Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, but their safe use depends heavily on a meticulous removal process. Learning the correct technique is fundamental to maintaining eye health. Improper removal can lead to corneal abrasions, introduce bacteria, and increase the risk of painful eye infections. A consistent, careful routine protects the delicate surface of the eye and ensures the longevity of your lenses. Mastering the steps allows for comfortable, worry-free lens wear.
Essential Hygiene Before Removal
The process of contact lens removal must always begin with thorough preparation to prevent the introduction of microbes into the eye. Washing your hands with soap and water is the foundational step, and this should be done for at least 20 seconds to effectively remove dirt and germs. It is important to select a mild, non-lotion soap, as the oils and fragrances in many cosmetic soaps can transfer to the lens surface and cause irritation or damage the lens material.
Once washed, hands must be dried completely using a clean, lint-free towel or paper towel. Water, including tap water, can harbor microorganisms that are harmful to the eye, making it necessary to have bone-dry fingers for handling the lenses. A dry fingertip also provides the necessary grip to manipulate the lens. Establishing a clean workspace, ideally away from the sink basin, further reduces the risk of contamination.
Standard Techniques for Lens Removal
Successful routine removal requires a gentle touch and control over the eyelids to prevent reflex blinking. Many wearers find it helpful to always start with the same eye first, such as the right eye, to avoid confusing the two lenses if they have different prescriptions. Using the middle finger of the non-dominant hand to hold the upper eyelid and the middle finger of the dominant hand to pull down the lower lid stabilizes the eye and provides a wide opening.
Soft Lenses (Pinch Technique)
For soft contact lenses, the most common and effective method is the pinch technique. Look slightly up or to the side, then use the pad of your index finger to gently slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye, or the sclera. Once the lens is off the cornea, where it is more sensitive, you can gently pinch it with the pads of your thumb and index finger. This allows the lens to fold slightly and lift away from the eye. This method minimizes contact with the central, most sensitive area of the cornea.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are removed using a different approach that relies on eyelid tension rather than a direct pinch. After stabilizing the eye by pulling the upper and lower eyelids wide, the wearer leans over a soft surface. A swift, firm movement where the skin at the outer corner of the eye is pulled toward the ear causes the eyelids to close and blink tightly. The pressure from the closing eyelids breaks the lens’s suction and causes it to “pop” out onto the hand or surface below. If this technique is difficult, a small, specialized suction tool, sometimes called a plunger, can be moistened with saline and applied directly to the lens to lift it off.
Addressing Lenses That Are Stuck or Dry
A lens that feels stuck often indicates that it has become dried out and is clinging to the eye’s surface. If this occurs, attempting to remove it without lubrication can cause discomfort or damage the eye. The first corrective action is to rehydrate the eye and the lens using contact lens rewetting drops or sterile saline solution, which are distinct from standard storage solution.
After applying a few drops, wait several minutes, blinking frequently to distribute the moisture and allow the lens to regain its flexibility. Once lubricated, the lens should move more freely and can be removed using the standard pinch method. If the lens has migrated and become lodged under the upper eyelid, a gentle massage of the closed eyelid can help reposition the lens back toward the center of the eye where it can be seen and removed. Avoid excessive force or rubbing, and if the lens remains stubbornly stuck after several attempts, contact an eye care professional for assistance to prevent injury.
Immediate Post-Removal Care
Once the lens is successfully removed, the immediate next step depends on the lens type. Daily disposable lenses should be discarded immediately, but reusable lenses require cleaning and disinfection to remove protein deposits and microorganisms accumulated throughout the day.
This cleaning process involves placing the lens in the palm of a clean hand, adding a few drops of fresh multipurpose solution, and gently rubbing the lens for about 20 seconds. After rubbing, the lens must be thoroughly rinsed with more fresh solution before being placed in a clean lens case filled with new, sterile solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as its disinfecting properties diminish over time, and never use tap water, which can introduce dangerous pathogens. The empty lens case should also be rinsed with solution and left open to air dry between uses to prevent bacterial growth and ensure proper hygiene for the next use. Finally, inspect your eye for any redness or irritation, and if discomfort persists, wear glasses for a period to allow the eye to rest and recover.