7 Proven Tricks to Stop Blinking When Putting in Contacts

2025-04-16

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Stop Blinking When Putting in Contacts Putting in Contact Lenses

Fighting the urge to blink while inserting contact lenses is a common struggle, often turning what should be a simple task into a frustrating ordeal. This reflex, while entirely natural, can make placing a small object directly onto your eye feel incredibly daunting. Moreover, repeated unsuccessful attempts can lead to irritation and discourage consistent lens wear. Consequently, mastering this seemingly small hurdle is crucial for comfortable and successful contact lens use. So, if you find yourself flinching, squeezing your eyes shut, or simply unable to conquer the blink, know that you’re not alone, and there are proven techniques you can employ to overcome this challenge and seamlessly integrate contact lens wear into your daily routine. This article will guide you through practical strategies to desensitize your eyes, build confidence, and finally conquer the blink, making putting in your contacts a smooth and effortless process.

Firstly, understanding the science behind your blinking reflex can empower you to overcome it. Essentially, blinking is a vital protective mechanism designed to shield your eyes from potential harm. Therefore, when an object approaches your eye, your brain triggers this reflex to prevent injury. However, when inserting a contact lens, this protective mechanism becomes a hindrance. To combat this, you need to gradually desensitize your eyes to the sensation of something nearing them. One effective technique is to practice with your fingertip. Start by gently touching your eyelid, then gradually work your way towards touching your eye itself. Initially, you will likely blink, but with consistent repetition, your eyes will become accustomed to the sensation, reducing the intensity of the blink reflex. Furthermore, focusing on your breathing can play a significant role. Taking slow, deep breaths can help relax your entire body, including your eye muscles, making it easier to keep your eyes open. Additionally, looking in the mirror while practicing can be beneficial. This allows you to visually monitor your progress and ensure proper placement, thus boosting your confidence and reducing anxiety associated with the process.

In addition to desensitization exercises, adopting the correct insertion technique is paramount. Instead of approaching your eye directly from the front, try angling the lens slightly downwards. This approach can minimize the triggering of your blink reflex. Furthermore, ensure that you are looking straight ahead and focusing on a fixed point in the mirror. This not only helps to keep your eye open but also provides a visual target for accurate lens placement. Another helpful tip is to use your non-dominant hand to gently pull up your upper eyelid and your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. This creates a wider opening and provides more space for the lens to be inserted without touching your eyelashes or eyelid, further reducing the likelihood of blinking. Lastly, once the lens is in, resist the urge to squeeze your eyes shut. Instead, gently close your eye and roll it around to help center the lens and ensure a comfortable fit. By combining these techniques with regular practice and patience, you can successfully overcome the blinking reflex and achieve a seamless contact lens insertion experience, ultimately enjoying the freedom and clear vision that contact lenses provide.

Understanding the Blink Reflex and Why It Happens

Putting in contact lenses can feel like a battle against your own body, especially when your eyelids seem determined to slam shut the moment anything approaches your eye. This involuntary reaction, known as the blink reflex, is a crucial protective mechanism designed to safeguard your precious vision. Understanding why and how it happens is the first step to overcoming it when inserting contacts.

The blink reflex is a rapid, involuntary closure of the eyelids triggered by various stimuli. Its primary purpose is to shield your eyes from potential harm, such as dust, debris, bright lights, and approaching objects. Think of it as your eye’s personal bodyguard, always on high alert. Several different pathways contribute to this reflex, involving complex interactions between your eyes, nerves, and brain.

One of the key players in this process is the cornea, the transparent front surface of your eye. It’s incredibly sensitive to touch and pressure, thanks to a dense network of nerve endings. When something touches or even comes close to your cornea, these nerves send a lightning-fast signal to your brainstem, specifically the trigeminal nerve. This nerve acts as a messenger, relaying the information that something is approaching your eye.

The brainstem then springs into action, sending signals through the facial nerve to the orbicularis oculi muscles, the muscles responsible for closing your eyelids. This entire sequence happens in a fraction of a second, resulting in the blink that prevents potential harm. It’s a remarkably efficient system that operates largely outside of your conscious control.

Several factors can influence the sensitivity of your blink reflex. Dry eyes, for example, can make your cornea more irritable, leading to more frequent blinking. Similarly, if you’re feeling anxious or stressed about putting in your contacts, this can heighten your awareness of the process and make your blink reflex even more pronounced. Even fatigue can play a role, as your body’s natural defenses may be slightly less responsive when you’re tired.

