Noah Sinclair
Putting in contact lenses with long nails can be challenging, but it is not impossible. The key is to prioritise hygiene and be gentle to avoid scratching your eye or damaging your lens. Here are some tips: wash your hands thoroughly with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel, avoid touching the lens with your nails, use the pad of your finger to handle the lens, pull your eyelids open with your fingers, and centre and insert the lens. With practice, you'll get the hang of it!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Hygiene | Wash hands with fragrance and lotion-free, antibacterial soap for at least 20-30 seconds |
| Wash nails and beneath nails to avoid dirt and bacteria | |
| Dry hands with a clean, lint-free towel | |
| File nails regularly to avoid sharp or jagged edges | |
| Technique | Avoid touching or handling contacts with nails directly |
| Use finger pads to handle contacts | |
| Use tools like suction cup inserters or lens tweezers | |
| Pull down the lower eyelid with middle finger | |
| Hold the upper eyelid with the index finger | |
| Place the contact lens on the side of the finger or fingertip | |
| Center and insert the lens in the middle of the eye | |
| Look straight ahead and keep eyes wide open | |
| Avoid focusing on your finger or lens | |
| Slide the lens over the lower white area of your eye | |
| Blink to adjust the lens |
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What You'll Learn
Wash your hands and nails thoroughly with soap and water
When putting in contact lenses with long nails, it's important to start by washing your hands and nails thoroughly with soap and water. This is a crucial step to prevent bacteria and germs from getting into your eyes and causing infections.
Begin by wetting your hands and nails with clean, running water. Apply a mild soap or hand wash and create a good lather. Pay special attention to the areas under your nails, as they can harbor high amounts of bacteria and germs. Use a nail brush or a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub gently under your nails and around your cuticles. Be careful not to be too aggressive, as this can create microinjuries that increase the risk of infection. Rinse your hands and nails thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue.
If you have long nails, it's essential to adapt your handwashing technique to ensure a thorough clean. Make sure to scrub all surfaces of your hands and nails, including the areas under and around your nails. Take your time and be gentle to avoid any skin breaks that could lead to infection.
By washing your hands and nails thoroughly, you significantly reduce the risk of transferring dirt, bacteria, or viruses to your contact lenses and eyes. This step is crucial for maintaining good eye health and preventing eye infections or other complications. Remember to dry your hands and nails after washing to avoid any water droplets transferring to your lenses or eyes.
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Use a soft nail brush to scrub under your nails
When it comes to putting in contact lenses, long nails can make the process a little more challenging. To ensure you don't damage your eyes or your lenses, it's important to keep your nails, including the undersides, clean and free from dirt and debris.
Using a soft nail brush is an effective way to scrub under your nails and maintain good nail hygiene. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to use a soft nail brush:
- Choose a soft-bristled nail brush: Opt for a brush with soft bristles that are gentle on the skin yet firm enough to remove grime. The hupos Handle Grip Nail Brush is an example of a brush with bristles that provide a balance between gentleness and effectiveness.
- Prepare the brush: Dip the nail brush into warm, soapy water. Ensure you use lukewarm water, as it is less drying for your hands and nails than hot water. You can also use dish soap or a job-specific hand soap designed to remove grease and dirt effectively.
- Angle the brush: Hold the brush at an angle, pointing downwards towards your hand. This positioning will allow you to access the underside of your nails more easily.
- Scrub side-to-side: Gently scrub under each fingernail with a side-to-side motion. Continue until you have cleaned under all your nails. Remember to dip the brush back into the soapy water regularly to keep it clean and add more soap if needed.
- Rinse and dry: After scrubbing, rinse your hands and nails thoroughly with clean water. Dry your hands and nails completely, and consider applying a moisturiser to keep your nails flexible and healthy.
By incorporating this soft nail brush technique into your handwashing routine, you can effectively clean under your nails, reducing the risk of transferring dirt or bacteria to your contact lenses or eyes. Remember to wash your nail brush and let it air dry to prevent the accumulation of bacteria.
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Avoid touching the contact lens with your nails
Long nails can complicate the process of putting on and taking out contact lenses. It is important to be cautious to avoid scratching your eyes or damaging your lenses. Here are some tips to avoid touching the contact lens with your nails:
When removing the lens from its case, use the pad of your finger, not your fingernail. Gently coax and slide the lens out, then pinch it with your fingertips. Avoid using your nails directly. Hold open your upper and lower eyelids with your fingertips, not your nails. Use your middle finger to pull down your lower lash line, and your pointer finger to lift your upper lash line, creating space to fit the contact lens.
