Right And Left Contact Lens Stickers? All Answers

How to put on contact lenses is a question every first-time wearer or potential wearer asks. If you’ve never done this before, the application process might sound a bit strange at first. After all, our reflexes try to help us keep objects out of our eyes, right?

Relax. Putting on contact lenses is an incredibly simple process and we’re here to guide you through every step. It will take some practice but you will soon be able to do it with ease.

How to insert contact lenses in five easy steps

First, try not to make it look like you’re putting contact lenses in your eyes – you’re not. They put contact lenses on your eyes where they sit comfortably and help you see clearly. Now let’s get to the actual process. This is probably the easiest way to insert contact lenses.

1. Wash your hands

You want to make sure you don’t accidentally get dust, germs, or makeup on your contact lenses as it could irritate your eyes. Also, use plain soap without heavy moisturizers or perfumes. Rinse well and dry hands. Again, this is to prevent anything unwanted from being transferred to your eyes. Now let’s apply the contact lenses.

2. Start with the same eye each time

Your contact lenses are specially designed to fit each eye, left or right. As with your shoes, you cannot mix and match the two interchangeably. Since your contact lenses will look identical straight away, start with your right eye if you’re right-handed or your left eye if you’re left-handed and do this each time you put on your contact lenses so that you remember which is which, what’s on your mind right now.

This is the easy way to put contact lenses in for the first time, which is what we want.

3. Gently scoop out the lens

Place the lens on your index finger. Look at it. Is it curved up like a bowl? If yes, great! you are almost there Just clean it with contact lens solution and you’re ready to put the lenses in and get on with your day.

4. Hold your eyelid and put on your contact lens

Just use your free hand to hold up your eyelid and put the lens on. Many look away when the contact lens is put on the eye. You can do this, or you can also look directly at the lens. Either way is fine.

5. Blink and smile – done!

That’s correct. Blink naturally and maybe take a look in the mirror. If everything feels and looks good, you’re done. Hey, we said this would be easy!

Common myths about how to put in contact lenses

Let’s take a moment to dispel some common contact lens myths about putting on and wearing contact lenses:

What if my contact lens slips on the back of my eye?

Put simply, it won’t. It is impossible. The conjunctival membrane that covers the white part of your eyes prevents this.

What if my contact lenses get stuck to my eyes and won’t come out?

Don’t worry. Your contact lenses won’t stick like little suction cups. They are designed to stay in and also slide out easily when you need to remove them. Likewise…

Won’t my contact lenses keep popping out of my eyes?

no This is a myth possibly carried by older movies or TV shows where a character might lose a hard contact lens. In reality, it is very unlikely that this will ever happen with today’s soft contact lenses.

We hope these contact lens insertion tips help you with your lenses and dispel some myths about them. As with almost any new activity, putting in contact lenses becomes easier the more often you do it. Soon you’ll be able to do it without a second thought.

If you need practical help, please contact your optician. He or she will be happy to guide you personally through the process.

Nothing in this article should be construed as medical advice, nor is it intended to supersede the advice of a physician. If you have specific questions, please contact your ophthalmologist.

Inserting a contact lens the wrong way round not only renders the lens ineffective in correcting vision. It can be an uncomfortable experience and can damage your eye if worn for a long period of time.

It can be difficult to tell when your contact lenses are upside down unless you know what to look for. This article looks at several methods you can use to ensure your lenses are seated correctly every time.

Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel before handling contact lenses.

side glance

Find a well-lit area and place your contact lens on your fingertip, edges facing up. Bring your finger to eye level. Look at your lens. If the sides are rolled or folded up along the edge, then they are inside out.

The “Taco” Test

Hold a lens near its center between the tips of your index finger and thumb. Gently pinch the lens as if trying to fold it in half. Look at the edge of the lens as you squeeze. If it’s pointing up, or if the edges seem to meet, then the lens is the right way up. If it curves outward toward your fingers and thumb, the lens is inside out.

Check laser markings

Some of the best contact lenses have small laser marks that can help you verify that the lens is inside out. This is usually a sequence of numbers and/or letters.

