Removing contact lenses requires careful technique and strict hygiene to protect the delicate surface of the eye. Improper handling can introduce microorganisms, potentially leading to infections like microbial keratitis, or cause physical damage to the cornea. This guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions for safely removing soft contact lenses, the most commonly worn type.
Preparing for Safe Removal
Before touching your eyes or lenses, establish a clean environment to minimize the risk of bacterial contamination. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with a mild, non-lotion, non-fragranced soap, as oils and residues can adhere to the lens surface and cause irritation. It is equally important to dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. This prevents the introduction of tap water, which contains various microorganisms like Acanthamoeba that can cause severe eye infections. Have your lens case and fresh disinfecting solution ready and open on a clean surface nearby.
The Standard Method for Soft Lenses
Position yourself in front of a mirror in a well-lit area to clearly see the lens. Always start with the same eye first, such as the right eye, to maintain consistency and avoid mixing up the lenses. Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently hold your upper eyelid near the lash line and prevent blinking.
Look up toward the ceiling, shifting your gaze away from the lens’s center. With the pad of your dominant hand’s index finger, gently touch the lower edge of the soft lens. Slowly slide the lens downward from the cornea, the clear dome over the iris, onto the white part of your eye, known as the sclera. This movement breaks the lens’s suction and moves it to a less sensitive area.
Once the lens is situated on the sclera, use the tips of your dominant hand’s thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens off the eye. The lens should fold slightly into a taco shape as you lift it away. Ensure your fingernails do not contact the eye, which could cause a corneal abrasion. If the lens is not easily coming off, try blinking a few times to re-moisten the lens before attempting the pinch-and-remove technique again.
Troubleshooting Difficult or Stuck Lenses
A common issue when removing lenses is dryness, which causes the lens material to adhere tightly to the cornea. If this happens, immediately stop attempting to pinch the lens and apply a few drops of approved contact lens rewetting drops or sterile saline solution. Close your eye and wait for 10 to 15 minutes to allow the lens to rehydrate and soften.
Once the lens is rehydrated, attempt the standard removal method again; the added moisture should allow the lens to slide more easily. If the lens has moved off-center or folded under an eyelid, look in the opposite direction of where you suspect the lens is located to help dislodge it (e.g., look down if it is under the upper lid). You can also gently massage the closed eyelid to encourage the lens to move back toward the center for easier retrieval. If you experience significant irritation, redness, or cannot safely retrieve the lens after these attempts, consult your eye care professional immediately.
Post-Removal Care and Storage
After removing the lens, immediate and proper cleaning is necessary to disinfect it and remove accumulated debris. Place the lens in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of fresh multipurpose disinfecting solution. Gently rub the lens in a back-and-forth motion with your index finger for the time specified by the solution manufacturer (typically around 15 seconds) to physically remove deposits.
Following the rub step, thoroughly rinse the lens with a steady stream of the same fresh solution before placing it into the appropriate chamber of the storage case. Fill the case with enough fresh disinfecting solution to completely submerge the lens. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as this reduces the solution’s disinfecting effectiveness and can harbor harmful bacteria.