Safely removing contact lenses is a simple skill that quickly becomes routine. Mastering this process is essential for maintaining ocular health and comfort, as proper hygiene prevents the introduction of microorganisms that can cause irritation or infection. The goal is always a gentle, hygienic removal that ensures the integrity of both your eye and the lens.
Essential Preparation Steps
Safe removal begins with meticulous hygiene to prevent bacterial contamination. Always wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-lotion soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. After rinsing away all soap residue, dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel to prevent fibers from transferring to your fingertips.
Before starting, establish a clean, well-lit workspace, ideally in front of a mirror, to clearly see the lens position. Have your storage case and fresh contact lens solution ready and open nearby to minimize fumbling once the lens is removed. It is a good practice to always remove the same lens first—for instance, the right one—to prevent accidentally mixing up lenses if your prescriptions differ between eyes.
Standard Techniques for Safe Removal
The most common and effective technique for soft lenses is the gentle “pinch” method, which works best when the lens is centered on the cornea. To begin, use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid, securing the lid firmly against the bone. With your dominant hand, place the pads of your index finger and thumb on the contact lens itself, positioning them on opposite sides of the lens.
Gently slide the lens downward to the white part of your eye, the sclera, and then lightly press the pads of your thumb and index finger together. This gentle pinching motion causes the lens to fold slightly, breaking the capillary action that holds it to the eye’s surface. Once you feel this slight fold, you can lift the lens straight off the eye.
An alternative method, particularly useful for those with longer fingernails or a strong blink reflex, is the “slide down” technique. For this, look upward and use the pad of your dominant index finger to gently slide the contact lens down onto the lower sclera. Once the lens is positioned on the white of the eye, use the index finger and thumb to gently pinch and remove it. Moving the lens off the sensitive central cornea before pinching reduces the risk of accidental corneal abrasion.
Troubleshooting Stuck or Dry Lenses
A lens that feels stuck is usually dry, losing its flexibility and conforming too tightly to the corneal surface. If you encounter this, resist the urge to rub your eye or forcefully pinch the lens, as this could damage the corneal epithelium. Instead, rehydrate the lens by applying several drops of sterile saline or contact lens rewetting drops directly into the eye.
Close your eye and blink several times to distribute the moisture, allowing 30 to 60 seconds for the lens to absorb the liquid and regain pliability. If the lens has migrated and you cannot locate it, gently massage your closed eyelid to coax it back toward the center of the eye. If the lens remains stubbornly stuck after rehydration attempts, cease removal efforts and consult an eye care professional to prevent injury.
Post-Removal Lens and Eye Care
Once the lens is removed, clean it immediately unless it is a daily disposable intended for discard. Place the lens in your palm, add multipurpose solution, and gently rub it with your index finger for the time recommended by the manufacturer (typically 20 seconds). This “rub and rinse” method dislodges protein deposits and microorganisms.
After cleaning, rinse the lens thoroughly with more fresh solution before placing it into a clean lens case filled with a completely new batch of disinfecting solution. Never reuse or “top off” old solution, as this significantly reduces its disinfecting efficacy and can harbor pathogens. Finally, if your eyes feel dry or slightly irritated after removal, you may apply preservative-free lubricating eye drops to restore comfort and moisture.