Understanding these underlying mechanisms and influencing factors can help you approach contact lens insertion with a more informed and relaxed mindset. Knowing that blinking is a natural protective response can lessen your frustration and allow you to focus on techniques to manage it effectively.

Stimulus	Nerve Involved	Muscle Involved	Outcome
Touch/Pressure to Cornea	Trigeminal Nerve (sensory) and Facial Nerve (motor)	Orbicularis Oculi	Blink
Bright Light	Optic Nerve (sensory) and Facial Nerve (motor)	Orbicularis Oculi	Blink
Approaching Object	Optic Nerve (sensory) and Facial Nerve (motor)	Orbicularis Oculi	Blink

Preparing Your Eyes and Contact Lenses for Insertion

Preparing Your Eyes

Before you even think about touching your contact lenses, it’s crucial to ensure your hands are impeccably clean. Wash them thoroughly with soap and water, paying particular attention to scrubbing beneath your fingernails. Rinse well and dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Avoid using oil-based soaps or lotions as these can transfer to the lenses and cause blurry vision. Clean hands are the first line of defense against eye infections.

Preparing Your Contact Lenses

Once your hands are clean and dry, it’s time to prepare your contact lenses. First, inspect the lens carefully. Place it on the tip of your index finger and examine it closely. Check for any tears, debris, or damage. A damaged lens can irritate your eye and should never be inserted. If you wear daily disposables, this step is particularly important as even a small tear can cause discomfort. If you find any imperfections, discard the lens and use a fresh one.

Next, ensure the lens is right-side out. This is a common mistake that can make insertion difficult and uncomfortable. A right-side out lens will look like a tiny bowl, whereas an inside-out lens will have a more flared, saucer-like edge, sometimes with a slight lip around the perimeter. If you’re unsure, gently place the lens on your fingertip. If it looks like a bowl with a smooth, rounded edge, you’re good to go. If it appears to have a flared edge, gently invert it before proceeding.

Now, rinse your contact lens with a sterile multipurpose solution. Even if the lens is fresh from the blister pack, a quick rinse can remove any lingering debris and ensure optimal comfort upon insertion. Be sure to use fresh solution every time and never reuse old solution, as this can harbor bacteria and increase your risk of infection.

Finally, consider using rewetting drops before insertion. A couple of drops on the lens can help lubricate it, making it glide onto your eye more easily. This can also help to prevent that initial dry or scratchy feeling that some people experience with contact lenses, particularly if they have dry eyes. Rewetting drops are also useful for maintaining moisture throughout the day.

Lens Case Hygiene

Proper lens case hygiene is also crucial for healthy contact lens wear. After removing your contacts, empty the old solution from the case, rinse it thoroughly with fresh multipurpose solution (never tap water!), and allow it to air dry upside down on a clean tissue. Replace your lens case regularly, ideally every three months, to minimize bacterial buildup.

Quick Inspection Guide

Feature	Right-side out	Inside-out
Shape	Bowl-shaped	Saucer-shaped, may have a lip
Edges	Smooth, rounded	Flared

Mastering the Anchor Look Technique to Minimize Blinking

Blinking is a natural reflex, essential for keeping our eyes lubricated and protected. However, it can be a real nuisance when you’re trying to insert contact lenses. Many people struggle with their eyes snapping shut involuntarily just as the lens approaches. The good news is that you can train your eyes to stay open longer using a technique called the anchor look.

What is the Anchor Look?

The anchor look involves focusing your gaze on a fixed point while inserting your contact lens. This helps to override the blink reflex by giving your eyes a specific task to concentrate on. It creates a sense of stability and control, allowing you to approach the process with more confidence. By holding your gaze steady, you reduce the likelihood of blinking at the crucial moment.

How to Implement the Anchor Look Technique

Implementing the anchor look technique requires a bit of practice, but the payoff is significant. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Choose Your Anchor Point

Select a stable and easily visible point directly in front of you. This could be a spot on your mirror, a small picture on the wall, or even a specific tile in your bathroom. The key is to choose something that won’t move and is easy to keep your eyes locked onto.

