Hard contact lenses, formally known as Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, offer clear vision but require a specific technique for removal. Unlike soft lenses, RGP lenses are firm and adhere closely to the cornea, relying on breaking the suction seal created between the lens and the eye’s surface. Mastering the correct, gentle procedure is important, as improper removal can cause irritation or damage to the delicate front surface of the eye.
Essential Preparation Before Handling Lenses
Meticulous hand hygiene is the most important step before touching your eyes or lenses. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-cosmetic soap, avoiding lotions, perfumes, or creams, as these can transfer residue and irritate the eye. Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of fibers or moisture, which can affect lens handling.
Prepare a clean, stable environment for removal. Work over a clean, well-lit table and place a light-colored towel beneath you to catch the lens if it drops. Gather necessary supplies, including your lens case filled with fresh solution, a mirror, and the rubber suction cup or plunger if you plan to use that method. This preparation minimizes the risk of infection and ensures you do not lose the lens if it pops out unexpectedly.
Primary Methods for RGP Lens Removal
The most common method for removing RGP lenses without tools is the manual or blink technique. Look straight ahead, and with one finger, firmly pull the skin at the outer corner of your eye, stretching it toward your ear. While maintaining this tension, open your eyes wide and blink forcefully. This sudden, tight action catches the edge of the lens, breaks the suction, and causes it to pop out, ideally onto your palm or the clean towel below.
An alternative manual approach is the two-finger method. Place one finger on the upper eyelid margin and another on the lower eyelid margin, positioning them near the center of the lens. Gently press the lid margins inward and together, or pull the eyelids away from the nose, keeping the edges of the lids close to the eyeball. This action wedges the lens out from the eye’s surface and helps lift it away.
Using a Suction Cup (Plunger)
For those who find manual methods difficult, a small suction cup (plunger or DMV device) is an effective tool. Ensure the tip is clean; moistening it slightly with sterile saline can help it adhere. While looking straight ahead, gently touch the concave tip directly onto the center of the lens. Once the lens adheres via gentle suction, pull the tool straight away from the eye in a smooth, consistent motion.
Release the lens carefully by sliding it sideways off the cup, rather than pulling it straight off, which can cause damage. This method is helpful for beginners or individuals with dexterity issues, providing a controlled means of breaking the lens-to-cornea seal. Always clean the suction cup after use to maintain hygiene.
Addressing Lenses That Are Stuck or Displaced
If the RGP lens feels stuck, it is usually due to a lack of lubrication causing it to suction tightly to the cornea. Apply several drops of a sterile saline solution or rewetting drops approved for RGP lenses. Close your eye and blink several times, or gently massage the closed upper eyelid to help the fluid move beneath the lens and rehydrate the area.
If the lens is displaced onto the white part of the eye, locate its position using a mirror. To re-center it, look in the opposite direction from where the lens is located (e.g., if it is under the upper eyelid, look down). Use a fingertip placed on the eyelid next to the lens edge to gently nudge or manipulate the lens back onto the central cornea.
If the lens is firmly stuck but centered, attempt to break the seal by gently pressing on the edge of the lens with your eyelid margin. Alternatively, gently press near the edge of the lens on the white of your eye using a clean fingertip to create a slight indentation. This action can momentarily deform the eye’s surface, allowing air or fluid to flow underneath and release the suction.
When Removal Attempts Require Professional Intervention
If the lens remains stuck after multiple gentle removal attempts, stop and consult an eye care professional. Continued forceful attempts can cause a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the surface of the eye). If you experience severe, persistent eye pain, excessive redness, or a sharp, scratching sensation after removal attempts, seek immediate attention.
These symptoms indicate potential corneal damage, requiring a professional examination to prevent infection and promote healing. If you cannot locate the lens after searching, or suspect it is lodged deep under the eyelid, an optometrist or ophthalmologist has the specialized tools to safely locate and remove it. Never use household tools or non-sterile liquids to dislodge the lens, as this significantly increases the risk of serious eye injury or infection.