Contact lenses are a practical and liberating alternative to glasses, but for most first-time wearers the idea of putting something directly on the eye feels daunting before they have done it. This guide walks you through the fitting process, how to insert and remove lenses at home, and what to expect during the first few weeks of wear.
What happens at a contact lens fitting
A contact lens fitting is a separate, dedicated appointment from a standard eye exam. It covers more than your prescription and typically takes 45 to 60 minutes.
- Eye health check and prescription review. The optometrist confirms your eyes are suitable for lens wear
- Corneal measurement. The size and shape of the front of the eye is assessed to determine the correct lens dimensions
- Trial lens selection. A trial pair is chosen based on your prescription and measurements
- Insertion with guidance: you try inserting the lenses with the optometrist present to help with technique
- Fit and vision assessment. The optometrist checks the lenses sit correctly and move naturally with each blink
- Removal practice. You practise taking the lenses out before you leave, and receive instruction on your wearing schedule and care routine
Daily or monthly: which lenses suit you
The right replacement schedule depends on how often you plan to wear lenses and how much maintenance you want to manage.
| Lens type | Best suited to | Maintenance | Cost consideration |
| Daily disposable | New wearers, occasional use, sport, travel | None. Dispose after each use | Higher per lens, lower overall if worn infrequently |
| Fortnightly | Regular wearers wanting a middle ground | Nightly cleaning and storage | Moderate |
| Monthly | Daily wearers comfortable with a care routine | Nightly cleaning and monthly replacement | Lower per lens at high frequency |
Your optometrist determines the best option at the fitting based on your prescription, lifestyle and eye health.
How to insert contact lenses
Most people need a few attempts in the first days before insertion starts to feel natural. The instinct to blink or pull away is natural and reduces quickly with practice.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and a lint-free towel
- Remove the lens from the blister pack and place it on the tip of your index finger
- Check the orientation.The lens should form a smooth bowl shape. If the edges flare outward, flip it over
- Pull your lower eyelid gently down with the middle finger of the same hand
- Use the index finger of your other hand to hold your upper eyelid open
- Look upward and place the lens gently onto the lower white part of the eye
- Release both eyelids slowly and blink a few times to centre the lens
- Check that your vision is clear before moving to the second eye
How to remove contact lenses
Removal is typically easier than insertion once you have the technique.
- Wash and dry your hands before handling lenses
- Look upward and pull your lower eyelid down with your middle finger
- Slide the lens down to the white part of the eye using your index finger
- Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger and lift it away
- Dispose of daily lenses immediately; clean and store reusable lenses in fresh solution
A contact lens cannot travel behind the eye. If a lens shifts to the side, it stays on the surface and is always within reach.
Caring for reusable lenses
Hygiene is the most important factor in keeping your eyes healthy with monthly or fortnightly lenses.
- Clean lenses with multipurpose solution after each removal. Never use tap water or saliva
- Rub the lens gently in your palm with solution before rinsing, even if the label says no-rub
- Store lenses in a fresh solution every night. Never top up old solution
- Replace your lens case every three months
- Do not sleep in lenses unless your optometrist has approved extended-wear lenses
- Remove lenses before swimming, showering or using a spa pool
- Insert lenses before applying makeup and remove lenses before removing makeup
What normal comfort looks like and when to stop
There is a difference between the awareness of a lens in the first days of wear, which is normal, and symptoms that indicate a problem.
| Normal during adjustment | Remove lenses and contact the optometrist |
| Mild awareness of the lens on insertion | Persistent pain or sharp discomfort that does not settle |
| Slightly longer time needed for insertion or removal | Significant redness that remains after removing the lens |
| Minor blurring that clears after a few blinks | Blurred vision that persists or worsens during wear |
| Light sensitivity that reduces over the first week | Sudden increase in light sensitivity, particularly in one eye |
| Eyes feeling more tired than usual at day’s end | Discharge, crusting or a sticky sensation |
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear contact lenses if I have astigmatism? Toric contact lenses are designed specifically to correct astigmatism. Your optometrist assesses suitability at the fitting and selects the appropriate lens type for your prescription.
Do I need a separate prescription for contact lenses? A spectacle prescription and a contact lens prescription are different documents. The fitting appointment generates your contact lens-specific prescription, which accounts for lens dimensions and corneal shape, not just corrective power.
What if I cannot get the lens in during the fitting? The optometrist expects this and provides guidance throughout. If more practice time is needed, a follow-up session is scheduled as a normal part of the fitting process. Most people become comfortable with the process within a few visits.
How long can I wear contact lenses each day? Most soft lenses are approved for 8 to 12 hours of daily wear. Your optometrist sets a wearing schedule at the fitting based on your lens type and how your eyes respond. Follow that schedule rather than extending wear based on comfort alone.
A contact lens fitting at Groovy Glasses covers everything in this guide, with an optometrist present to guide you through insertion and removal before you leave. Book a contact lens fitting
