Dr. Skandha Harshita
Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.
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Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
I am newly wearing non-prescription soft colored contact lenses. The applicator tool I ordered is very difficult to use to insert the contacts in. I had no luck inserting one lens into my eye. There are other applicator tools such as DMV soft lens handler and the Optiwand soft contact lens tool. There is a man on youtube who got a plunger from his eye doctor to insert and remove his contact lenses with very easily but this plunger looks to be the same design as the DMV scleral cup large contact lens handler for inserting and removing scleral contact lenses and I only use soft contact lenses. Also, I know a woman, an eye care professional, was putting her contacts in while looking down into a mirror that was flat on the table. I try to put my soft contact lenses in while standing and looking straight into the bathroom mirror. Which applicator tool and mirror should I buy that will make inserting and removing soft colored contact lenses much easier for a beginner than using my finger to handle the lens?
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
Yes, most of the applicators are for scleral contact lenses and for inserting prosthesis. But as far as soft corneal lens is concerned, there is less need for the applicator, as it can be comfortably inserted with a clean finger. If you insist on buying you can get one which has a kit of mirror and applicator, but they are not of medical grade and thorough protocol should be followed while using them, as you do for contact lens and lens case and safety cannot be guaranteed as less medical evidence is available regarding safety for such devices.
Patient's Query
Thank you doctor,
I have sent the picture of the applicator which I have. I cannot insert even one contact into my eye even I made several attempts. I thought that use of this applicator tool would make it easier than using my finger. So I will try inserting my lens with a clean finger next time. Do you think I should purchase a larger mirror to lay flat on the table and look into it while inserting my contact lens? This may also work well for removing the lenses looking downward into the mirror that is flat on the table. This may be easier for me than looking into a bathroom mirror from a further distance while inserting my contact lenses. Also, if I do decide to purchase a different applicator tool, would you recommend a website to purchase of medical grade?
Hi,
Welcome back to icliniq.com.
The following procedure may help you. Wash your hands and dry them thoroughly, after cleaning both the lenses and the applicator with the contact lens solution.Try inserting the contact lens by taking it either on a finger or on a applicator, first onto the lower white part of the eye, but not into the pink part which is the inside of the lid. You can do this by standing in front of mirror, holding the applicator in one hand and gently pulling the inferior lid of the eye downwards with the other hand and by looking upwards as more of lower white part of the eye is reachable. Then slowly and gently remove the applicator. As you remove the applicator or finger make sure that the lens gets stuck to the eye and then slowly blink your eyes two or three times. The lens will just snap into its place. Rub the applicator with contact lens solution and store it. 7. You do not need any special mirror and more importantly do not try to insert directly onto the black part of the eye i.e. cornea, as it causes discomfort. Also, while removing drag the lens first onto the white part of the eye slightly and try to pinch it on the white and take it off that is better than directly pinching it on the black part. Technique is more important and you will get it after few times. Later on you can do it without looking in the mirror also. I hope this helps.
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Ophthalmology (Eye Care)
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