Wearing contact lenses is a significant change, and removing a medical device worn directly on the eye surface can cause nervousness the first time. These thin, curved pieces provide vision correction, resting on the tear film of the eye. While the initial process may feel awkward, acquiring dexterity happens quickly through practice. This guide focuses on the steps needed for a smooth and safe first-time lens removal.
Essential Preparation and Hygiene
Establishing a sterile environment is paramount for protecting ocular health. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with mild soap and water, scrubbing between the fingers and under the nails for at least twenty seconds. Rinse completely and dry your hands using a lint-free towel or cloth to prevent transferring debris or fibers to the lens surface. Use a designated, brightly lit, and clean flat surface for supplies. Ensure your clean lens storage case is open and filled with fresh, unexpired disinfecting solution, ready for immediate use.
Step-by-Step Removal Techniques
Position yourself directly in front of a mirror, which helps guide your movements and maintain focus on the lens. The non-dominant hand secures the upper and lower eyelids to prevent involuntary blinking and keep the eye surface taut. Use your middle finger to hold the lower lid down firmly against the orbital rim, while the index finger of the same hand holds the upper lid up near the lash line. Maintaining this wide, stable opening is often considered the most difficult part of the process for a beginner.
Next, tilt your head slightly forward and look upward toward the ceiling, shifting your gaze away from the center of the eye where the lens rests. With the index finger of your dominant hand, gently touch the surface of the contact lens. Slide the lens down from the transparent cornea onto the white sclera, where the eye is significantly less sensitive to touch. Moving the lens off the central dome makes the subsequent step of physically grasping the lens much more comfortable.
Once the lens is situated on the lower sclera, use the pads of the thumb and index finger of your dominant hand to gently squeeze the lens. Avoid using the sharp edge of the fingernails, as this risks tearing the lens or causing a scratch to the delicate eye surface. When the lens folds slightly upon itself, it should detach easily from the moist surface due to the break in surface tension. This action is commonly described as a gentle “pinch” or “taco fold” maneuver.
This “slide and pinch” method is the standard approach for soft hydrogel and silicone hydrogel lenses, which constitute the majority of prescriptions for new wearers. Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, however, require a different technique that relies on manipulating the eyelids and a forceful blink. If you are wearing RGP lenses, your eye care professional likely demonstrated a method that involves pulling the temporal skin taut and blinking hard to create pressure that dislodges the lens. Always confirm the specific removal technique prescribed for your particular lens type.
Handling Common First-Time Difficulties
A common difficulty is when the lens feels dry and resists the initial sliding motion. If this occurs, do not attempt to force the lens or rub your eye, as this can cause corneal irritation and micro-abrasions. Instead, apply a few drops of sterile rewetting drops approved for contact lenses directly to the eye and wait for ten to fifteen minutes. The added moisture will rehydrate the lens material, allowing it to move freely again and making the subsequent removal attempt much smoother.
Sometimes, the lens may slide away from the central position and tuck beneath the upper or lower eyelid. Remember that a lens cannot physically travel to the back of the eye because of the protective conjunctival membrane that seals the space. To retrieve a displaced lens, look in the direction opposite to where the lens is located—for example, if it is under the upper lid, look down toward your feet. Gently massage the closed eyelid in a circular motion to coax the lens back into the central viewing area where it can be easily grasped.
The eye naturally reacts to foreign objects, and excessive tearing or involuntary blinking is a normal physiological response during the first few removal attempts. Remaining calm is the most effective tool, as tension only makes the eye muscles tighten and the eyelids harder to control. If you have made several unsuccessful attempts, step away from the mirror for several minutes, breathe deeply, and re-wash your hands before trying again.
Post-Removal Lens and Eye Care
Once the lens is successfully removed, immediate cleaning and storage are necessary to prepare it for the next wear cycle and ensure sanitation. Place the lens in the palm of your clean hand, add a few drops of fresh solution, and gently rub the lens surface with your finger for the recommended duration to dislodge protein and debris. Rinse the lens thoroughly with more solution before placing it into the case well filled with a completely new batch of disinfecting solution. Never reuse old solution or substitute it with tap water, which harbors harmful microorganisms. If your eyes feel irritated or dry after removal, approved comfort drops can be applied to soothe the ocular surface.