Place your lens on your fingertip. Hold the lens up to a bright light. If the sequence of numbers/letters is read correctly, the lens is correctly aligned. If the number/letter order is reversed, the lens is inside out.

Miru 1Day Upside

We are now selling a new product called Miru 1Day Upside that eliminates any confusion as to which side of your contact lenses is correct. Miru 1Day Upside, manufactured by Menicon, is the first silicone hydrogel daily contact lens with smart-touch packaging that ensures your lenses are always the right way up, makes inserting your contact lenses hassle-free and also reduces contamination in your eyes, making your eyes healthier. Miru 1Day Upside also uses MeniSilk Air and NanonGloss Pro technology to ensure the best experience for its wearers.

If you have problems with your contact lenses, we recommend that you make an appointment with your optician. If you are an existing Lenstore UK customer you are entitled to a free appointment with Vision Express (click here to request an appointment).

Sharing on Pinterest It’s estimated that 45 million people in the United States wear contact lenses. These small contact lenses can make a big difference in the quality of life for wearers, but it’s important to handle them safely. Improper care can cause all sorts of problems, including serious infections. Whether you’ve worn contact lenses for years or are new to them, here are the safest ways to insert, remove, and care for your lenses.

How to put contact lenses in step-by-step instructions First wash your hands thoroughly and dry them well. Open your contact lens case and place the first contact lens in your non-dominant hand with your fingertip. Rinse the lens with contact lens solution. Never use plain water. Place the lens on the index or middle finger of your dominant hand. Make sure the lens is not damaged and is right side up. The edges of the lens should curl up into a cup, not fold out. When inside out, gently turn it inside out. If the lens is damaged, do not use it. Look in the mirror and keep your upper and lower eyelids open with your hand not holding the lens. Look ahead or at the ceiling and place the lens in your eye. Slowly close your eye and either roll the eye around or gently press the eyelid to fix the lens. The lens should feel comfortable and you should be able to see clearly after blinking a few times. If not comfortable, gently remove the lens, rinse and try again. Repeat with the second lens.

Is there a difference between inserting a hard or soft contact lens? The most common type of hard lens is called a rigid gas permeable lens. These hard lenses allow oxygen to reach your cornea. They are also more durable than soft lenses, so they last longer. However, soft contact lenses are a more popular choice than hard lenses. On the other hand, hard contact lenses are more likely to cause infections. They can also be less comfortable than soft contact lenses. Despite their differences, you can set hard and soft contacts the same way by following the steps outlined above.

What to do if a lens is uncomfortable If you’ve just started wearing contact lenses, you should know that they can feel a bit uncomfortable for the first few days. This is more common with hard lenses. If your eye feels dry after putting your lens in, try lubricating drops made specifically for contact lenses. If a lens feels scratchy, hurts, or irritates your eye after insertion, follow these steps: First, don’t rub your eyes. This can damage your contact lens or increase the discomfort. Wash and dry your hands well. Then remove the lens and rinse thoroughly with contact lens solution. This can remove any dirt or debris that may have stuck to the lens and become uncomfortable. Examine the lens carefully to make sure it is not torn or damaged. If this is the case, discard the lens and use a new one. If you don’t have a replacement, contact your eye doctor immediately. If the lens is not damaged, carefully reinsert it into your eye after it has been thoroughly rinsed and cleaned. If your lens is often uncomfortable and the above steps don’t work, or you also experience redness or burning, stop wearing your lenses and call your doctor.

How to remove contact lenses step-by-step instructions Wash your hands thoroughly and dry them well. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid on one eye. While looking up, use the index finger of the same hand to gently pull the lens down towards the white part of your eye. Pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger and remove it from your eye. After removing the lens, place it in the palm of your hand and wet it with contact solution. Rub gently for about 30 seconds to remove mucus, dirt and oil. Rinse the lens, then place it in a contact lens case and completely cover it with contact solution. Repeat with the other eye.

