Rigid gas permeable (RGP) contact lenses, often called hard contacts, are distinct from soft lenses due to their firm material and smaller diameter. These lenses retain their shape and float on a thin cushion of tears, allowing oxygen to pass directly to the cornea. While a suction tool (plunger) is the standard removal method, wearers should know manual techniques that use the eyelids to gently break the lens’s seal. Safety and hygiene are paramount when handling RGP lenses to prevent corneal damage or eye infection.
Essential Preparation and Safety
Before beginning any manual removal process, hand hygiene is mandatory to protect the delicate eye surface. Wash hands thoroughly using a non-moisturizing soap and warm water, then dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel. Dry fingertips provide a better grip and prevent waterborne microbes from contacting the eye.
Work in a well-lit area, ideally in front of a mirror. Position yourself over a stable, clean surface covered with a soft, light-colored towel; this ensures that if the small lens falls, it is caught safely and is easy to locate. If the lens feels excessively dry or stuck, apply a few drops of approved rewetting solution or sterile saline a few minutes beforehand to lubricate the eye and make the lens easier to dislodge.
Primary Removal Technique: The Eyelid Method
The Eyelid Method is the most common non-plunger technique, leveraging the natural tension of the eyelids to pop the lens out. Begin by leaning over your prepared surface and looking straight ahead into a mirror. Place your index finger near the outer corner of your upper eyelid, right at the edge of the lashes.
Simultaneously, place your thumb near the outer corner of the lower eyelid, close to the lash line. Pull the eyelids taut toward your ear to create tension in the skin. This tension traps the edge of the lens, preventing it from moving.
With the eyelids pulled firmly toward the temple, open your eye wide and execute a quick, forceful blink. The rapid movement of the stretched eyelids catches the edge of the rigid lens, breaking the suction seal. The lens should be propelled out of the eye, ideally falling onto the clean towel below. If the lens does not come out, blink normally to re-lubricate, and then repeat the process with increased tension and a faster blink.
Alternative Removal Technique: The Finger Lift Method
If the Eyelid Method is unsuccessful, the Finger Lift Method offers an alternative way to break the seal. After ensuring your hands are clean and completely dry, look upward and away from the center of the eye. This shifts the lens slightly downward, exposing its lower edge.
Use the pad of a clean, dry fingertip to gently touch the exposed edge of the lens. Avoid touching the sensitive center of the lens or the cornea itself. Carefully slide the lens down onto the white part of the eye (sclera), where it is less sensitive.
Once the lens is on the sclera, use the soft pads of your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens off. This action causes the lens to slightly fold or lift away from the eye surface. Exercise caution to ensure that fingernails do not scratch the cornea.
Troubleshooting and When to Stop
A common issue is a lens that feels stuck or will not dislodge easily, often due to dryness. If the lens remains stubbornly in place after a few attempts, immediately stop the manual manipulation. Apply several drops of rewetting solution or sterile saline directly into the eye and wait for 10 to 15 minutes while blinking gently.
This waiting period allows the fluid to seep between the lens and the cornea, releasing the suction. After waiting, try the Eyelid Method again, as the lubrication should make the lens more mobile. Avoid repeated, forceful attempts, as excessive pressure or rubbing can cause a corneal abrasion.
If the lens is displaced and lodged under an eyelid, close the eye and gently massage the lid to encourage the lens to move back toward the center. Seek immediate professional care if you experience severe, persistent pain, increased redness, or a feeling of something lodged in the eye. Also consult a professional if the lens cannot be located after several gentle attempts, even if discomfort is minimal.