Can't get contacts in ?

Question

I've had contacts for 2 days now. On the first day I was at the optometrist and they taught me how to put it in. After around 3 hours of unsuccessful attempts, I finally gave in as my eye was completely red. I took an hour break and tried again for an hour, though to no avail. I have just tried again today for an hour and still cannot get it into my eye.

My main problem is that my eyelashes are long and very sensitive. I also cannot keep my eyes open for more than 10 seconds before I have to blink. As soon as I bring the contact close, people that have watched me say that my eyes close. I don't feel it doing that but I guess it may be a reflex.

Should I just give up on contacts? My eye hurts right now from all the failed attempts.

I move the upper lid with my index/middle finger of left hand, pull down on the bottom with right middle finger, then have the contact on my right index finger. As I approach I'm fine, but I can never get it in. Even if I do get it in, I blink immediately and the contact has no time to settle. Does anyone have any tips or should I just give up and go to glasses?

Answer 1

I just got my contacts last week and had the same problem for about 2 days. This is what i did, Practice for a while (about 1 hour) just keeping your eye open  for a long period of time, have a staring contest with yourself. Practice different ways to hold your eye open some people have to use one hand to hold both the top and bottom lid open. Practice makes perfect. If you still can't get them in and you have tried every way you can think of to hold your eye open call you eye doctor and make an appointment to let them show you how to put them in again.

Good luck and don't give up and go back to glasses contacts are so great once you get used to putting them in.  

Answer 2

Make sure that your contacts are not inside out.To do that you hold it up to the light and look around the edges you should see a number. They are also shaped more like a bowl if they are the right way. Contacts also wont go in if they are to wet or to dry. They stick to the wettest surface so dry your fingers really well after getting it from the case, then proceed to put it in your eye. Dont give up.They are awesome once you get the hang of getting them in and out. If you don't already have Acuvue oasis then try those. They are easier because you don't have to take them out every day. And be very careful not to get them dirty when your putting them in, the slightest little fiber hurts terribly. If that happens just put some of your contact solution in your eye.And you might want to put some in if you continue haveing trouble to the point of a red eye, it is really soothing.

I wish you the best of luck, And sincerely hope this helped you.

Answer 3

First, let me say that I know how you feel! The first day I had my contacts I spent about an hour trying to get them in and I could never handle getting the contact to actually touch my eye, even though I thought it was. I couldn't stand the thought of something touching my eye, let alone sitting in it!

I go about it the same way you do, using the same fingers and everything. You really have to keep trying. I was so frustrated when I couldn't get mine in but remember how great contacts are compared to glasses. They don't fog up, they don't get hard to see through when it rains, you don't have to adjust them and since they are on your eye you never have to deal with looking at the rims of your glasses anymore.

My advice is just to keep trying. Once you can get the contact into your eye consistantly, try this: when you get the contact into your eye, you're going to want to blink. Go ahead and close your eye but don't open right away! When you're eye lid is closed over the contact, gently run your finger over your eyelid. This will get rid of any air that may be causing discomfort and it gives your eye a break from being so dry. My eye doctor told me that trick and I still use it today.

Good luck and enjoy the glasses-free world =)

Answer 4

I have worn contacts for years and find them easy to put in and take out. I hope you get there. My tip would be to face a mirror upright, not hanging down over it. Focus on what you are doing in the mirror NOT on the finger approaching the eye. Before you know it your lenses will be in . Also RELAX and DON'T try too hard. Please don't make your eyes sore and red and I really hope you succeed. Don't give up just yet. Good Luck. Dave x