How to Safely Care for Your Contact Lenses To keep your eyes healthy, it is important to follow the correct care instructions for your contact lenses. Failure to do so can result in numerous eye diseases, including serious infections. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1 in 500 contact lens wearers are affected by serious eye infections each year that can lead to blindness. The easiest way to reduce the risk of eye infections and other complications is to take proper care of your contact lenses. Some important care tips include the following advice: Make sure you wash and dry your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing your contact lenses. DO NOT wear your contact lenses for more than the prescribed time. Be sure to leave contact lenses in disinfectant solution overnight. DO NOT store lenses in saline overnight. Saline is great for rinsing, but not for storing contact lenses. Discard the solution in your contact lens case after putting your contact lenses in your eyes. DO NOT reuse the sanitizing solution in your contact lens case.

Flush your case with saline solution after inserting your lenses. DO NOT use water to clean or store your lenses. Replace your lens case every 3 months. DO NOT sleep in your contact lenses. Keep your nails short to avoid scratching your eye. If you have long nails, be careful to only touch your contact lenses with your fingertips. DO NOT go underwater with your lenses, including swimming or showering. Water can contain pathogens that can cause eye infections.

What are the symptoms of an eye infection? It’s important to know the symptoms that could indicate an eye infection. The most common symptoms include: redness and swelling of the eye

eye pain

sensitivity to light

eye tears

discharge from your eyes

blurred vision

irritation or feeling like something is in your eye. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

Regular eye exams are an important part of keeping your eyes looking healthy and sharp. During an eye exam, your optometrist will perform a series of tests to evaluate your vision and check for signs of eye disease. If your eyesight needs correction, you will be given a prescription for glasses that can be difficult to decipher. Here’s everything you need to understand the variety of abbreviations and numbers that go into your eye prescription.

Right eye and left eye

Optometrists use the abbreviations “OD” and “OS” to refer to your right and left eyes.

OD is your right eye. It’s short for Oculus Dexter, which is Latin for “right eye.”

OS is your left eye. It is short for oculus sinister, Latin for “left eye”.

OU are both eyes. Your eyesight may also have a column labeled “OU,” which is short for oculus uterque, Latin for “both eyes.”

Note that some doctors and clinics have chosen to modernize their eye prescriptions by using RE (right eye) and LE (left eye) instead of OD and OS. The information for your right eye (OD or RE) always comes before the information for your left eye (OS or LE). This is because your eye doctor, when facing you, sees your right eye first on the left and your left eye second on the right.

Sphere (SPH)

Often abbreviated as SPH, the spherical column indicates the power of the lens prescribed to correct nearsightedness or farsightedness.

A minus sign (-) next to the number means myopia (you see better up close and need distance correction).

A plus sign (+) means farsightedness (you see better at distance and need near correction).

Lens power is measured in diopters (D). The further you get from zero on the minus or plus side, the stronger your prescription.

Cylinder (CYL)

The cylinder number indicates how much astigmatism you have, if any. Astigmatism is when the front part of your eye is shaped more like a rugby ball than a regular sphere.

The number in the cylinder column can have a minus sign (for correction of myopic astigmatism) or a plus sign (for long-sighted astigmatism). If this column is blank, you either have no astigmatism or the degree of astigmatism is so small that it does not need to be corrected.

axis

If an eyeglass prescription includes cylinder power, it must also include an axis value, as this tells you where the astigmatism is on the cornea. The axis is defined with a number from 1 to 180. Imagine a protractor held directly in front of your eye – this is how the eye’s meridians are determined.

The number 90 corresponds to the vertical meridian of the eye.

The number 180 corresponds to the horizontal meridian of the eye.

Add to

Add is the magnifying power applied to the lower part of multifocal lenses to correct presbyopia – the natural farsightedness that occurs with age. Simply put, that extra magnification makes reading easier for you. The number that appears in this column of the recipe is always a plus power, even if you don’t see a plus sign in front of the number. In general, it is between +0.75 and +3.00 dpt and is equally strong for both eyes.

prism

Prism is used when you see double, which means you see two images of an object. Since this is not very common, this field is often left blank. When filled in, the prism is usually written in fractions (e.g.: 1 ½). Four abbreviations are used for prism direction:

Caption: base up

BD: base down

BI: base inside (towards your nose)

BO: base out (towards your ear)

These abbreviations tell the eyewear manufacturer exactly where to position the prism on glasses that correct double vision.

