How to Put Colored Contacts in Safely: A Beginner's Step-by-Step Guide

Colored contacts can improve your look when you want to switch things up for a special event, cosplay, or everyday wear. You need to become skilled at putting in colored contacts properly to protect your eyes and get that perfect look you're after.

The FDA calls all contact lenses medical devices, even the non-prescription ones. You'll need a doctor's prescription to get contacts, whatever your vision needs. The lenses should soak in contact solution for at least 6 hours before you wear them, though 4 hours might work in a pinch. Daily disposables work great for costume events since you just toss them after use.

Let us walk you through the safe way to put in colored contacts. We'll cover everything from washing your hands with soap and lukewarm water to checking your lenses for damage. These instructions will help you change your eye color safely, whether you're new to colored contacts or just want to get better at putting them in.

Get Ready to Use Colored Contacts

You need to prepare the right way before putting in colored contacts to protect your eyes. Let's look at the steps that will give a safe and comfortable experience.

Wash and dry your hands properly

Clean hands are vital when handling contact lenses. A good handwashing routine will substantially lower the risk of bacteria getting on your lenses and eyes. Research shows that poor hand hygiene ranks among the top risk factors that contaminate contact lenses. The numbers tell an interesting story - 88% of contact lens wearers know bacteria can move from fingers to eyes during insertion, but 41% still skip hand washing.

Pick an antibacterial liquid soap without fragrances or oils because these substances can stick to lens surfaces. A lint-free towel should dry your hands completely so no water droplets bring harmful bacteria.

Inspect the lens for damage or debris

Clean hands mean you're ready to check each lens. Put it on your fingertip (not your nail) and look for tears, damage, or debris. The lens should also face the right way - a perfect bowl shape appears with edges that turn slightly upward. You'll feel immediate discomfort if the lens sits inside-out.

Use only FDA approved colored contacts

The FDA considers all contact lenses medical devices, including decorative ones. Beauty supply stores, street vendors, flea markets, novelty shops, and Halloween stores should never be your source for colored contacts. These unauthorized sellers might have contaminated or fake lenses that could harm your eyes.

On top of that, legitimate sellers will always need your prescription and check it with your doctor.

Soak lenses in solution before use

New lenses must soak in contact lens solution. Most brands say 4-6 hours of soaking works before first use, though some recommend at least 8 hours. This step makes sure your lenses stay hydrated and clean.

Keep in mind that only multipurpose contact lens solution works here - tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions can bring dangerous bacteria. Fresh solution should hold your lenses after each use instead of "topping off" old solution to stop bacteria from growing.

How to Put Colored Contacts in for the First Time

Your lenses are ready, so let's talk about putting in your colored contacts. The process might seem tricky at the time you first try it, but it becomes natural with practice.

Place the lens on your fingertip

Put the contact lens on your dominant hand's index fingertip. Your finger should be dry but not completely - a slightly sticky finger helps the lens stick to your eye instead of your finger.

Check if the lens is inside out

Look at the lens to make sure it's facing the right way. A properly positioned lens looks like a perfect bowl with edges that turn slightly upward. The lens is inside out if its edges flare out like a rimmed bowl or taco shell. Some lenses have laser markings or numbers that read backward if they're inside out - this gives you another way to check.

Hold your eyelids open correctly

Your non-dominant hand should hold your upper eyelid against your brow bone. The middle finger of your dominant hand (holding the lens) needs to pull down your lower eyelid. This creates enough space to insert the lens and stops you from blinking.

Look in the right direction while inserting

Keep your eyes fixed straight ahead into the mirror or slightly up toward the ceiling. Your natural blink reflex decreases if you look in a specific direction, which makes insertion easier.

Gently place the lens on your eye

Move toward your eye with steady confidence. The lens should go directly on your eye's lower part without pressure. It will stick naturally to your eye's moisture. Quick or jerky movements trigger blinking, so try to avoid them.

