Contact lenses are flexible or rigid medical devices placed on the cornea to correct vision. Daily removal is necessary for all wearers to maintain eye health and proper lens care. While the process may seem awkward when first learning, it quickly becomes an automatic part of personal hygiene. Using the correct technique helps prevent eye irritation, infection, and potential damage to the cornea.
Preparing for Safe Removal
Safe contact lens removal begins with meticulous preparation. First, wash your hands thoroughly with non-lotion, non-scented soap and running water, scrubbing for at least twenty seconds to remove oils and bacteria. Dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel to prevent fibers from transferring to the lens.
Next, establish a clean, well-lit workspace, ideally in front of a mirror, for clear visualization. Have the contact lens case ready with fresh disinfecting solution for reusable lenses, ensuring the compartments are filled. This preparation streamlines the process and minimizes the time the lens is exposed before storage or disposal.
Standard Technique for Soft Lenses
The most common technique for removing soft contact lenses involves a controlled slide and gentle pinch motion. Stabilize the eye to prevent involuntary blinking by using the middle finger of one hand to pull down the lower lid while holding the upper lid near the lashes with the other hand. Look upward, away from the center of the eye, positioning the lens slightly over the lower white part of the eye (sclera).
With the index finger of your dominant hand, gently touch the bottom edge of the lens and slide it down onto the sclera. This movement breaks the lens’s adherence to the cornea. Once the lens is on the white of the eye, use the pads of your index finger and thumb to softly pinch the lens, causing it to fold slightly. The lens should then lift cleanly away without any pulling or dragging sensation.
Removing Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses require a different approach because their firm structure prevents the soft lens pinching method. The most common technique is the blink or eyelid method, which uses the natural tension of the eyelids to dislodge the lens. Position yourself over a clean, flat surface to catch the lens, as RGP lenses can pop out unexpectedly.
Place the index finger of one hand at the outer corner of your eye, where the upper and lower lids meet. Pull the skin tautly toward your ear while keeping the eye open and looking straight ahead. A firm, deliberate blink while maintaining this tension causes the eyelids to apply pressure to the lens’s edge, breaking the seal and ejecting it into your cupped hand. Some wearers also use a small, soft-tipped suction device, which is pressed gently onto the center of the lens to create a vacuum, allowing the lens to be lifted straight off the cornea.
When Lenses Feel Stuck or Dry
If a lens feels stuck or has dried out, standard removal techniques may be ineffective. If the lens is centered and immobile, the primary action is rehydration to restore flexibility and natural movement. Apply several drops of contact lens rewetting solution or sterile saline directly onto the eye and blink slowly to distribute the moisture evenly.
Allowing the drops to sit for a minute or two helps the lens loosen its grip on the cornea. If the lens is off-center, gently close your eye and lightly massage the eyelid to encourage the lens to reposition toward the center. Never attempt to force a dry lens out, as this can cause a superficial abrasion on the cornea. If the lens still resists removal after rehydration and gentle manipulation, take a short break to let the eye rest before attempting the process again.