Removing a contact lens for the first time can feel intimidating, but with practice, the process becomes a simple and safe part of a daily routine. Proper technique is essential for protecting the delicate surface of the eye and maintaining the integrity of the lens. Understanding the steps involved in preparation and removal ensures a comfortable experience and helps prevent the introduction of harmful microorganisms.
Essential Preparation Before Touching Your Eyes
Before any physical contact with the eye or lens, strict hygiene must be observed to prevent eye infections. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water for a minimum of twenty seconds, paying attention to the areas between the fingers and under the fingernails. Avoid oil-based or strongly scented soaps that can leave residues on the hands.
After washing, rinse your hands completely to remove soap residue, which could irritate the eye. The final step is to dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel. Tap water contains microorganisms that can cause eye infections, so ensuring hands are dry mitigates this risk. Having your lens case filled with fresh solution ready on a clean surface also streamlines the post-removal process.
Step-by-Step Standard Removal Methods
The most common and effective ways to remove a soft contact lens involve two primary techniques: the pinch method and the slide method. To begin, look straight ahead into a mirror and use a finger from your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid in place, while pulling down your lower eyelid with another finger. This stabilizes the eye and provides a clear field of view for manipulation.
One widely used approach is the Pinch Method, often referred to as the “taco fold.” Using the pads of your index finger and thumb on your dominant hand, gently touch the lens near the lower edge. Lightly bring the two fingers together to pinch the lens into a “taco” shape, which breaks the surface tension holding it to the eye. Once folded, the lens can be lifted gently away.
Alternatively, the Slide Method is useful for those hesitant about directly pinching the lens while it is centered on the cornea. Use the pad of your index finger to lightly touch the lens and slide it downward onto the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. The sclera is less sensitive than the central cornea, making removal easier and more comfortable.
Once the lens is positioned on the sclera, the surface tension is weaker. You can then use your thumb and index finger to gently grasp the edges of the lens and lift it off the eye. It is helpful to have slightly damp fingertips rather than completely dry ones, as this improves the grip on the slick lens surface.
Dealing with Difficult or Stuck Lenses
Occasionally, a soft contact lens may feel dry or stick firmly to the eye, often due to prolonged wear or environmental dryness. If the lens does not move easily with standard techniques, re-lubricate the eye immediately. Apply a few drops of sterile saline or rewetting drops approved for contact lenses, and wait a few minutes for the lens to rehydrate.
If the lens has moved off-center or is lodged under an eyelid, remember it cannot travel to the back of the eye, as the eye’s anatomy prevents this. To relocate a misplaced lens, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid in a circular motion, or look in the opposite direction of where the lens feels stuck. For example, if the lens is under the upper lid, looking down helps encourage it to slide back toward the center for removal.
Anxiety associated with a stuck lens can cause eye muscles to tense up, making removal more difficult. Pause, take a deep breath, and blink several times to encourage natural lubrication. Repeating the rewetting and gentle massage process is more effective and safer than forcing the lens out with excessive pressure, which risks scratching the cornea.
Immediate Post-Removal Lens Care
Once the contact lens has been removed, immediate care is necessary for reusable lenses. For soft lenses that are not daily disposables, place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of fresh cleaning solution. Gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth motion according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to remove deposits or debris.
After cleaning, the lens must be thoroughly rinsed with fresh disinfecting solution for storage. Never fill the lens case with tap water, as this exposes the lens to harmful microorganisms. Always fill the lens case wells with a fresh disinfecting solution before placing the cleaned lenses inside for soaking.
Never “top off” the solution in the case; the old solution must be discarded and replaced entirely with new disinfecting solution after every use. This ensures the lenses are stored in an environment that actively kills lingering pathogens, keeping them safe for the next wear.