Specific details on your prescription

You may find additional information on your glasses prescription, such as: B. the recommendation of certain types of lens coatings or special comments from your optician. If you take the prescription with you when you buy new glasses, it will be easier for opticians to help you find your perfect pair of glasses.

The final result

The abbreviations and numbers on your eyeglass prescription tell the eyeglass manufacturer what type of lenses you need and how strong they need to be. This prescription also tells you the degree of myopia, hyperopia, or astigmatism in each of your eyes.

Because your vision can change over time, it’s important to see an optometrist annually, or at least every few years, to protect your eye health. For your convenience, you can find us in eight different locations in and around Chicago. We also offer the widest range of quality and handcrafted eyewear and are happy to help you choose a pair of eyewear that truly suits your needs. Book your appointment now!

How can I tell if my contacts are upside down?

It can be difficult to tell if your soft contact lenses are inside out as they are extremely thin and very flexible. Even experienced contact lens wearers have problems with it.

Here’s how to tell if your contact is upside down:

Method 1: The side view

Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger with the edge of the lens facing up. Then hold your finger directly in front of your eyes so you can look at the lens from the side.

When your contact lens forms a perfect cup shape with a perfectly upright rim, the lens is properly aligned and ready to be placed on your eye. If the rim has a noticeable outward curve (like a rimmed soup bowl), the contact is inside-out.

Method 2: The “Taco Test”

Place the contact lens between the tips of your thumb and forefinger and grasp it near the center so that the entire edge is exposed. Gently squeeze the lens as if to fold it in half.

If the rim of the lens is facing up (similar to a hard-shell taco), the lens is properly aligned. If the edge curves outward (toward your thumb and fingers), the lens is inside out.

Method 3: Check the edge tint

If you wear contact lenses that have a tint that extends to the edge of the lens, place the lens on your fingertip (as in method 1 above) and look down at its edge.

If the handling tint color at the edge of the lens looks very blue (or green, depending on the tint), the lens is properly aligned. If the color looks faded or washed out, the lens is probably inside out.

Method 4: Look for laser marks

Some contact lenses have a laser mark to help you determine if your contact lenses are upside down. For example, one brand has a “123” laser marked near the edge of the lens.

To see the laser marks, place the lens on your fingertip (as in Method 1 above) and then hold the lens up to a bright light.

Look at the outer surface of the lens from the side:

If the “123” displays normally, the lens is properly aligned and ready to be placed on your eye.

If the “123” is backwards, the contact is inside-out.

If you don’t see the laser mark at first, rotate the lens on your fingertip to make sure you’re checking the entire surface.

The more you wear contact lenses, the easier it becomes to tell if your contact lenses are upside down.

And don’t worry – you won’t harm your eye or your contact lens if you put them on backwards.

In most cases, you can tell almost immediately if a contact lens is upside down. Usually the lens feels uncomfortable and moves too much when you blink. It can also move away from the center of your eye or pop out.

If this happens, simply remove the lens, rinse with multipurpose contact lens solution, and then use one of the methods above to ensure the lens is properly aligned before putting it back on your eye.

Medically reviewed by Alastair Lockwood on January 21, 2021

You will almost always find that your contact lens is in the right position when you remove it from the blister pack. On very rare occasions, however, it can end up being turned the wrong way around or popping outwards if you’re struggling with this when inserting into your eye.

The important thing is that you don’t have to worry. Inserting your lens incorrectly will not injure or damage your eye. Simply remove, rinse with solution and reinsert the lens.

Here are some things to look out for if you’re having trouble determining if your lens is seated properly:

Ways to check if your contact lens is inside out

A soft contact lens is very thin and flexible, so it can often be difficult to tell if they are the right way round. Here are some things to look out for if you’re having trouble determining if your lens is seated properly:

The shape of the lens/side view

The first thing to check is the shape of the lens. Place the lens on your fingertip and notice how it curves. The lens should sit in a smooth, rounded curve that looks like a bowl. When it’s upside down, it has a shape almost resembling a saucepan.

Holding your finger directly in front of your eyes will help you see this better as you can look more closely at the lens from the side.

