Removing a contact lens requires a gentle, deliberate approach to protect the delicate surface of the eye. Before starting, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. This hygiene step reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or debris into the eye, which can cause irritation or infection. While a lens may occasionally feel stuck, the process is generally safe, provided you remain calm and avoid forceful manipulation.
Standard Contact Lens Removal Steps
The standard method for removing a soft contact lens involves sliding it off the central cornea. Begin by looking upward to position the lens lower on the eye’s surface. Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid, making the edge of the lens visible on the white part of the eye.
Once the lens is on the sclera, use the pad of your index finger to touch the lower edge and slide it down toward the bottom of the eye. When the lens is off the cornea, gently pinch it between your thumb and index finger. This pressure causes the center of the lens to lift, allowing clean removal. Always use the soft pads of your fingertips, as fingernails can scratch the corneal surface and cause a painful abrasion.
Techniques for Dry or Stuck Lenses
A common complication occurs when a soft contact lens adheres to the cornea, often due to dryness or extended wear. If the centered lens feels rigidly stuck, the primary goal is rehydration to restore its flexibility and mobility, not immediate removal. Forcing a dry lens off the eye can cause a painful corneal abrasion and risks infection.
To safely loosen a stuck lens, tilt your head back and apply several drops of sterile saline solution, rewetting drops, or approved multipurpose solution directly to the eye. It is important to avoid using tap water, which contains microorganisms that can cause severe eye infections. Allow the drops to remain on the eye for a few minutes, giving the lens material time to absorb the moisture and regain its natural shape.
After lubrication, close your eye and gently massage your upper eyelid to encourage the lens to move freely. If the lens loosens, you should feel it shift, and you can then proceed with the standard pinch-and-remove technique. If the lens remains stubbornly stuck, repeat the rehydration and massage steps, as it may take several attempts over 10 to 15 minutes before the lens completely dislodges.
Managing Displaced or Folded Lenses
A contact lens can sometimes slide away from the center, becoming folded or lodged beneath an eyelid. Remember that due to the anatomical barrier of the conjunctiva, the lens cannot slip behind the eyeball. The location of the lens determines the best technique for relocation.
If the lens is suspected to be under the upper eyelid, look down as far as possible, which helps to bring the lens into view. With the eye closed, gently massage the eyelid, moving your finger downward toward the center of the eye to guide the lens back over the cornea. If the lens has moved toward the outer corner of the eye, look in the opposite direction, toward the nose, while gently manipulating the eyelid.
Applying a few drops of sterile saline or rewetting drops before massage can help float the displaced lens more easily. Once the lens is visible on the white of the eye or has recentered on the cornea, it can be removed using the standard gentle pinch.
Warning Signs and Seeking Medical Attention
While most removal difficulties can be resolved at home, specific symptoms signal the need to stop self-removal attempts and consult an eye care professional immediately. These symptoms often indicate a potential corneal abrasion or the onset of an infection. Ongoing, severe pain that persists after the lens is removed or continues after a removal attempt requires medical attention.
Other concerning signs include unusual, persistent redness, excessive tearing, or any colored discharge. A heightened sensitivity to light, known as photophobia, or a noticeable blurring of vision that does not clear up after the lens is out are also symptoms requiring professional evaluation. Contact an optometrist or ophthalmologist to prevent potential long-term damage to the eye.