Removing a contact lens by pinching it directly on the cornea, the clear dome at the front of the eye, often causes apprehension or discomfort. This technique requires direct contact with the sensitive center of the eye, which can trigger a strong blinking reflex. Alternative, non-pinching techniques provide a safe and effective way to remove lenses. These methods focus on manipulating the lens off the cornea first, reducing irritation and simplifying the final removal step.
Necessary Preparation Before Removal
Proper preparation improves the safety and ease of lens removal, regardless of the method chosen. Before touching your eyes or lenses, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water for at least twenty seconds. Hands must then be dried completely using a clean, lint-free towel, as wet fingers struggle to grip the lens effectively.
If the lens feels dry, adding lubrication prevents friction and potential irritation. A few drops of sterile saline or rewetting drops, formulated for contact lenses, can rehydrate the lens material. This helps the lens regain flexibility and move more freely, making subsequent removal smoother.
The Finger-Slide Removal Technique
The finger-slide technique is the most common non-pinching method, moving the lens onto the less sensitive white part of the eye (the sclera) before lifting it off. Use the middle finger of one hand to hold down the lower eyelid firmly, creating a wide opening. Look slightly upward to expose more of the lower sclera.
With the index finger, gently touch the bottom edge of the contact lens. Apply light pressure and smoothly slide the lens downward, off the cornea and onto the sclera. This action dislodges the lens from the center of the eye and often causes it to wrinkle slightly.
Once the lens is situated on the sclera, use the thumb and index finger to gently compress the lens at its edges. This light compression causes the lens to fold into a “taco” shape, lifting it completely away from the eye’s surface. The lens can then be easily removed with the finger pads, avoiding harsh scraping or direct pinching.
Alternative Removal Aids
Specialized tools offer an alternative for individuals who struggle with finger manipulation or have long fingernails. These aids simplify the removal process by providing a controlled, non-finger contact method. Common tools include soft-tipped tweezers or small plunger-style devices.
Soft-tipped tweezers are made of pliable silicone and allow the user to gently grasp the lens without using fingernails. Plunger-style tools feature a small, soft cup that lightly adheres to the lens and lifts it straight off the eye. While effective, these tools must be cleaned meticulously after every use with sterile solution to prevent the introduction of bacteria.