2. Practice Holding Your Gaze

Before you even pick up your contact lens, practice holding your gaze on your chosen anchor point. Try to keep your eyes open for gradually increasing periods without blinking. Start with 15 seconds, then 30 seconds, and work your way up to a minute. This will help build your eye muscle endurance and desensitize you to the urge to blink.

3. The Insertion Process

With your non-dominant hand, gently pull up your upper eyelid and hold it against your brow bone. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Maintain a firm but gentle grip. Keep your gaze fixed on your anchor point as you slowly bring the contact lens towards your eye. Focus on the anchor, not the approaching lens. As the lens makes contact with your eye, continue looking at the anchor point. Resist the urge to look at the lens itself. Hold your eyelids in place for a few seconds after insertion to allow the lens to settle. Slowly release your eyelids while maintaining your focus on the anchor. Blink a few times gently once the lens feels comfortable.

Step	Action
1	Choose an anchor point.
2	Practice holding your gaze.
3	Pull up upper eyelid and hold.
4	Pull down lower eyelid and hold.
5	Slowly bring the lens towards your eye while focusing on the anchor point.
6	Hold eyelids for a few seconds after insertion.
7	Slowly release eyelids and blink gently.

If you find yourself still blinking, don’t get discouraged. It takes time and practice. Keep practicing the anchor look technique without the lens to build your eye strength. Try different anchor points if necessary. Some people find it easier to focus on something slightly above or below their eye level. Experiment to find what works best for you. With patience and persistence, you’ll master the anchor look and insert your contact lenses with ease.

Using Your Non-Dominant Hand for Lid Control

One of the biggest hurdles to inserting contact lenses is the involuntary blinking reflex. It’s a perfectly natural response to having something approach your eye, but it can make placing a contact lens squarely on your cornea incredibly frustrating. A highly effective strategy to combat this is using your non-dominant hand to manage your eyelids. This frees up your dominant hand to focus solely on lens placement.

Why Your Non-Dominant Hand is Key

Your non-dominant hand might feel a bit clumsy at first, but it’s perfectly suited for this task. Think about it – you need steady, controlled pressure to hold your eyelids open, not speed or dexterity. Your dominant hand, meanwhile, requires precision and control to maneuver the contact lens. Dividing these tasks between your hands streamlines the process and reduces the chance of blinking.

The Technique: A Step-by-Step Guide

**Prepare Your Hands:** Wash and thoroughly dry both hands. This prevents the transfer of bacteria to your eyes and ensures a good grip on the lens.
**The Anchor:** Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently lift your upper eyelid at the crease, just below your eyebrow. Think of this finger as an anchor, keeping your lid securely out of the way. Avoid pulling or tugging; firm but gentle pressure is all that’s needed.
**Lower Lid Control:** With the ring finger of the same hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid. Be sure to hold your lower lid against the bony orbital rim below your eye. This creates a wide-open space for the lens to be inserted.
**Focus and Insert:** Now, with your dominant hand holding the contact lens, focus on your reflection in the mirror. Look straight ahead, maintaining eye contact with your reflection. Slowly and steadily bring the lens towards your eye. As you get closer, resist the urge to look away or blink. Your non-dominant hand is doing the hard work of keeping your eyelids open. Gently place the lens on your cornea. You might feel a slight suction as it adheres.

Finger	Eyelid	Action
Middle Finger (Non-Dominant Hand)	Upper Eyelid	Lift and hold at the crease
Ring Finger (Non-Dominant Hand)	Lower Eyelid	Pull down and hold against orbital rim

Practice makes perfect. Don’t be discouraged if you don’t get it right away. With a little patience and persistence, you’ll master the technique and insert your contact lenses with ease.

It’s also important to note that everyone’s eyes are different. You might find that slight adjustments to this technique work better for you. For example, some people find it helpful to use their index finger instead of their middle finger to control the upper eyelid. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable and effective.

Finally, remember to maintain good hygiene. Always wash your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lenses and follow your eye doctor’s instructions for lens care and replacement.

Desensitizing Your Cornea to Reduce Sensitivity

One of the biggest hurdles to putting in contact lenses is the involuntary blink reflex. Our eyes are incredibly sensitive, and anything approaching them triggers this protective mechanism. Fortunately, you can train your eyes to become less sensitive over time, making contact lens insertion much easier. This process is called desensitization, and it involves gradually acclimating your cornea to touch.

