Optometrist Training Videos Richmond

Everything You Need to Know About Seeing More Clearly

Are you new to the act of wearing soft or hard contact lens? Our training videos can show you everything you need to know! Just look for your specific type of lens below, and don’t hesitate to contact Richmond Eye Experts if you have any further questions or concerns.

How to Insert and Remove Soft Contact Lenses

Inserting Soft Contact Lenses

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

  • Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Rinse well and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid any particles getting on your lenses.

Step 2: Prepare Your Contact Lens

  • Open the contact lens case and gently remove one lens. Always start with the same eye (e.g., right) to avoid mix-ups.
  • Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Ensure it’s clean and free of any debris. Check that the lens is not inside out by making sure the edges curve upwards.

Step 3: Use Contact Lens Solution

  • If your lenses are not already in a solution, rinse them with a recommended contact lens solution (like saline or multi-purpose solution) to ensure they’re clean and hydrated.

Step 4: Hold Your Eye Open

  • With your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid open. Use your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.

Step 5: Insert the Lens

  • Gently place the lens on the center of your eye. Look straight ahead as you do this.
  • Once the lens is in place, slowly release your eyelids.

Step 6: Blink and Adjust

  • Blink a few times to help the lens settle into place. If you feel any discomfort, remove the lens, rinse it with solution, and try again.

Removing Soft Contact Lenses

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

  • Again, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinsing well and drying with a lint-free towel.

Step 2: Prepare Your Lens Case

  • Have your clean contact lens case ready with fresh contact lens solution inside.

Step 3: Look Up and Pinch the Lens

  • Using your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid open. With your dominant hand, look slightly upward and gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger.

Step 4: Remove the Lens

  • Carefully squeeze the lens to remove it from your eye. Avoid pinching too hard to prevent damage to the lens or your eye.

Step 5: Clean and Store

  • Place the removed lens into the palm of your hand and rinse it with the recommended contact lens solution.
  • Store the lens in the case filled with fresh solution, ensuring it’s completely submerged.

Step 6: Repeat for the Other Eye

  • Follow the same steps to remove your other lens.

Recommended Solutions

By following these steps, you can ensure safe and comfortable use of your soft contact lenses! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us

How to Insert and Remove Hard Contact Lenses (RGP’s/ Ortho K)

Inserting Hard Contact Lenses

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

  • Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Rinse well and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid any particles getting on your lenses.

Step 2: Prepare Your Contact Lens

  • Open the contact lens case and gently remove one lens. Always start with the same eye (e.g., right) to prevent mix-ups.
  • Place the lens on the tip of your index finger. Check that the lens is clean and free of any debris.

Step 3: Use Contact Lens Solution

  • If the lens is dry, rinse it with a recommended contact lens solution (like saline) to ensure it’s clean and hydrated.

Step 4: Hold Your Eye Open

  • With your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid open. Use your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid.

Step 5: Insert the Lens

  • Gently place the lens on the center of your eye. Look straight ahead as you do this.
  • Slowly release your eyelids, allowing the lens to settle in place.

Step 6: Blink and Adjust

  • Blink a few times to help the lens position correctly. If you feel any discomfort, remove the lens, rinse it, and try again.

Removing Hard Contact Lenses with a Plunger

 

Step 1: Wash Your Hands

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, rinsing well and drying with a lint-free towel.

Step 2: Prepare Your Lens Case

  • Have your clean contact lens case ready with fresh contact lens solution inside.

Step 3: Look Up and Position the Plunger

  • Using your non-dominant hand, hold your upper eyelid open. With your dominant hand holding the plunger, look at yourself in the mirror.
  • Take the plunger and moisten the suction cup tip with a little contact lens solution to ensure it adheres well.

Step 4: Place the Plunger on the Lens

  • Carefully place the moistened tip of the plunger on the center of the lens, pressing lightly for 5 seconds until you feel it grip the lens. Do not blink!

Step 5: Remove the Lens

  • Gently pull the plunger straight out to remove the lens from your eye. Avoid twisting or turning to prevent damage. Gently rotate the lens off the plunger.

