Daily disposable contact lenses are designed for single-use, offering a fresh, sterile lens each day, which promotes eye health. Since these lenses are discarded after a single day, the removal process must be performed carefully to avoid irritating the eye. Understanding the correct, gentle technique is important for all wearers, particularly those new to contact lenses, to ensure a comfortable and safe end to the wearing cycle. This article offers a step-by-step guide to removing daily lenses safely and hygienically.
Essential Preparation Steps
Before touching your eyes or the lenses, thoroughly wash your hands using soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This step reduces the risk of transferring bacteria, oils, or other contaminants from your fingers to your eye surface, which could lead to infection. After washing, dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel. Wet fingertips can cause the soft lens material to stick to your skin, making removal difficult.
Establish a clean, well-lit area for the removal process, such as a counter or table, to help you see clearly and prevent the lens from being lost if dropped. Performing the removal over a clean towel can catch the lens, especially when working over a sink where a dropped lens could go down the drain. Always begin with the same eye, such as the right eye, to establish a routine. This routine prevents accidental mix-ups, which is relevant if you have different prescriptions for each eye.
The Standard Removal Technique
To begin the removal, look up toward the ceiling while using the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull your lower eyelid down, exposing the white part of your eye below the iris. Using the index finger of your dominant hand, gently touch the contact lens surface and slide it downward onto the sclera (the white area of the eye). Moving the lens off the central, more sensitive cornea makes the next step more comfortable.
Once the lens is positioned on the white of the eye, use the pads of your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens off the eye’s surface. The lens should fold slightly in the middle, breaking the suction seal. Use the soft pads of your fingers, not your fingernails, to avoid scratching the lens or the delicate eye tissue. The lens should come off smoothly; if it resists, the lens may need rewetting before a second attempt.
Troubleshooting: When Lenses Stick or Are Difficult to Locate
A lens that feels stuck often indicates dryness, which can happen if you have worn the lenses for an extended period or fallen asleep while wearing them. If the centered lens is difficult to remove, use preservative-free saline solution or rewetting drops approved for contact lenses to rehydrate the lens and eye surface. Allow the drops to sit for 30 seconds to a minute before attempting the standard removal technique again.
If the lens has moved off center and is difficult to locate, it is most likely positioned under the upper eyelid, causing a sensation of a foreign object. To coax the lens back into view, look in the direction opposite to where you feel the lens is located (e.g., looking down if it is under the upper lid). Gently massaging the closed eyelid can help the lens reposition itself back toward the center of the eye, where it can be removed with the standard pinching method.
Post-Removal Care and Disposal
Once the daily contact lens is removed, dispose of it immediately, as it is a single-use product not intended for cleaning or re-wear. Place the used lens directly into the household trash. Never flush it down the toilet or sink drain, as contact lenses are plastic items that contribute to microplastic pollution in wastewater systems. Some specialized recycling programs exist for contact lenses and their packaging, offering an alternative to standard disposal.
After disposal, take a moment to check the condition of your eyes in a mirror, noting any signs of excessive redness, irritation, or persistent discomfort. If your eye feels irritated, use a few drops of artificial tears to soothe the surface. If symptoms like pain, blurred vision, or severe redness persist, consult an eye care professional, as these could indicate a minor abrasion or reaction requiring attention.