How to Insert Toric Contact Lenses

Toric contact lenses are lenses that are designed to correct astigmatism, a condition in which the curvature of the cornea is asymmetrical. Unlike regular contact lenses, which can be inserted at any angle, toric lenses have markings to help you insert them correctly. The lenses are weighted, however, so that even if you insert them incorrectly, they will settle into the correct position on your eye after a few minutes.

Things You'll Need

• Contact lens solution

Show More

Instructions

• 1

  Wash your hands with soap and water, and make sure they are completely dry before touching the lenses.

• 2

  Open your contact lens case and remove one lens. Place it on the tip of your index finger, making sure that it is not inside out. It should be bowl-shaped; if the edges of the lenses look like they are flared outward, it is inside out.

• 3

  Orient the lens so that it is in the correct position. Adjust the contact lens on the tip of your finger so that the line is pointing toward your body. Depending on the lens, it may have a single line extending the length of the lens, a small line at the top and bottom of the lens, or a single small line at the bottom of the lens.

• 4

  Use your middle finger to gently pull your lower lid downward. Use the index finger of your other hand to lift the top of the eyelid. Tilt your head backward slightly and place the contact directly on the surface of your eye.

• 5

  Blink several times. Things may appear blurry for a few minutes while your toric lens settles into the correct position.