When the numbers are reversed

Some contact lens manufacturers put laser markings on their lenses. This can be a small number marked “123” or maybe letters. If the numbers on the lens are reversed, then the contact lens is inside out.

You’ll find that this feature is a little more common in colored contact lenses. It can be helpful to see these laser marks by placing the lens on your fingertip and holding the lens up to a bright light.

how it feels in your eye

A contact lens that is inserted the wrong way around is generally more uncomfortable and can easily feel like it’s slightly scratching the eye. It doesn’t sit comfortably on the curve of your eye and moves slightly off center. It can even pop out.

What your vision looks like

The most obvious sign that your contact lens is wrong will be your vision. If you have inserted your lens and your vision is still blurry, remove your contact lens, reinsert the lens the other way around, and then rinse in solution before reinserting.

The Taco Test

The taco test is another method to determine if your contact lens is upside down. Simply place the lens between your thumb and forefinger. Hold it near the center and gently squeeze the lens as if you’re going to fold it in half like a taco. Make sure that the edge of the lens is free.

If the rim of the lens is pointing up like a taco, this indicates the lens is seated the right way up.

The longer you wear contact lenses, the more familiar you become with whether or not they are properly aligned. However, if you accidentally put your contact lens on the wrong way round, simply remove it and rinse with multipurpose contact lens solution before putting it back on.

Quick links:

4 rules to avoid eye damage from contact lenses

Posted in Bellingham, Contact Lenses, Eye Blog, Medical, Mount Vernon, Optical, Sedro-Woolley, Stanwood, Whidbey

Today’s blog is about problems that arise from the improper use of contact lenses. If you wear contact lenses, are interested in trying them out, or are a parent of a contact lens wearing child, this is the post for you. I’ll clearly explain why proper contact lens care is so important, and then give you some specific rules you need to follow to keep your eyes protected and healthy. Contact lens safety is another important issue that falls under the category of things that should be asked frequently but generally aren’t.

Confessions of a bad contact lens wearer

I started wearing contact lenses when I was 12. I know the nice folks here at Cascadia Eye have spoken to me several times about the dangers of my bad contact lens habits (I slept with them all the time), but I never really seemed to understand how important good contact lens habits were to my eye health. Looking back, I’m amazed I didn’t do any permanent damage to my own cornea—but I know I came close. I eventually had to give up contact lenses altogether (I had LASIK at 21 and now wear glasses to drive).

The problems associated with misusing contact lenses

Sleeping with contact lenses and improper care of them is actually referred to as “contact lens misuse” by ophthalmologists and technicians. And it turns out that eye doctors can usually tell if you’re an abuser no matter what you say during your eye exam because your cornea (the outermost surface of your eye) actually looks damaged.

Just think about it for a minute. I know that should have been my first hint that maybe my doctor wasn’t exaggerating when she said sleeping in my contacts was bad for me.

This is how it works:

Your cornea is one of the few places in your body that doesn’t get its much-needed oxygen from the blood vessels. It gets it out of the air instead. When you wear soft contact lenses, a limited amount of oxygen gets into your eye, which is fine until you close those eyes for a long time. During sleep, no oxygen penetrates between these two layers (eyelid and lens) at all. Doctors can determine if your cornea is lacking oxygen by looking at it under magnification — swelling and small bumps called “endothelial microcysts” are just some of the symptoms they may find.

If these problems go on for too long, your eye is at increased risk of eye infections and corneal ulcers (open sores on the cornea). Doctors tell me that when they get a call from the emergency room for a patient with a serious eye infection or possible corneal ulcer, the first question they ask is whether the patient slept with their contact lenses on. Nine times out of ten the answer is, “Why yes, how did you know?”

Aside from being quite painful, these conditions can even become so serious that they lead to permanent blindness. Not cleaning your contact lenses, or using the wrong solution (or tap water) to clean them, can also lead to infections and ulcers. I will address all of these things in the following rules.

Contact lenses that don’t fit properly also bring their own problems of discomfort and damage. Your eye has a unique curvature. One contact lens doesn’t fit all eyes, which is why you always need a full fitting with a professional to find a brand and style that most comfortably fits your eye shape. Because of this:

Rule 1: Always involve a professional.