Step 6: Clean and Store

  • Rinse the removed lens with the recommended contact lens solution and place it in the palm of your hand.
  • Store the lens in the case filled with fresh solution, ensuring it’s completely submerged.

Step 7: Repeat for the Other Eye

  • Follow the same steps to remove your other lens.

Recommended Solutions

By following these steps, you can ensure safe and comfortable use of your hard contact lenses! If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to us.

RISKS

Risk Level High: Dry eye. Patients may experience mild to moderate dry eye during the first few days of CL wear. Please use Refresh Preservative as needed until your eyes have adjusted to these lenses.

Risk Level Low: Corneal abrasions from improper insertion. Please follow instructions as shown during insertion and removal training. Avoid trapping bubbles while inserting these lenses to avoid lens shifting.

Risk Level Low: Conjunctivitis. Please follow appropriate hand washing and lens cleaning techniques to avoid infections.

If your eyes become extremely red, painful, or if you experience discharge, remove your contact lenses and call 832-685-2020 for further instructions.

How to Use Hybrid Contact Lenses:

 

Hybrid Contact Lens Insertion and Removal

Before You Start

  • Relax! Putting in and taking out contacts may feel strange at first, but once you practice a few times, it will be like second nature.
  • Wash your hands with a soap that is free of oils or lotions and dry your hands with a lint-free towel.
  • Check to ensure lens is clean and damage-free.
  • Be sure to handle your contacts in the same order each day to avoid mixing up the right and left lenses.
  • Avoid using oil-based cosmetics, hand soaps, or lotions. Oil-based products can permanently damage the surface of your contact lenses.

Insertion

Always wash your hands with mild soap and dry them well with a lint-free towel before handling the lenses. It's a good idea to handle your lenses in the same order each time to avoid getting them mixed up.

Putting in Duette lenses is like putting in a soft contact lens. Place the lens on the tip of your finger. A drop of preservative-free lubricant can be added to the bowl, if desired.

Pull down on your lower lid and gently place the lens on your eye. Slowly release your eyelid and blink several times.

Removal

"Tissue Trainer" Method

First, practice removing your lenses with a tissue. The tissue should make removing these moist lenses easy and can always be used as a "back-up" removal method if needed.

Place the tissue over your forefinger and thumb.

Use a strong narrow pinch with the fingertips at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions on the lens, and apply slight pressure.

Wait for a "1, 2" count and then roll fingertips together and back toward the palm of the hand.

DRY Finger "Pinch" Method

Once you are comfortable and confident using a tissue to remove your lenses, you can practice removing the lenses without the tissue, using a strong narrow pinch with very dry fingers (in the place of the dry tissue). Using one hand, pull your upper lid back.

Using your finger on the opposite hand, pull down your lower lid gently.

Place very dry fingertips at the 5 and 7 o'clock positions on the lens and apply slight pressure.

Wait for a "1, 2" count and then roll fingertips together and back toward the palm of the hand.

Fingers need to be dried with a towel between each removal attempt. Rubbing fingers together until heat is felt from the friction will also ensure your fingers are completely dry.

Additional Tips

As a general rule, contact lenses are the wettest when they are first inserted in the eye; therefore, this is when they may be the most challenging to remove. Lenses that have been "on eye" for five minutes or more generally have fewer tears covering the lens surface and are easier to remove.

Some lenses have Tangible® Hydra-PEG coating. This coating is designed to create a more lubricious and wettable lens surface to contribute to increased comfort. The more "slippery" lens surface may also initially make Tangible Hydra-PEG-coated lenses more challenging to remove but with a little practice, you should quickly adjust to your new lenses.

Practice Makes Perfect

Once you receive your lenses in your eye care professional's office, you may want to practice the "removal technique" with the lens on your knuckle to get familiar with the lens and where to "pinch" for simple removal. With a little practice, you'll quickly get the hang of the lens removal and be on your way to experiencing the clarity and comfort of hybrid lenses!

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