Practice Makes Perfect: Gradual Exposure

The key to desensitizing your cornea is gradual exposure. Don’t expect to overcome your blink reflex overnight. Think of it like dipping your toe into a cold pool; you wouldn’t jump straight in. Similarly, you need to slowly introduce your eyes to the sensation of something touching them.

Fingertip Training

Start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly. Then, gently touch your closed eyelid with your fingertip. Hold it there for a few seconds, gradually increasing the duration as you become more comfortable. Repeat this several times a day. As your eyelids become less sensitive, try gently touching the outer corner of your open eye. This might trigger blinking initially, but with consistent practice, you’ll find yourself blinking less.

Looking in the Mirror

Practicing in front of a mirror can be beneficial. It allows you to see how close your finger is getting to your eye and helps you monitor your blinking reflex. Try bringing your finger towards your eye while looking directly at it in the mirror. This will help you anticipate the touch and control your blink response.

Using Eye Drops

Some lubricating eye drops can help desensitize your eyes. The drops mimic the feeling of a contact lens and can help prepare your eyes for the real thing. Artificial tears can also help keep your eyes moisturized, which is crucial for comfortable contact lens wear. Consult your eye doctor to determine the best type of eye drops for you.

Controlling Your Breath

Believe it or not, controlling your breath can make a big difference. Often, we hold our breath when we’re nervous or focused, which can tense up our entire body, including our eyelids. Try taking slow, deep breaths while practicing. This will help relax your eye muscles and reduce blinking.

Building Up to Contact Lens Insertion

Once you are comfortable touching your open eye without blinking excessively, you can start practicing with the contact lens itself. Hold the lens on the tip of your finger and slowly bring it towards your eye. Focus on keeping your eye open and breathing steadily. If you blink, don’t get discouraged! Simply take a break and try again. Remember, the key is consistency and patience. With time and practice, you’ll be able to insert your contact lenses with ease.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Sometimes, even with practice, you might encounter specific challenges. Here’s a quick troubleshooting guide:

Problem	Solution
Excessive blinking even after practicing	Try using numbing eye drops (consult your doctor first), focus on breathing exercises, or take longer breaks between practice sessions.
Difficulty focusing on keeping your eye open	Use a mirror to help visualize the process, try widening your eyes and holding the position, or use your non-dominant hand to gently hold your upper eyelid open.
Feeling uncomfortable even after the lens is in	Ensure the lens is correctly positioned, use lubricating eye drops, or consult your eye doctor to check for any underlying issues.

Remember, everyone learns at their own pace. Don’t be discouraged if it takes time to become comfortable with contact lenses. With patience, persistence, and these desensitization techniques, you’ll be able to insert your contacts with confidence and enjoy clear vision without the hassle of glasses.

Practicing Relaxation Techniques to Calm Your Nerves

Inserting contact lenses can be a bit challenging, especially when your blink reflex seems to have a mind of its own. However, by incorporating relaxation techniques into your routine, you can significantly reduce anxiety and gain better control over your blinking, making the process much smoother. These techniques help calm your nervous system, reducing the urge to blink excessively.

Deep Breathing Exercises

Deep, controlled breathing is a powerful tool for relaxation. Before you even approach the mirror, take a few moments to practice deep breathing. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, filling your lungs completely. Hold for a brief second, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. Visualize tension leaving your body with each exhale. Repeat this several times, focusing on the rhythm and sensation of your breath. This can help slow your heart rate and promote a sense of calm.

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

Progressive muscle relaxation involves tensing and releasing different muscle groups in your body. Start with your toes, curling them tightly for a few seconds before releasing the tension. Move up to your feet, ankles, calves, and so on, systematically tensing and releasing each muscle group. This technique helps you become more aware of physical tension and allows you to consciously release it, creating a more relaxed state overall. By the time you reach your face and eyelids, you’ll find them much more relaxed and less prone to blinking.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Mindfulness practices, including meditation, can be incredibly beneficial for managing anxiety and improving focus. Even a few minutes of mindful meditation before attempting to insert your contacts can make a difference. Find a quiet space, close your eyes, and focus on your breath. Acknowledge any thoughts or feelings that arise without judgment, letting them pass like clouds. This helps cultivate a sense of calm and presence, reducing the likelihood of anxious blinking. There are numerous guided meditation apps and online resources available to guide you through this process.

