The desire to remove contact lenses without touching the eye directly is common, especially for new wearers. While traditional methods involve a direct pinch on the cornea, alternative techniques and specialized tools allow for safer, less invasive removal. The goal is to manipulate the lens onto the surrounding white part of the eye (sclera) or to use mechanical assistance. This approach reduces discomfort and anxiety while prioritizing the health of the delicate corneal surface.
Essential Preparation Steps
Establishing a clean environment is necessary before any removal process to minimize the risk of eye infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-perfumed soap and water for at least 20 seconds, as hands are the primary vector for transferring bacteria and debris.
Dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent moisture from interfering with the lens grip or removal device. A well-lit area is necessary to clearly visualize the lens on the eye’s surface for non-contact methods. Keep a clean, flat surface nearby to safely place the removed lens.
Ensure contact lens solution and rewetting drops are readily accessible. Rewetting drops are preventative; a lubricated lens is less likely to adhere firmly to the eye, making removal smoother. Proper preparation reduces the need for rushed movements and aggressive manipulation.
Manual Techniques Minimizing Eye Contact
The most effective manual technique to avoid direct corneal contact is the “slide and wipe” or “push-off” method, which utilizes the eyelids and outer eye surface. Begin by looking up and using the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull down the lower eyelid. This creates a stable platform for the lens to be moved.
Use the pad of your dominant index finger to gently touch the contact lens and slide it downward onto the white part of the eye, below the iris. Moving the lens off the central, sensitive cornea reduces discomfort and injury risk. Once the lens is on the sclera, it is much looser and easier to handle.
With the lens positioned on the white of the eye, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger. Alternatively, use the index finger to gently wipe the lens off the eye’s surface and onto the lower lid. Use the soft pads of your fingers, not fingernails, to grasp the lens by its edge. This process avoids direct contact with the cornea.
Specialized Contact Lens Removal Devices
Specialized devices offer a mechanical advantage for those who prefer a non-finger approach or struggle with manual dexterity. Common tools include soft-tipped tweezers, often designed with silicone or rubberized ends, and small suction-cup tools. These devices adhere to the lens itself rather than touching the sensitive eye surface.
Soft-tipped tweezers gently grasp the edge of the soft lens, allowing the user to peel it off without pinching. The gentle, curved tips minimize the risk of tearing the lens or scratching the eye. Suction-cup tools, while more common for rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are sometimes adapted for soft lenses, using a slight vacuum to lift the lens.
Maintain strict hygiene for these tools, cleaning them with contact lens solution or warm water before and after each use. Always confirm the device is specifically approved for your lens type, as using an RGP tool on a soft lens can cause damage. These tools are helpful for individuals with long fingernails or a strong aversion to touching their eye.
Handling Lenses That Won’t Budge
A stuck or dry lens is a common complication, typically due to dehydration. If the centered lens feels tight, apply several drops of a lubricating or rewetting solution made for contact lenses. These drops rehydrate the lens material and the underlying tear film.
After applying the rewetting drops, close your eye and wait 10 to 15 minutes to allow the lens to fully rehydrate and loosen its grip. Once re-moisturized, gently blink several times to encourage movement before attempting the slide and wipe technique again. Do not rub the eye, as this can cause corneal abrasion.
If the lens has shifted and feels lodged under the upper eyelid, look in the opposite direction of the suspected location (e.g., look down if it is under the top lid). While looking away, gently massage the closed eyelid in a circular motion to encourage the lens to slide back toward the center. This rehydration-focused approach is safer than aggressive manual attempts.