Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses are smaller and firmer than soft contact lenses, requiring a different technique for safe removal. RGP lenses float on the tear film covering the cornea, which allows for better oxygen flow. Because of their firm structure, they do not pinch off easily. Instead, removal relies on a method that breaks the suction seal between the lens and the eye without causing damage.
Preparing for Removal and Standard Techniques
Preparation for lens removal starts with hygiene to prevent introducing bacteria into the eye. Always wash your hands thoroughly using a mild, non-cosmetic soap, and dry them completely with a clean, lint-free towel. A clean, flat surface covered with a soft towel is helpful, especially over a sink, to catch the lens if it pops out unexpectedly and prevent loss down the drain. Positioning yourself in front of a well-lit mirror helps maintain visual control throughout the removal process.
The most common way to remove an RGP lens is the “blink method,” which uses the eyelids to dislodge the lens. Start by pulling the skin at the outer corner of your eye tautly toward your ear, keeping your eyes wide open and looking straight ahead. While maintaining this tension, blink forcefully. The pressure from the tightened eyelids against the firm lens edge should break the suction seal and cause the lens to pop out. Be ready to catch the lens with your other hand or let it fall onto the prepared clean surface.
An alternative is the two-finger method, which physically guides the lens off the eye. Use one hand to hold your upper eyelid against your eyebrow and the other hand to pull your lower eyelid down. Next, use the edges of your eyelids, keeping them pressed against the eye, to gently push the lens toward the center or pull the eyelids away from your nose. The pressure from the eyelids will cause the lens to dislodge from the cornea and come out. The goal of both techniques is to break the suction seal rather than trying to pinch or pull the lens directly.
Troubleshooting Lenses That Are Stuck
A lens that feels stuck often indicates that the eye is dry, causing the lens to adhere more firmly to the cornea. If this happens, apply a few drops of approved rewetting drops or sterile saline solution to the eye to rehydrate the lens and the tear film. After applying the drops, close your eye and blink several times, or gently massage your upper eyelid to help loosen the lens.
If the lens has slid out of position, such as under the upper eyelid, you can often reposition it using your gaze and gentle manipulation. First, locate the lens by looking in a mirror or gently feeling for its outline through your closed eyelid. Once located, look in the opposite direction from where the lens is (e.g., look down if the lens is under the upper lid). Use the edge of your eyelid to gently nudge the lens back toward the center of the eye where it can be removed with a standard technique.
A small, specialized contact lens suction cup or plunger can be used as a last resort, but only after proper instruction from an eye care professional. To use this tool, moisten the tip with saline or conditioning solution. Gently apply the cup directly to the center of the lens while looking straight ahead. Once the lens adheres, pull it straight off the eye with a smooth, gentle motion. After removal, the lens should be slid sideways off the cup rather than pulled straight off to avoid damage.
When to Consult a Specialist
While most RGP removal issues are resolved at home, certain symptoms require immediate attention from an eye care professional, such as an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Severe, persistent eye pain or significant, non-resolving redness after the lens has been removed are signs of potential damage, such as a corneal abrasion. If you notice a visible scratch on the clear front surface of your eye, or if you experience a sudden, noticeable blurring of vision that does not clear up, seek professional help. You should also consult a specialist if you are certain the lens is still in your eye but you cannot locate or remove it after multiple attempts.