Even if you don’t need prescription contact lenses, you may want them for cosmetic purposes. It could be crazy cat eyes for Halloween, or maybe you just want to change your eye color for a day. You could easily order contact lenses online for something like this…but you shouldn’t.

Instead, give yourself an extra month before your costumed event and have an eye doctor properly fit you (which usually involves multiple visits). I know Cascadia Eye does fittings for Wild Eyes and other cosmetic brands — my sister, a cosplayer at anime, comic book, and pop culture conventions, has made arrangements in the past to have the clinic check their specialty lenses to make sure they aren’t damaging their eyes damage.

As an added bonus, a friendly technician or doctor is always on hand to explain proper contact lens care and use, such as:

Rule 2: Don’t sleep in your contact lenses (unless they’re designed for that).

I may have mentioned that before. Now, many people can’t stand the feeling of contact lenses that have essentially dried on their eyes overnight. That is a good thing. But let someone who does know: if you don’t mind the sticky or irritated feeling that comes from sleeping in contacts, taking them out at night seems awfully convenient. You wake up and you can see! No need to lug solution and so on when traveling! It’s one less thing to remember in your nightly routine! (Or maybe it’s just an “I” problem?) No matter how much easier it seems or how forgetful you are, you just can’t afford to make it a habit. If you find it impossible to remember no matter how hard you try, then you may need to give up contact lenses altogether, as I did. Your perspective is more important than avoiding any inconvenience.

Rule 3: Take proper care of your contact lenses.

If you’ve received a correct fitting, the technician or doctor has probably already explained to you that you need to replace your contact lenses at regular intervals (which vary by brand and type) and clean them daily. dr Roslyn Howell, our contact lens specialist, advises you to dispose of your contact lens storage box at least every three months to prevent nasty things from growing in there. Never use saline or water to store your lenses. You can use a non-abrasive solution to clean them, but Dr. VanNurden also advises using gentle finger rubbing as part of your daily grooming routine. Never reuse the solution and don’t “fill it up from your last use” – always replace completely with fresh solution.

Rule 4: If there are problems…

Take out your contact lenses immediately and make an appointment with your eye doctor. If you develop a red eye or itching, burning, swelling, or pain: Don’t just wait for it to go away. An infection only gets worse over time. A corneal ulcer requires medical treatment. More information can be found here. Or you can always call us and ask!

In short: Contact lenses can cause permanent damage if used improperly. Don’t sleep in it; Clean daily; Replace regularly; care properly; Always have your contact lenses professionally fitted.

If you would like to learn more or schedule an appointment at Cascadia Eye, contact us today. We will gladly answer your questions!

Also, join us on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube to ask your questions about eyes, exams, and our practice. We’d love to hear from you – and maybe there will be a blog in the future to answer your questions.

types of contacts

There are different types of contact lenses available for our patients, giving them the freedom to choose how their contact lenses are treated. The 4 main types of contacts include:

Daily Disposables – This is the healthiest and most comfortable way to wear contact lenses. You use a fresh, clean lens each day and discard it at the end of the day.

Reusable – the name says it all! These contact lenses are for everyday use, but instead of throwing them away at the end of the day, reuse them. Store them in a contact lens case with clean contact solution until ready to use again.

Astigmatism – Astigmatism affects many patients but is not as common as other refractive errors. Astigmatic contact lenses are specially designed to fit the shape of astigmatic eyes. They are available as daily or reusable contact lenses.

Multifocal – Farsightedness becomes more common with age. Your eye’s lens becomes less flexible, making it more difficult to adjust your focus between near and far objects. Multifocal lenses allow you to see both near and far, making activities (e.g. reading) easy again.