When placing the lens, use the fleshy part of your fingertip, not your nail, to hold the lens. Press lightly and gently lift the lens towards your eye. Use your other hand to hold your eyelid steady, and look up as you place the lens on the white of your eye. Then, shut your eye gently and let the lens slip into place. Finally, gently pinch the lens backward with the pads of your fingers, not your nails, to ensure it's in position.
If you have long nails, it's crucial to take extra precautions and be gentle throughout the process. Filing your nails regularly and opting for a rounded shape can also help prevent accidental scratches. Additionally, always wash your hands and nails thoroughly before handling contact lenses, and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring lint or residue to the lenses.
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Use a contact lens tool, like lens tweezers or a suction cup inserter
Using a contact lens tool can be a great way to handle lenses with long nails. There are a few different types of tools available, each with its own advantages.
Lens tweezers are a popular choice, as they are designed specifically for contact lenses. They have soft tips that won't damage your lenses and can help you get them in and out of their case without touching them with your nails. When choosing lens tweezers, look for ones with tips that point towards each other, as these will provide a more precise grip.
Another option is a suction cup inserter, which is a small silicone instrument that "sucks" onto the lens, allowing you to stick it on your eye safely and gently. This can be a good choice if you don't want to get too close to your eye with your nails. Suction cup inserters are suitable for soft contact lenses and are preferred by those who want a simple insertion process.
Plunger-like tools are another type of contact lens remover. They gently grip the lens, making removal quick and efficient. This type of remover is commonly used for rigid gas-permeable lenses.
When using any of these tools, it's important to prioritize hygiene and handle your lenses with care. Wash your hands and the tools before handling your lenses, and always follow the proper techniques for insertion and removal to minimize the risk of injury.
With the right tools and techniques, you can safely and effectively handle contact lenses, even with long nails!
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Pull down your upper lash line and eyelid to place the lens
Pulling down your upper lash line and eyelid is a crucial step in placing a contact lens, especially if you have long nails. Here is a detailed guide on how to do this safely and effectively:
Pulling Down the Upper Lash Line and Eyelid:
To start, make sure your hands are clean and dry to avoid any dirt or oil transferring to your eyes. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and scrub under your nails with a brush. Once your hands are clean, follow these steps:
- Positioning Your Fingers: Using your non-dominant hand, position your middle finger to pull down your upper eyelid. Place your finger as close to the eyelash line as possible to get a better grip. This step is crucial for creating the space needed to place the lens.
- Stabilizing the Upper Eyelid: Gently pull the upper eyelid upwards to stabilize it. This step ensures that your eyelid doesn't interfere with lens placement.
- Placing the Lens: With your dominant hand, hold the contact lens on the index finger. Look straight ahead into a mirror and slowly bring the lens towards the white part of your eye (the sclera).
- Settling the Lens: Once the lens is placed on the white part of your eye, slide it across to cover your pupil. You can also look left, right, up, and down to encourage the lens to settle and remove any air bubbles.
- Releasing the Eyelid: Slowly release your upper eyelid, allowing it to settle back into place. The lens should now be comfortably positioned on your eye.
- Blink and Repeat: Blink a few times to ensure the lens is secure and comfortable. Repeat the entire process for your other eye, mirroring the same steps.
Tips for Long Nails:
If you have long nails, take extra care to avoid touching the lens or your eyes directly with your fingernails. Instead, use the pads of your fingers to handle the lens. Additionally, be mindful of your nail length when pulling down your eyelid. Avoid using your fingertips to pull down the eyelid, as this can increase the risk of scratching your eye. Instead, position your finger close to the eyelash line, using the side of your finger to gently apply pressure and pull down the eyelid.
Remember, it's important to be gentle and deliberate when pulling down your upper lash line and eyelid. Practice these steps a few times to become more comfortable with the process. With patience and care, you'll be able to safely and effectively place your contact lenses, even with long nails.
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Frequently asked questions
Wash your hands and nails thoroughly with soap, scrubbing under your nails with a brush. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Avoid scented or oily soaps that could leave a residue. Use a contact lens tool, such as lens tweezers or a suction cup inserter, to avoid touching the lens with your nails.
If you scratch your eye, stop wearing your contacts immediately and switch to glasses while your eye heals. See an eye doctor for treatment to avoid vision loss.
Hold your finger parallel to the case and use the pad of your finger to get the lens out. Place the lens on your finger pad, avoiding the tip of your finger. Use the pads of your fingers rather than your nails to handle the lens.
Long nails can complicate the process of handling contacts, so it's important to be patient and practice until you get the hang of it. Try to find a contact lens case with a wide aperture, and always wash your hands and nails thoroughly before handling your lenses.
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