Visualization Techniques

Visualization can be a powerful tool for overcoming anxiety and promoting relaxation. Before putting in your contacts, close your eyes and visualize yourself successfully inserting the lenses without blinking. Imagine your fingers moving smoothly, your eyelids staying open, and the lens comfortably settling into place. Create a detailed mental picture of the entire process, focusing on positive outcomes. This mental rehearsal can help reduce anxiety and build confidence, making the actual process feel more familiar and less daunting.

Listening to Calming Music

Music has a profound effect on our emotions and can be a valuable aid in relaxation. Create a playlist of calming music that you find soothing and relaxing. Listen to this music before and during the contact lens insertion process. The gentle melodies and rhythms can help distract you from anxious thoughts and promote a sense of tranquility, reducing the urge to blink. Choose instrumental pieces or nature sounds that create a peaceful atmosphere.

Creating a Relaxing Environment and Desensitization

Setting the stage for a relaxing experience is crucial. Ensure your environment is calm and free from distractions. Turn off the television, dim the lights, and find a comfortable, quiet space. A clutter-free area can also contribute to a sense of peace. Consider diffusing essential oils known for their calming properties, such as lavender or chamomile. This creates a multi-sensory experience that promotes relaxation. Desensitization is a gradual process of getting used to the sensation of touching your eye. Over several days, gently touch the skin around your eyes, gradually moving closer to your eyelids, eventually touching your eyelashes and finally the white part of your eye. This helps to reduce the sensitivity and blink reflex over time.

Technique	Benefits	Duration
Deep Breathing	Reduces heart rate, calms nervous system	1-5 minutes
Progressive Muscle Relaxation	Releases muscle tension, increases body awareness	5-10 minutes
Mindfulness/Meditation	Reduces anxiety, improves focus	5-15 minutes
Visualization	Builds confidence, reduces anxiety	2-5 minutes
Calming Music	Creates a peaceful atmosphere, distracts from anxious thoughts	As needed
Relaxing Environment/Desensitization	Minimizes distractions, promotes calm, reduces sensitivity	Ongoing/ several days

Employing the “High and Away” Insertion Method

This method helps overcome the natural blink reflex, making contact lens insertion smoother and less stressful. It involves looking in a direction opposite to where the lens is being placed, essentially distracting your eye and reducing the urge to blink.

Looking Up and Away: The Key to Success

The “high and away” technique hinges on redirecting your gaze. Instead of directly facing the approaching contact lens, you’ll focus your eyes upward and slightly to the side. This shift in focus disengages the automatic blinking response that often makes contact insertion tricky. Think of it as a gentle trick you play on your own reflexes.

Step-by-Step Guide to the “High and Away” Method

Let’s break down the process into manageable steps:

Prepare your lens: Ensure the lens is right-side out and free of debris. Place it on the tip of your dominant index finger.
Position yourself: Stand or sit in front of a well-lit mirror. Use your non-dominant hand to gently pull up your upper eyelid, holding it against your brow bone.
Look up and away: Fix your gaze on a point on the ceiling or high on the wall, slightly away from the approaching lens. This is crucial for preventing blinking.
Approach and insert: Slowly and steadily bring the lens towards your eye. With your eye looking up and away, gently place the lens on the lower part of your eye’s white area (sclera).
Slowly release your eyelids: Gently release your upper eyelid first, then your lower eyelid. Blink a few times naturally to center the lens.
Repeat for the other eye: Follow the same steps for your other eye. With practice, this process becomes much easier.

Troubleshooting and Tips: If you still find yourself blinking, try focusing on a specific detail in the distance, like a picture on the wall or a mark on the ceiling. This extra focus can help override the blinking reflex. Another helpful tip is to practice in front of a mirror without a lens initially, just focusing on looking up and away and touching your finger to your sclera. This helps you get comfortable with the movement before introducing the contact lens.

Problem	Solution
Excessive blinking	Focus on a distant object, practice the movement without a lens
Lens feels uncomfortable	Ensure the lens is right-side out, rinse with solution
Difficulty placing the lens	Use a mirror, ensure proper hand positioning
Additionally, consider using rewetting drops after insertion for added comfort. If you continue to struggle, consult your eye care professional for personalized guidance. They can offer further tips and address any specific concerns you may have.