8 tips for inserting contact lenses

Make sure your hands have been washed thoroughly with soap and water. Contact lenses can be uncomfortable if they contain dust or other small particles. If you find yourself getting dust on your hands while drying, try washing your hands and then air drying them. Use both hands to insert your contacts. You grab your contact with one finger and place it face up on a finger of your main hand. Do this in one quick motion so you don’t handle the contact lens too much. Blinking too early makes it difficult to insert contacts. If you tend to blink or squint your eye before putting in your contact lens, you may need to keep your eyelids open. If necessary, use two fingers of one hand to hold the lower and upper eyelid open to keep you from blinking. Open your eyes wide. You want your eyelids to be open as wide as possible. It also helps to look either up or down or to the right or left if you don’t want to glue your contact lens directly to your pupil. Without blinking, touch the white part of your eye with your finger with the contact lens on. This may take practice to achieve. The contact may not immediately adhere to the eye. Hold your finger over your eye for a second or two before removing it so the contact will stick. You may need to slide your finger slightly off the contact for this to work. After successfully inserting the contact lens into your eye, blink a few times to center it. Don’t give up so easily! There is a learning curve which is difficult at first but over time it will be very easy to socialize.

contact options

When it comes to contact lenses, choosing the right contact lens is crucial for you. Children and adults alike wear contact lenses. What children can do, so can you! When you have your full exam and contact lens fitting, your doctor will note the size of your eye and how open it is. If you have small eyes, you have options for contact lenses. If your eyes are small, you can choose a soft contact lens with a smaller diameter. This will make it easier for you to put the contact lenses in your eyes.

You may need to experiment with putting the contact lens in your eye at different angles and see which method works best for you. If you’ve followed all of our contact lens insertion tips and are still having trouble, we may recommend getting “gas permeable contact lenses.” These are rigid lenses but are much smaller in diameter and easier to get in your eyes. Once you’ve mastered contact lens insertion, you can always switch to a more breathable soft contact lens.

See better today

If you have blurry vision or have lived with glasses, you have options for better vision! We love our glasses, but we know that sometimes contact lenses can give you more freedom than glasses. There’s a learning curve with contact lenses, but we know you can master contact lens insertion in no time! Call Optical Masters at (720) 780-8881 to schedule your vision appointment or for contact lens insertion assistance!

Most people have one dominant eye or one eye that works a little harder than the other. Although you use both eyes to look at an object, you use your dominant eye more. You may notice this preference when using a camera, microscope, or telescope.

This article describes how to find your dominant eye and when eye dominance can make a difference.

RunPhoto Collection/Taxi Japan/Getty Images

eye dominance and handedness

In general, eye dominance is associated with handedness. In other words, the left eyes of left-handed people tend to be dominant, while the right eyes tend to be dominant. But there are many exceptions to this rule. For example, according to one study, about 35% of right-handers and 57% of left-handers are left-eyed.

It gets even more complicated when you play two-handed (switch hitter) or use different hands for writing and throwing. According to one review, 28.8% of left-handers and 1.6% of right-handers were inconsistent when throwing. For this group, it is almost impossible to correlate handedness and eye dominance.

Does eye dominance matter?

Eye dominance has no particular medical significance and cannot make a difference in your life. However, it is important for certain sports that require accurate aiming. Examples include:

archery

shoot

baseball

golf

Photographers also benefit from knowing which eye is dominant.

It is possible to change eye dominance through the use of patches and other techniques, but it is difficult and takes time. When considering monovision correction to reduce the need for reading glasses or bifocals, your eye dominance needs to be considered.

No dominant eye? On rare occasions, your eyes are balanced — meaning neither is dominant. This means you can use both eyes when performing tasks where most people use the dominant eye.

eye dominance test

Most people automatically use their dominant eye when looking through a camera eye-hole or telescope. But it can still be difficult to decide which eye is dominant.

If you’re curious, you can do an eye dominance test. There are several techniques to determine your dominant eye. There are tests that use a hole in a card and others that use pinholes and rings. The Miles test described below is also a good indicator.

Extend your arms out in front of you with your palms facing away. Bring your hands together and make a small hole by crossing your thumb and forefinger. Pick a small object about 15-20 feet away from you. With your eyes open, focus on the object while looking through the small hole. Close one eye and then the other. If you close one eye, the object stops. If you close the other eye, the object should disappear from the hole or jump to the side. If the object doesn’t move when you cover one eye, then that eye is dominant. The eye that sees the object and doesn’t move is the dominant eye.