The Complete Guide to Putting on Contacts with Small Eyes (Finally Made Simple)

Struggling with how to put on contacts with small eyes can feel frustrating. Standard insertion techniques don't seem to work well. Nearsightedness affects up to 42% of the U.S. population, and millions of people rely on contact lenses daily. The challenge becomes greater when you have smaller eyes or narrower eye openings. Fortunately, techniques and contact lenses small eyes can accommodate make the process substantially easier. This piece covers understanding contact lens size for small eyes and becoming skilled at an easy way to put in contacts for small eyes. You'll also learn to troubleshoot common issues and find smaller contact lenses designed for your needs.

Is It Hard to Put Contacts In with Small Eyes?

What Makes Small Eyes Different

The challenge with putting contact lenses in small eyes isn't what most people think. Most eyeballs measure roughly the same size in reality. The eye surface where contacts sit stays consistent from person to person. Your eyelid opening is the real variable, not the size of your actual eyeball.

"Small eyes" refers to dealing with a narrower space between your upper and lower eyelids. This creates distinct insertion challenges that have nothing to do with your eyeball's dimensions. You need to hold your eyelids apart while positioning a lens. This requires more precise finger placement and steadier hand control. People with smaller eyelid openings face a harder time inserting contacts until they become familiar with the process.

The fitting process is different depending on your eyelid opening size. Your doctor takes diameter and base curve measurements to think over when fitting you for contacts and writing your prescription. Some people need soft lenses with a smaller diameter than others. Some may need specialty lenses such as rigid gas-permeable contacts. RGP lenses run as small as 8 millimeters in diameter and rest directly onto the cornea, whereas soft lenses fit over the cornea and slightly onto the white of the eye.

Why Some People Struggle More Than Others

The blinking reflex makes insertion much harder. Many new contact lens wearers squeeze their eyes closed when they see the lens approach. Your body treats the incoming lens as a threat and triggers an automatic protective response. You close your eyes when something flies toward your face. Your eyelids want to slam shut the moment you bring a contact lens close for the same reason.

A strong blink reflex is one of the most common reasons people struggle with contact lens insertion. Controlling this reflex takes practice, but most people who want to wear contacts overcome these differences and wear any type of lens with success. Your eye doctor can help you develop the technique needed to become a contact lens wearer with success, whatever your eelid opening size.

Learning how to insert contact lenses comfortably can take time, especially if you have smaller eyes, narrow eyelid openings, or a strong blink reflex. Most insertion challenges can be solved with a few simple adjustments, and that's good news. The challenge isn't your eye size; it's knowing the right technique. Putting in contacts becomes manageable with proper preparation and specific strategies for smaller eyes.

Getting the Right Contact Lens Fit

How Eye Measurements Work

Accurate measurements are the foundations to wear contact lenses comfortably. Your eye care provider uses specialized tools to measure your eye's unique shape and size and ensures the lenses fit perfectly on your cornea. The process starts with keratometry, where you rest your chin on a support while the instrument takes photographs of your eye. These photographs analyze reflections of light from your cornea and help the doctor determine your eye's exact curvature.

Your provider measures your corneal curvature along with the size of your pupil and iris using tools like a slit lamp or template card. These measurements prove important to select the right lens diameter and ensure the optical zone lines up with your line of sight. Proper alignment reduces vision disturbances in dim lighting.

A corneal topographer creates a detailed 3D map of your cornea for more complex fittings. This map can reveal astigmatism or irregular shapes that might require toric lenses. Cases where you have a hard-to-fit cornea with unusual curvature need further computerized measurements using corneal topography to allow a more precise picture of the corneal surface.

Base Curve for Small Eyes

Base curve indicates the curvature of the back surface of your contact lens. This measurement usually falls between 8 and 10 millimeters and is based on your cornea's shape. Your provider determines the best base curve after the original keratometry.

The fit needs precision. A lens that's too flat may shift every time you blink. A lens that's too steep can block oxygen from reaching your cornea. Some contact lens brands only offer one base curve in their product line, so your doctor may include just the brand name without the BC measurement on your prescription.

Diameter Measurements Explained

Diameter refers to the overall width of the contact lens. This measurement ranges from 13 to 15 millimeters and determines where the lens positions on your eye. Soft lenses measure about 14mm across, whereas hard contacts measure approximately 9mm.

You may need specialty lenses to fit your eyes if your base curve and diameter measurements fall below these standard ranges. Getting the right fit matters more than you might think. You face several problems when your lenses don't match your eye measurements: difficulty placing contacts in your eyes, discomfort when wearing your contacts, and corneal abrasions.

Finding Smaller Contact Lenses That Work

You can choose a soft contact lens with a smaller diameter if you have small eyes. This will make it easier to put the contacts in your eyes. RGP lenses run as small as 8 millimeters in diameter and rest onto the cornea, whereas soft lenses fit over the cornea and onto the white of the eye.

