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How to Put Contacts in Small Eyes

Guides & How To
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Why Contacts in Small Eyes Can Be a Problem

Having properly fitting contacts is important for many reasons. If you need contact lenses for small eyes, getting the right fit may be a struggle you are keenly aware of.

Depending on the circumstance, you may experience the following problems when your lenses are the incorrect size for your eyes:

  • Difficulty placing your contacts in your eyes
  • Discomfort when wearing your contacts
  • Problems seeing clearly
  • Corneal abrasions (scratches to the surface of the eye)

These issues are typically more common with rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses because the lens fitting process is more complicated than with soft contacts. Eye measurements must be exact for the lenses to fit and function properly, and some lenses must be custom-designed and specially ordered.

Soft lenses have a more flexible material, so the fitting and ordering process isn’t as complex. But they still need to be properly fitted to your eyes to ensure you are getting the best quality, comfort, and vision correction for your eyes.

Contact Lens Measurements

The shape and size of your eyes help determine what contacts are best suited for you. Your doctor takes these measurements into consideration when prescribing your contact lenses, along with other factors, including:

Specialty lenses are often recommended for people with small, large, or irregularly shaped corneas. To maintain proper vision correction and comfort, the goal is to keep your contacts centered as you wear them throughout the day.

Perhaps the two most important measurements for your contact lens fitting and contact lens prescription are the base curve and diameter:

Base Curve (BC)

The base curve measurement indicates the curvature of the back surface of the contact lens. Usually between 8 and 10 millimeters, this is based on the shape of your cornea (the front surface of your eye).

Some contact lens brands only offer one base curve across their product line. If this is the case for your prescription, your doctor may include only the brand name and leave out the BC measurement.

Diameter (DIA)

The diameter measurement refers to the overall size (or width) of the contact lens. The diameter is usually about 13 to 15 millimeters, and it determines the exact position of the lens on your eye. If the diameter measurement in your prescription is wrong, the lenses could scratch or hurt your eye.

If your base curve and diameter measurements are smaller than the ranges listed above, you may need specialty lenses to ensure a proper fit.

Contacts for Small Eyes

Your doctor takes your diameter and base curve measurements into consideration when fitting you for contacts and writing your contact lens prescription. Some people need soft lenses that have a smaller diameter than others. Some may need specialty lenses, such as rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contacts. It depends on the situation.

RGP lenses run as small as 8 millimeters in diameter. They’re smaller than soft contacts and are made to rest directly onto the cornea. (Soft lenses are big enough to fit over the cornea and slightly onto the white of the eye.) RGP lenses may be a more suitable option if your eyes are smaller than average.

The best contact lenses for small eyes fit comfortably and remain stable on the surface of your eyes. Your doctor will make sure of this during the contact lens exam and fitting of your appointment. If you notice any discomfort or feel as though the lenses don’t fit during the process (or after you get home), be sure to ask for help.

Tips for Putting in Contacts with Small Eyes

Putting contacts in can be tricky sometimes, even for the most experienced wearers. People with smaller eyes may feel that they have an even greater challenge. Fortunately, there may be some ways to help with the process.

Here are some tips on how to put in contacts with small eyes:

  • Find a method to put your contacts in that works for you. The “best way” to put in contacts is different for everyone.
  • Before inserting your contacts, make sure they are not inside out. If they are inside out, they may feel uncomfortable or move out of place. This can be frustrating, especially if you’re already having trouble.
  • Once each lens is in, rotate your eye in a circular motion to help shift it into place.
  • Make sure your lenses feel comfortable and that you can see clearly before moving on with your routine. If something doesn’t feel right, you may need to take them out, clean them, and try again.
  • Practice makes perfect. The more you use your contacts, the smoother the process will become.

And remember: Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your contacts feel uncomfortable or foreign in your eyes, make sure they aren’t inside out or torn. If you’ve confirmed the lenses look right, but still have trouble with them, it’s best to call your eye doctor.

You should also contact your eye doctor if you experience irritation, pain, or vision issues, or if you can’t open eyes wide enough for contacts.

When it’s time to renew your contact lens prescription, you’ll need to book an exam. Let your doctor know during your appointment if there’s anything about your contacts that you’d like to change. They may want to try a different lens brand or type to suit your needs.