Seeking Professional Guidance if Problems Persist

Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we just can’t seem to conquer the blink. It’s perfectly normal! Our eyes are designed to protect themselves, and blinking is a crucial part of that. If you’ve diligently practiced the techniques mentioned previously and you’re still struggling to insert your contact lenses without blinking, it’s time to seek professional guidance. Don’t feel discouraged – you’re not alone. Many people experience this, and an eye care professional can provide personalized advice and solutions.

Your eye doctor can assess your individual situation and identify any underlying issues that might be contributing to your blinking reflex. They might suggest alternative insertion methods, different types of contact lenses, or even address any anxiety you might be experiencing about the process. Here are some specific reasons why seeking professional guidance is beneficial:

Identifying Underlying Issues

Excessive blinking could be related to dry eyes, eye allergies, or other underlying conditions. Your eye doctor can diagnose and treat these issues, making contact lens insertion more comfortable and manageable. Sometimes, a simple change in lens material or the use of lubricating eye drops can make a world of difference.

Dry Eye Assessment and Treatment

Dry eyes can significantly exacerbate the blinking reflex. Your doctor can evaluate the severity of your dry eye and recommend appropriate treatments, such as artificial tears, lubricating ointments, or even punctal plugs. Addressing dry eye can create a more hospitable environment for contact lenses and reduce the urge to blink during insertion.

Allergy Management

Allergies can cause itchy, watery eyes, making contact lens wear uncomfortable and increasing the blinking reflex. Your eye doctor can help you identify potential allergens and suggest appropriate allergy management strategies, such as antihistamine eye drops or avoiding known triggers.

Personalized Insertion Techniques

Your eye doctor can provide personalized guidance on insertion techniques tailored to your specific needs and eye anatomy. They might suggest slight adjustments to your hand positioning, the angle of approach, or even the type of mirror you use. These small changes can sometimes have a significant impact.

Alternative Contact Lens Types

If you’re struggling with traditional soft lenses, your eye doctor might recommend exploring alternative options, such as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, hybrid lenses, or even scleral lenses. These lenses have different fitting characteristics and might be easier for you to insert. They can also offer improved vision correction and comfort for certain eye conditions.

Addressing Anxiety and Fear

Sometimes, the fear of touching your eye can contribute to the blinking reflex. Your eye doctor can provide reassurance, offer relaxation techniques, and guide you through the insertion process step-by-step, helping you build confidence and overcome your anxiety.

Building Confidence and Reducing Anxiety

It’s perfectly normal to feel apprehensive about touching your eye, especially initially. Your eye doctor can help you overcome this by creating a supportive and understanding environment. They can also provide practical tips and techniques to manage anxiety, such as deep breathing exercises or visualization.

Follow-Up Care and Support

After your appointment, your eye doctor will likely schedule follow-up visits to monitor your progress and ensure your contact lenses are fitting comfortably and correctly. This ongoing support can be invaluable in addressing any ongoing challenges and ensuring a successful contact lens wearing experience.

Potential Issue	Professional Solution
Dry Eyes	Artificial tears, lubricating ointments, punctal plugs
Allergies	Antihistamine eye drops, allergen avoidance
Anxiety	Relaxation techniques, guided insertion practice
Insertion Technique	Personalized guidance and adjustments

Conquering the Blink: How to Insert Contact Lenses Without Flinching

Inserting contact lenses can be a frustrating experience, especially for beginners. One of the biggest hurdles is the involuntary blinking reflex that kicks in as the lens approaches the eye. Overcoming this natural reaction involves a combination of technique, practice, and mental fortitude. This article will outline practical strategies to help you master contact lens insertion and leave the blinking behind.

Firstly, desensitize your eyes. Gently touching your eyelids and the white of your eye (sclera) regularly will help reduce sensitivity. Start by touching your closed eyelid, then progress to briefly touching the white of your eye while it’s open. This process gradually accustoms your eyes to being touched, minimizing the urge to blink.

Secondly, use a mirror. Proper placement of the lens is crucial. A well-lit mirror allows you to see clearly and ensure the lens is centered over your iris. Looking straight ahead in the mirror, rather than at the approaching lens, can also help reduce blinking.

Another helpful technique involves using your non-dominant hand to hold up your upper eyelid while using your dominant hand to insert the lens. This provides a wider opening and reduces the likelihood of your eyelid interfering with the process. Pulling down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your dominant hand further stabilizes your eye and creates a larger target area.

Finally, practice and patience are key. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed immediately. With consistent effort, your eyes will become more accustomed to the process, and inserting your lenses will become second nature.