These issues appear more frequently with rigid gas-permeable lenses because the fitting process needs exact measurements. Soft lenses use more flexible material and make the fitting and ordering process less complex. They still need proper fitting to ensure you get the best quality, comfort and vision correction.

Working with Your Eye Doctor

The next step is trying on trial lenses once you've chosen your lens material and specifications. Expect this hands-on session to last about 30 to 60 minutes, during which you'll test how the lenses feel and learn the skills needed to manage them safely at home. Your eye care provider will place trial lenses on your eyes to assess their fit and movement. After insertion, you'll wear them for around 15 minutes to let your tear film stabilize and any original tearing settle.

The provider will examine how the lens lines up with your cornea when you blink or look around using a slit lamp. They're checking for proper centering since lenses that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort or even harm your eyes. Your provider may make adjustments to the lenses based on what they observe during the follow-up. This might include modifying the base curve or diameter, or even switching to a different lens material for improved comfort and vision.

The Easy Way to Put in Contacts for Small Eyes

Wash and Prepare Your Hands

Clean hands prevent transferring dirt, debris and oil onto your contact lenses. Wash really well with oil-free and fragrance-free soap, then dry with a lint-free towel. Microfiber cloths work well for this purpose. Fingertips that are slightly damp can help prevent lenses from sticking too much or slipping off too fast. Set up a well-lit mirror before you begin and keep your contact lens case or blister packs within reach.

Check Your Contact Lens Is Right-Side Up

Place the contact lens on the tip of your index or middle finger. The lens should look like a tiny bowl. Flip it over if it looks like a dome or saucer. An inside-out lens will have flared edges, like the bowl has a little lip going all the way around. A contact lens that's positioned correctly will have a neat, unflared rim. Some lenses also have shapes or text printed on them that confirm proper orientation.

Hold Your Eyelids Open Properly

You'll find the biggest difference at this step when putting contact lenses in small eyes. Use your non-dominant hand to lift your upper eyelid. Meanwhile, use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull the lower lid down. Maximum space for insertion comes from this two-handed approach. Just hold your eyelids open gently without yanking them. Breathe normally and focus on keeping from blinking.

Position and Place the Lens

Look slightly up and out, not straight ahead. Bring your finger with the contact lens up to your eye slowly while watching in the mirror. Place the lens on the lower part of your eye gently. Touch the lens to your eye surface without pushing hard. The lens should leave your finger and adhere to the moisture coating your eye.

Blink and Center the Contact

Avoid blinking too fast after insertion. Close your eyes slowly, then blink a few times to center the lens. You can also look up, down, left and right to position it correctly. Check for any discomfort or blurry vision. Make sure the lens is centered by looking side to side.

Repeat for the Second Eye

Repeat the process with your other eye after the first lens feels comfortable and you're seeing clearly. Always start with the same eye for consistency. This helps avoid mix-ups, especially if your lenses have different prescriptions.

Contact Lens Options That Work Better for Small Eyes

Finding the right contact lenses can make a big difference if you have smaller eyes or smaller eyelid openings. While many people assume their eyes are “too small” for contacts, the real key is choosing a lens design that matches your eye shape, comfort needs, and wearing habits.

Factors such as lens diameter, material flexibility, edge design, and moisture retention all influence how easy a contact lens is to insert and how comfortable it feels throughout the day.

Soft Contact Lenses with Smaller Diameters

Soft contact lenses are often the first choice for people with smaller eyes because they are flexible, lightweight, and adapt naturally to the shape of the eye.

Contact lenses with smaller diameters typically range from 13mm to 15mm, making them easier to position and handle for some wearers. A smaller lens diameter may help reduce the feeling of the lens extending too far beyond the iris area, creating a more comfortable fit.

When choosing soft lenses for smaller eyes, look for features such as:

• Flexible lens materials that are easier to handle
• Smooth, thin edges for a more natural fit
• High oxygen permeability to support eye comfort
• Moisture-retaining technology to help reduce dryness
• Daily disposable options for a fresh and convenient wearing experience

For beginners, softer lenses with a balanced structure are often easier to apply because they maintain their shape while still feeling gentle on the eye.

Colored Contact Lenses for Small Eyes

For those who want to enhance their eye appearance, choosing the right colored contact lens design is especially important.

Large-diameter lenses with strong enlargement effects may create a dramatic look, but they can sometimes feel less natural on smaller eyes. A more balanced design with a moderate diameter and subtle color pattern can create a realistic enhancement.

Consider:

• Natural iris patterns
• Soft color transitions
• Smaller or medium lens diameters
• Less exaggerated enlargement effects

These features help the lenses blend better with your natural eye shape while maintaining a comfortable appearance.

Gas Permeable Contact Lenses for Small Eyes

If soft lenses still feel difficult to insert or do not provide the right fit, an eye care professional may recommend rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses.

Unlike soft lenses that cover part of the white area of the eye, RGP lenses sit mainly on the cornea and typically have a smaller diameter. This structure can make them easier to position for certain eye shapes.

