Mild dryness or slight blurring
- Longer insertion times than expected
Stop wearing and see your optometrist
- Lens feels sharp or gritty
- Causes pain or redness
- Unusual discharge or sensitivity to light
Caring for Your Lenses
Daily disposable wearers have nothing to clean. Just discard the lens at the end of the day and open a fresh one the next morning. For fortnightly and monthly wearers, a consistent nightly routine is essential:
Rub and rinse nightly
Use multipurpose solution and rub the lens between your fingers, as even "no-rub" solutions perform better with rubbing to remove protein deposits.
Every nightStore in fresh solution
Always fill the case with fresh solution. Never top up old solution with new, as this dilutes the disinfecting properties.
StorageReplace your lens case
Rinse the case with fresh solution, leave it open to air-dry upside down daily, and replace the case entirely every one to three months.
Every 1–3 monthsImportant caution
Never use tap water on your contact lenses, lens case, or hands when handling lenses. Tap water can carry Acanthamoeba, a microorganism that causes a serious, vision-threatening corneal infection.2
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I wear contact lenses each day?
Most soft lenses are suitable for 8 to 16 hours of daily wear, though this varies by lens type and individual tolerance. New wearers are typically advised to build up wearing time gradually over the first two weeks. Always remove lenses if your eyes feel red, dry, or uncomfortable.
Should I start with daily disposables or monthly lenses?
Daily disposables are recommended for new wearers. They require no cleaning routine, carry the lowest risk of complications, and make the adjustment process simpler. Monthly lenses are a practical option for committed daily wearers once you're comfortable with lens care.
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism?
Yes. Toric lenses are specifically designed to correct astigmatism and are available in daily, fortnightly, and monthly schedules from all major brands. Your optometrist will confirm which toric lens is most suitable based on your prescription.
Can I sleep in my contact lenses if I forget to remove them?
Most soft lenses are approved for daily wear only. Sleeping in them significantly increases the risk of infection. If you accidentally fall asleep wearing lenses, remove them carefully in the morning using rewetting drops if needed, and leave them out for the rest of the day.
If I drop a daily disposable lens, can I still use it?
No. If you drop a daily disposable lens on any surface, discard it immediately and take a fresh lens from the box.1 Soft lens material is porous and picks up bacteria and microorganisms on contact. Never rinse a dropped lens with tap water. Tap water can carry Acanthamoeba, which causes a serious and potentially sight-threatening corneal infection.2
Contact lens suitability, replacement schedules, and wear times must always be confirmed by your optometrist based on your individual prescription and eye health.
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Browse our full range of daily, fortnightly, and monthly contact lenses from Acuvue, Alcon, CooperVision, and Bausch + Lomb, with fast Australia-wide delivery.
References
- Contact Lens Spectrum — Top 10 Benefits of Daily Disposability. clspectrum.com
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) — About Contact Lenses. cdc.gov
- Optometry Australia — Contact Lens Resource Guide. optometry.org.au