Gas permeable (GP) contact lenses, often referred to as rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, are made from a firm, durable plastic material that allows oxygen to pass directly through to the cornea. Their rigid structure and smaller diameter mean they cover less of the eye’s surface compared to soft lenses. Unlike soft lenses that are removed by a gentle pinch, GP lenses adhere to the cornea through a surface tension seal. Removing them requires specific techniques, such as manual eyelid methods or specialized tools, to break this seal without damaging the lens or the eye.
Essential Preparation Steps
Before attempting to remove a GP lens, proper hygiene and preparation are necessary to prevent eye infection or lens loss. Thoroughly wash your hands with a mild soap and water, paying close attention to cleaning under the fingernails. Dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel to prevent the transfer of microorganisms or lint fibers onto the lens surface or into the eye.
Establish a clean, well-lit workspace, ideally over a flat surface covered with a soft, clean towel. This setup ensures that if the small, rigid lens pops out unexpectedly, it is caught safely and is easy to locate. Have your clean lens storage case, filled with fresh conditioning or disinfecting solution, immediately accessible before you begin the removal procedure.
The Manual Removal Technique
The most common method for removing a GP lens involves using the eyelids to generate tension and break the lens’s suction seal on the cornea. This technique, sometimes called the “pull and blink” method, relies on precise finger placement and a controlled, rapid motion. Begin by looking straight ahead or slightly down into a mirror while holding your head steady over your prepared surface.
With the index finger of one hand, firmly place it near the outer corner of the eye, directly on the skin where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Pull the skin tautly toward your ear or temple, stretching the eyelid tissue horizontally. This stretching motion tightens the lids around the lens’s edge, positioning them to apply even pressure.
While maintaining this tension, execute a quick, forceful blink. This causes the edges of the eyelids to press against the lens. The sudden, concentrated pressure from the taut eyelids should break the surface tension, causing the lens to be ejected from the eye. Be ready to cup your free hand under the eye to catch the small, rigid lens as it comes out.
Removing Lenses With a Suction Tool
A specialized suction tool provides an alternative method for individuals who find the manual technique challenging or have dexterity issues. This tool must be moistened before use, typically with a drop of saline or contact lens solution, to help it adhere effectively and prevent excessive sticking.
Hold the plunger by its handle and gently bring its concave end toward your eye, aiming to touch the center of the lens directly. Once the suction cup makes contact, a gentle pressure will create a vacuum seal between the tool and the lens surface. With the lens securely attached, pull the tool straight away from the eye in one smooth, controlled motion to remove the lens.
After removal, the lens must be released from the tool by sliding it sideways off the cup, rather than pulling it straight off. Sliding the lens minimizes the risk of chipping or warping the lens material. The tool should be cleaned and stored in its own clean case after each use to maintain hygiene.
Troubleshooting Stuck or Displaced Lenses
Occasionally, a GP lens may feel stuck or may have shifted from its central position on the cornea. If the lens feels tightly adhered, it is often due to a lack of lubrication caused by dryness or a tight fit. Apply a few drops of lubricating or rewetting solution directly to the eye and wait for several minutes, blinking gently to allow the solution to work under the lens.
Do not attempt to force the lens out if it is stuck, as this can cause corneal abrasion. After the few minutes of lubrication, try the manual removal technique again, as the rewetting drops should have helped restore the necessary fluid layer beneath the lens to break the seal.
If the lens has migrated away from the center of the cornea onto the white of the eye (sclera), it is considered displaced. First, locate the lens by looking into a mirror. Then, look in the opposite direction of where the lens is located; for example, if the lens is under the upper lid, look down. Gently massage the closed eyelid in the direction of the cornea, guiding the lens back to its proper central position. Once the lens is centered, you can use either the manual removal or the suction tool method to take it out.