However, RGP lenses usually require an adjustment period. Many first-time wearers notice that they feel different compared with soft lenses, and comfort often improves as the eyes adapt.

Which Contact Lenses Are Easier to Insert?

For many people with smaller eyes, soft lenses with a smaller diameter are usually easier to handle. Their flexible material allows them to fold slightly during insertion and adjust naturally once placed on the eye.

Helpful insertion tips include:

• Keep your eyelids fully open when applying the lens
• Place the lens gently onto the center of your eye
• Avoid rushing the process, especially when learning
• Make sure the lens is not inside out before insertion

Everyone's eye shape is different, so the easiest lens depends on your individual fit and comfort.

How to Choose the Right Contact Lenses for Small Eyes

The best contact lens is one that feels comfortable, stays centered, and provides clear vision throughout the day.

Before choosing a lens, consider:

• Your eye size and shape
• Your wearing schedule
• Whether your eyes become dry easily
• Whether you need vision correction
• Whether you prefer natural enhancement or a dramatic look

A professional eye exam and proper fitting can help determine the ideal lens diameter, curvature, and material for your eyes.

With the right design, even people with smaller eyes can enjoy comfortable contact lens wear and achieve the look they want.

Troubleshooting Tips and When to Get Help

What to Do If You Keep Blinking

A strong blink reflex disrupts insertion more than any other factor. Wash your hands really well and touch the white part of your eye to become more comfortable with eye contact. Apply lubricating contact lens drops approved to use with your lenses before insertion if your eyes feel dry. Focus on a fixed point straight ahead or slightly upward instead of watching the lens approach your eye. Rest your pinky finger or wrist against your cheek to improve control and reduce sudden movements. Your eyes usually become less sensitive with regular practice, and the blinking response decreases over time.

How to Handle Contacts That Move Around

Apply a drop or two of artificial tears to your eyes as contacts tend to get stuck on dry eyes. Slide the lens to the white of your eye (sclera) before pulling it off. Pull the lens downward towards your bottom lid. If something is stuck under a contact lens and causes grittiness, remove the lens and clean it on both sides with solution. Store the lens in its case, then flush your eye with cool, sterile water.

Signs Your Contacts Don't Fit Right

If your contacts feel uncomfortable or foreign in your eyes, make sure they aren't inside out or torn. Persistent eye pain or irritation signals a problem. Watch for redness that does not improve, excessive tearing or discharge, blurred vision, light sensitivity, or a sensation that something is stuck in your eye. Contacts that aren't fit right can be hard to put in.

When to Contact Your Eye Doctor

Schedule an examination if discomfort continues even after removing and cleaning the lenses. Visit your eye doctor right away if you notice eye pain that gets worse or lasts for more than a day, itching or burning, red eye, blurry vision that appears suddenly, watery eyes or discharge, or a buildup of crust or pus on your eyelids or lashes. Prompt attention can help prevent minor issues from developing into more serious eye health concerns.

Conclusion

Above all, note that struggling with contact insertion when you have small eyes doesn't mean contacts aren't for you. Focus on finding the right lens diameter and base curve through your eye doctor and practice the proper eyelid-holding technique until it becomes second nature.

Most people become skilled at insertion within a few days to a couple of weeks, faster than they expected. The key is choosing smaller diameter lenses or gas permeable contacts designed to meet your needs and then doing the step-by-step insertion method outlined here.

Your narrow eyelid opening is a technical challenge with a practical solution, not a barrier to comfortable contact lens wear.

FAQs

Q1. Can you wear contact lenses if you have small eyes? Yes, you can definitely wear contact lenses if you have small eyes. You have several options available, including soft contact lenses with smaller diameters or rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses that are as small as 8 millimeters. Working with your eye doctor to find the right fit will make insertion easier and more comfortable.

Q2. How long does it typically take to learn how to insert contact lenses? Most people master contact lens insertion within a few days to a couple of weeks with regular practice. Initially, it may take longer as you overcome the natural blink reflex and develop the proper technique. With consistent practice and the right approach, the process becomes second nature much faster than most people expect.

Q3. What should you do if you keep blinking when trying to insert contacts? To reduce excessive blinking, try gently touching the white part of your eye to become more comfortable with eye contact. Focus on a fixed point straight ahead or slightly upward instead of watching the lens approach. You can also rest your pinky finger or wrist against your cheek for better control and stability during insertion.

Q4. How do you know if your contact lenses don't fit properly? Signs of improper fit include persistent discomfort or a foreign body sensation, contacts that move around excessively when you blink, difficulty inserting the lenses, blurred or unstable vision, significant redness, excessive tearing, or light sensitivity. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your eye doctor for an evaluation.

Q5. What's the best technique for holding your eyelids open when inserting contacts? Use your non-dominant hand to gently lift your upper eyelid while using the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower lid. This two-handed approach creates maximum space for insertion, especially helpful for those with smaller eyelid openings. Hold your eyelids gently without yanking, and remember to breathe normally throughout the process.