The process of removing a contact lens can be frustrating, especially if the lens seems reluctant to come out. This difficulty often leads wearers to rush or use unsafe techniques, which increases the risk of corneal damage or eye infection. The clear front surface of the eye is delicate, and forceful handling can cause tiny abrasions. Approaching removal with a clear understanding of proper technique and patience is the first step toward protecting your eye health and ensuring a smooth experience.
Proper Preparation and Standard Removal Methods
The safe removal of a contact lens begins with meticulous hygiene to prevent the introduction of microorganisms into the eye. Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-lotion soap and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your eyes or lenses. Performing the removal over a clean, well-lit surface, such as a mirror on a counter, can help you locate a lens if it accidentally drops.
The most common and effective technique for soft lenses is the “pinch” method, which starts by looking upward. Use the index or middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently hold your upper eyelid open, and the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower lid. With the pad of your dominant index finger, gently slide the lens down from the cornea onto the white of your eye.
Once the lens is situated on the sclera, use the pads of your dominant thumb and index finger to gently squeeze the lens, causing it to fold slightly and lift away from the eye’s surface. This sliding motion reduces the risk of scratching the central cornea during removal. An alternative technique involves using the index finger to simply slide the lens all the way down and off the lower edge of the eye. The goal is to break the lens’s suction seal and lift it off with the soft pads of your fingers, not the nail tips.
Addressing Lenses That Are Stuck or Dry
One of the most frequent reasons a contact lens resists standard removal is dryness, which causes the material to adhere tightly to the cornea. If the lens is centered but feels “glued” to your eye, do not attempt to force it off, as this can cause a corneal abrasion. The immediate solution is to rehydrate the lens and the eye surface to restore the lens’s flexibility and mobility.
Apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or contact lens rewetting drops directly into the eye, ensuring the product is approved for use with contacts. It is important to avoid using tap water or non-specific eye drops, as these can introduce contaminants or cause irritation. Close your eye and blink several times after lubrication to help spread the moisture and allow the lens to re-absorb water.
If the lens remains stuck after a minute or two, gently massage the closed eyelid over the lens to encourage it to float slightly. If the lens still does not move easily, wait 10 to 15 minutes and repeat the lubrication process. The goal is to make the lens pliable enough to be removed with the standard pinch or slide technique without excessive force.
Locating and Retrieving Displaced Lenses
A common worry when a lens is not immediately visible is that it has slipped “behind” the eye, but the anatomy of the eye prevents this from happening. A continuous membrane called the conjunctiva connects the inside of your eyelids to the surface of your eyeball, forming a barrier. A lens that has moved off-center is most likely folded and lodged beneath the upper eyelid.
To locate a lens suspected to be under the upper lid, look sharply in the opposite direction, toward your lower cheek. This movement helps shift the lens back onto the visible part of the eye. If the lens is still not visible, close your eyelid and gently massage the area where you feel the lens is located, moving your fingertip toward the center of the eye. Once the lens is visible on the white of the eye, you can attempt the standard removal technique.
If, despite gentle maneuvering and lubrication, the lens cannot be retrieved, or if your eye becomes red, painful, or feels scratched, stop immediately. Continuing to rub an irritated eye can cause further damage, and professional help from an eye care specialist should be sought.