Blink to center the lens

Let go of your eyelids slowly and blink a few times after placement. These natural blinks help the lens move into position. Looking in different directions (up, down, and side to side) can also help center the lens perfectly.

Adjusting and Removing Your Lenses Safely

Your colored contacts might need adjusting or removal at day's end, even with perfect insertion. Learning these techniques will keep your eyes healthy and comfortable while wearing them.

How to fix discomfort or off-center lenses

A gentle eye closure and massage through your eyelid can help if your colored lens moves off-center. You can also look in the direction opposite to where the lens moved. The lens often slides back into place if you look down when it's under your upper eyelid, or right when it's moved left.

Your lens might not fit right if you feel ongoing discomfort. A good fit allows the lens to move slightly (about 0.5–1mm) with each blink and return to center smoothly. You should ask your eye doctor about a better fit if your lens moves too much or makes your vision unclear.

Steps to remove the lens without irritation

Here's how to safely remove your lenses:

1. Wash and really dry your hands

2. Stand or sit before a well-lit mirror

3. Look upward and slightly tilt your head back

4. With your non-dominant hand, pull your upper eyelid up

5. Using your dominant hand's middle finger, pull down your lower eyelid

6. Gently slide the lens to the white part of your eye

7. Pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to lift it out

What to do if the lens won't come out easily

Stay calm if your lens resists removal. Contacts often stick to dry eyes, and some preservative-free rewetting drops can help loosen them. You should never force a stuck lens since this could scratch your cornea.

Blinking several times might help recenter a stubborn lens before trying again. Remove your lenses right away and see an eye care professional if you experience ongoing discomfort, redness, or vision problems.

Aftercare and Common Mistakes to Avoid

Taking care of colored contacts after wearing them matters just as much as putting them in right. These tips will protect your eyes and make your lenses last longer.

Clean and store lenses properly

Take out your contacts and put fresh solution in your palm. Gently rub them with your index finger using circular motions. You should always use new solution—never reuse or "top off" old solution because bacteria can grow. Your lens case needs daily cleaning with solution. Let it air-dry upside down with the caps off.

Never use water or saliva on lenses

Your lenses should never touch tap water, bottled water, or saliva because they contain tiny organisms that can cause bad eye infections. Acanthamoeba poses the biggest threat and causes a painful condition called Acanthamoeba keratitis that could lead to blindness. Water also makes soft lenses swell up and stick to your eyes.

Avoid sleeping in lenses unless approved

Your risk of infection goes way up if you sleep with colored contacts. The colored pigments create another layer that stops oxygen from reaching your corneas. Even one night of sleeping in them could hurt your eyes or cause serious corneal ulcers.

Stick to the replacement schedule

Monthly lenses need replacement after 30 days, whatever your wearing habits. The material breaks down even when stored away, and protein buildup can irritate your eyes and cause infections.

Conclusion

Colored contacts can transform your look in fun ways, but safety should be your top priority. This piece covers everything in proper handwashing, correct insertion techniques and aftercare. Note that all colored contacts are medical devices that need prescriptions, whatever their vision correction purpose.

Your hygiene practices with colored lenses should never be compromised. Clean hands, proper soaking in approved solutions, and a clean case will reduce infection risks by a lot. It also helps to check lenses for damage before insertion. Never use water or saliva to clean or store your lenses.

Putting in contacts might be tricky at first. Most people don't deal very well with the process in the beginning. But with regular practice, placing and removing lenses becomes automatic. Being patient during your first attempts leads to comfortable wear later.

Your aftercare routine needs full attention. Follow replacement schedules strictly. Don't wear lenses overnight unless your doctor approves it. Remove your lenses right away if you feel any discomfort. See an eye care professional if needed.

This guide should help you enjoy colored contacts while keeping your vision safe. Your eyes deserve careful, informed handling when you try these enhancement accessories. With the right technique and responsible care, colored contacts can safely enhance your look for special events or daily wear.