How to put in lenses ?

For those who need to correct their eyesight, whether they are myopic, hyperopic or presbyopic, contact lenses can provide real comfort. Yes, friends with perfect eyesight, glasses are not always so nice: first because they are expensive, then because it is sometimes difficult to find a pair that we like and that fits us well, but also because we may not like to wear them, do not find ourselves beautiful with them, or because rain, fog and anti-covid masks do not mix well with glasses – and not seeing anything while correcting your eyesight, it's a bit like the ultimate. Putting in lenses However, it can be a bit frightening: try to touch your eye, you will see that naturally, by reflex, we tend to close it. That's why it's important to know how to put in your contact lenses, and what type of lenses you will be most comfortable with !

How to put in contact lenses ?

Before making your choice between daily or monthly lentils, if you are not serene at the idea of put in contact lenses, follow these steps keeping in mind that you have to be delicate and breathe calmly if you are stressed. Take the time to do these operations carefully !

• First of all, wash your hands thoroughly, then stand in front of a mirror.
• You can use artificial tears (available in pharmacies and opticians) to moisten your eye before inserting the lens.
• Position your contact lens on the tip of your index finger, where the finger is less curved so that the lens does not fall out. Make sure that your lens is in the right direction: it should form a bowl, with the rounded part on your finger and the hollow part towards the ceiling. It may be easier to put the lens on the finger of your dominant hand, the one you write with, but do what is most natural for you.
• You must now hold your eye open: with your free hand, pull your eyelid upwards, while the middle finger of the hand with the lens opens the eye from below. Try to focus on a point in front of you, and not close your eye. You can then gently apply your lens to your eye.
• Ouch, it's unpleasant: it's normal. You should try to wait a little while before closing your eye, so that the lens takes its shape. Look at them in all directions, then gently close your eyelid.
• If you feel discomfort, it may be that a small air bubble has crept in between your lens and your eye. To remove it, you must gently move the lens over your eye, with or without your eyelid open. If the discomfort persists, it is better to remove it, clean it and put it back in calmly.
• At the beginning, do not wear your lenses all day time: give yourself time. Follow your optician's advice on this subject: start by wearing them for two hours, the next day a little longer, etc. Lenses should never be worn for too long (it's best not to spend more than 12 hours in a row with them, and always take them out at night). You should also let your eyes rest, behind glasses, at least one day a week !

How to choose them ?

There are different types of contact lenses, and mainly daily lenses and monthly lenses. Both types of contact lenses have their advantages and disadvantages: it's up to you to decide which one suits you best.

• Daily lenses are put in for a day and thrown away every night. They don't require any special care, and if you damage one by putting it in wrong or dropping it, just get a new one. Practical for people in a hurry or with a head in the air, thinner than monthly lenses, they are also recommended in case of sports activities because you are less likely to lose them.
• The monthly lenses may be more suitable if you are a first-time wearer: they are less fragile than daily disposables. They are also less expensive ! On the other hand, they require more care: they must be kept in their care product every night. It is also important not to lose them.
• You should also know that there are annual lenses.
• And finally, fortnightly lenses, practical for those who have difficulty with the flexibility of daily lenses as well as with the wear and tear of monthly lenses.

How much do contact lenses cost?

Contrary to glasses, which are already poorly reimbursed, contact lenses are far from being reimbursed for everyone by the Social Security: it only reimburses them, in part, for people with a very serious vision defect. On the other hand, the mutual insurance companies, and in particular the complementary optical health insurance companies, can do good to your wallet by reimbursing all or part of your contact lens expenses.

The price of contact lenses is quite variable, because it depends on the need for correction and the type of lens (daily, monthly or even yearly, but also progressive or not). Lenses for myopes or hypermetropes will be on average less expensive, progressive lenses (for presbyopes) the most expensive. Monthly lenses are more affordable than daily lenses, but you have to add the price of the lens care liquid. It's up to you to compare the price of the lenses you need… and to make sure you don't skimp on the quality of what you put on your eyes !