Contact lenses are a convenient way to correct vision, but removal can sometimes feel daunting, especially when encountering resistance. Safe removal techniques are necessary to prevent irritation, infection, or corneal damage. Common difficulties, such as a lens drying out or shifting position, can be managed with the right approach. Knowing the proper steps for standard removal and how to troubleshoot common issues ensures a safe experience.
Preparation and Standard Removal Methods
Meticulous hand hygiene is the first step before touching your eyes or lenses. You must thoroughly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap and warm water, paying attention to the areas between your fingers and the backs of your hands. Drying your hands with a clean, lint-free towel is important to prevent transferring contaminants or debris to the lens and eye surface.
Before attempting removal, ensure the lens is mobile by blinking a few times or applying a single drop of rewetting solution. This lubrication helps break the natural suction holding the lens to the cornea, making the process smoother. Always begin with the same eye first to avoid accidentally mixing up lenses, especially if you have different prescriptions.
The most common method for soft lens removal is the pinch technique, using the pads of your index finger and thumb to gently grip the lens. Position your fingers on the outer edges of the lens and bring them together to fold the lens slightly, lifting it away from the eye’s surface.
Alternatively, the slide method involves using one finger to gently slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye, which is less sensitive than the central cornea. Once the lens is on the white part, you can use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch and remove it. This slide-and-pinch action reduces the risk of accidentally scratching the cornea.
Troubleshooting a Stuck or Dry Lens
A lens that resists standard removal is often a sign of dryness, causing the lens material to adhere firmly to the cornea. Attempting to force a stuck lens off the eye can easily lead to a corneal abrasion, which is a painful scratch. The immediate goal when facing a stuck lens is to re-moisturize it completely, not to pull harder.
Apply two to three drops of contact lens rewetting solution or sterile saline directly into the affected eye. These solutions hydrate the lens and lubricate the space between the lens and the eye, allowing the lens to regain flexibility. Close your eye for about 60 seconds, allowing the solution sufficient time to soak into the lens material and break the tight adherence.
After waiting, gently massage your closed eyelid to help the lens begin to move and float freely on the tear film. If you feel the lens shift, open your eye and attempt the standard pinch or slide method again. It may be necessary to repeat the rewetting process several times, but patience is required to safely remove the lens. If the lens remains firmly stuck after multiple attempts, stop and seek professional guidance from an eye care specialist.
Dealing with a Displaced or Hidden Lens
A contact lens can sometimes fold or shift off the cornea and become displaced under the upper or lower eyelid, leading to a feeling that the lens is “lost.” Remember that a lens cannot physically travel to the back of the eye due to the conjunctiva, a protective membrane connecting the inside of the eyelid to the eyeball surface.
To locate a displaced lens, first apply rewetting drops or sterile saline to lubricate the area and help float the lens. Look into a mirror and gently pull your lower eyelid down, then look upward to check the lower area of the eye. If you suspect the lens is under the upper eyelid, look down as far as possible while gently lifting the upper lid to bring the lens into view.
Once the lens is located, attempt to maneuver it back onto the cornea by gently massaging your closed eyelid or applying light pressure to the outside of the eyelid toward the eye’s center. If a portion of the lens is visible, use a finger to carefully slide it back over the cornea for normal removal. If the lens cannot be retrieved after several gentle attempts, or if your eye becomes increasingly painful, red, or irritated, discontinue the process. Persistent discomfort or visible injury requires prompt attention from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.