8 Tips to Overcome Your Fear of Inserting Contact Lenses
Touching your eye isn't exactly pleasant, but your eyesight shouldn’t suffer because of it. Some people feel mild discomfort at the thought, while others have a genuine fear of anything near their eyes. Still, more than 45 million contact lens wearers manage to do it every day.
If you’re switching from glasses to contacts, be patient. Fear of touching your eye can make the process harder, but it’s completely normal and manageable. It just takes practice and the right mindset.
Here are eight effective ways to overcome your fear of inserting contact lenses and get comfortable with your new routine.
Why People Fear Touching Their Eyes
The fear of touching your eyes often comes from your body’s natural defense mechanism, known as the corneal reflex. This reflex causes you to blink whenever something approaches your eye, helping to protect it from harm.
When you start wearing contact lenses, this reflex can feel frustrating, but it’s not a bad thing. It simply means your eyes are doing their job. With repeated, gentle exposure, your brain learns that contact lens insertion is safe, and the reflex becomes less intense.
Other causes of fear include:
- A previous bad experience, such as accidentally poking your eye
- General anxiety around medical or eye-related procedures
- Sensitivity to touch or dryness
- Hearing myths about contact lenses that make the process sound risky
Understanding why you feel this fear is the first step toward overcoming it.
1. Practice Without Contacts
One of the best ways to overcome any fear is to take it on little by little. First make sure your hands are clean and you’re being careful. Work on getting used to touching your eye without a contact lens. This helps you see that touching your eye is not all that bad.
Practicing also helps your hands get steady. Getting used to this motion without a contact can make it easier on you later on. Then, when you do finally have your lenses in hand, inserting them should seem easier.
2. Get Familiar With Your Helper Hand
Keep in mind that it takes two hands to insert a contact lens in the right way.
Your dominant hand is what you will use to hold the contact lens and place it onto your eye. Your non-dominant hand is your "helper hand." This is what you use to hold your eyelid open so that you don't blink in the middle of the process.
Even though your helper hand doesn't actually touch your eye, you should get used to where you want to place it. Get comfortable keeping the top eyelid up with your pointer finger and the bottom eyelid down with your thumb. It sounds a little difficult, but practice makes perfect.
With time, this will become a natural movement for your non-dominant hand. Despite feeling nervous right now, you won’t give it a second thought once you get used to the motion.
3. Use the Mirror to Guide Your Movements
Another great way to overcome the fear of touching your eye is to look in the mirror. That way you won’t be too focused on your hands and contact lenses.
Looking in the mirror helps you focus on the lens application process as a whole. This lets you put more energy into getting a good contact placement. And the thought that you’re touching your eye takes a backseat.
4. Look up While You Insert the Lens
As you're practicing in the mirror, practice looking up. When you look up you have more of the whites of your eye showing. The contact lens will be less in contact with your pupil. This eases the fear factor and it allows for easy contact application and removal.
5. Try Using Eye Drops
Speaking of an easy contact lens application, try using eye drops. You're going to be even more stressed about putting your contacts in if your eyes are dry or irritated. Not to mention, contacts do have the potential of drying your eyes out even more.
Putting eye drops in before your contacts helps solve both of these issues. The drops relieve any dryness or irritation affecting your naked eye.
Keep in mind, there's a big difference between a slight irritation and something more serious. If you're having constant issues with your eyes or you feel a sharp pain, don't put your contacts in. Talk to your eye doctor about what's going on and wear your glasses until you know it’s safe.
6. Talk to Your Optometrist
You don't have to wait until something feels irritated to talk to your optometrist. He or she is available to help you every step of the way when adjusting to contacts.
As such, it's a good idea to be open with your eye doctor about the fear of touching your eye. They can provide other tips to help you become more comfortable with the process.
More so, they'll educate you on all the reasons why you really don't have anything to worry about. Such peace of mind is a huge relief. Talking about your fear with your doctor will help you overcome it faster, altogether.
7. Stop Listening to Contact Lens Myths
It's easy to find out the truth about wearing contacts! All you need to do is talk to your doctor. Still, some people get all worked up due to certain myths about contact lenses.
