Tips for overcoming contact lens anxiety

Q: How do I get over my fear of touching my eye?

Practice gentle touches around your eye without lenses. Gradually get comfortable with having your fingers near your eyeball, and have patience with yourself.

Q: What if I’m worried about hurting myself?

Your eye care professional can show you the correct techniques to reduce the risk of injury. Practice these techniques, go slowly, and be patient.

Q: What is the fear of eyes called?

The fear of eyes is called ommetaphobia, and it’s usually characterized by a person feeling fear or stress when seeing or thinking about eyes. This may lead to avoiding eye contact, avoiding situations involving eyes and physical symptoms like sweating and trembling.

Q: Is it okay to practice handling my lenses?

Yes, if you’re uncomfortable handling your contact lenses, you can practice, but be sure to wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling them. If they’re disposable, throw it out if you aren’t going to put them on. If they’re reusable, make sure to clean and store them when you’re done practicing.

Medically reviewed on August 11, 2025

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Published on November 12, 2025

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5 min read

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do I get over my fear of touching my eye?

What if I’m worried about hurting myself?

What is the fear of eyes called?

Is it okay to practice handling my lenses?