There are all kinds of stories out there about the dangers of contacts. Of course, some things are true. Like the fact that you can harm your eyes by sleeping in some contacts and that you shouldn't swim with them on.
But, when people tell you things like "your contact can slide behind your eyeball" or "contacts can scratch your eye," don't listen to them. These things aren't true and the thought of them will only add to your fear, not help it.
8. Identify Where Your Fear Is Coming From
Here's something to think about: try to identify where your fear of touching your eye and inserting your contacts is coming from. This fear is affecting your perception of inserting contact lenses. Did you accidentally poke your eye when you were a kid? Do you consider it weird that some people think touching their eye is completely normal?
Wherever your fear is coming from, realizing the source can point you in the right direction. It helps you retrace your steps, so to speak, to when your fear first started developing. This is a great step toward overcoming it once and for all.
How to Make Contact Lens Insertion Easier
If fear isn’t your main problem but inserting lenses still feels tricky, try these helpful tips:
- Always insert over a clean, flat surface so you can easily find a dropped lens.
- Start with the same eye every time to build consistency.
- Check lens orientation by ensuring it forms a perfect cup (not flared edges).
- Keep fingernails trimmed to avoid scratches.
- Use fresh solution daily to keep lenses moist and hygienic.
These small adjustments can make the process smoother and less stressful for new wearers.
How to Build Confidence: A Simple 5-Step Practice Routine
Like any new skill, practice helps your body and mind adapt. Try this short daily routine to build comfort and confidence:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Use a mild, fragrance-free soap to avoid irritation.
- Touch the skin near your eyes. Gently tap your eyelid or the area just below it to get used to the sensation.
- Hold your eyelids open. Use your non-dominant hand to hold the top lid up with your index finger and the bottom lid down with your thumb.
- Simulate the motion. Use a drop of sterile saline on your fingertip and lightly bring it close to your eye without flinching.
- Insert one contact lens for a short time. Once you’re ready, insert the lens and keep it in for a few minutes. Then remove it and celebrate your progress.
Practicing consistently helps reduce the blinking reflex and builds confidence with each attempt.
Gentle Alternatives While You Adjust
If you’re still nervous about inserting lenses, take things slowly. You don’t have to go all in right away.
Try these gradual adjustments:
- Wear your lenses for only an hour or two at first.
- Alternate between glasses and contacts while adjusting.
- Choose daily disposable lenses that feel thinner and cleaner.
- Use lenses made from silicone hydrogel for better oxygen flow and comfort.
Small steps make a big difference and help you build confidence without pressure.
What Optometrists Say About Fear of Contact Lenses
According to the American Optometric Association, most people adapt to contact lenses within one to two weeks. Fear often fades as users develop routine and muscle memory.
If you continue to struggle after several weeks, talk to your optometrist. They can check your lens fit, assess dryness, and even recommend handling tools or guided practice sessions to help you gain confidence safely.
Building Confidence Over Time
Like any new skill, inserting contact lenses becomes second nature with consistent practice. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice calmly in front of a mirror. Over time, you’ll find the process smooth, predictable, and comfortable.
Remember, every experienced contact lens wearer started where you are now. With patience and persistence, you’ll soon handle your contacts with confidence and ease.
FAQ: Overcoming the Fear of Contact Lenses
Is it normal to be scared of touching my eye?
Yes. Many first-time contact lens users experience hesitation. With gradual exposure and proper guidance, the fear usually disappears.
Can someone else help me put in my contacts?
It’s best to learn to do it yourself for safety and hygiene reasons. However, your optometrist can demonstrate the process in person.
How long does it take to get comfortable with contacts?
Most people adjust within a few days to a few weeks, depending on their sensitivity and practice routine.
What if I still can’t put them in after trying?
Your doctor may recommend easier-to-handle lenses, such as daily disposables or lenses with handling tint for better visibility.
Can I use numbing drops to make it easier?
No. Numbing drops should only be used under medical supervision and are not safe for daily use with contacts.
