Contact lenses are a widely used method for vision correction. While insertion is often intuitive, mastering the removal technique is equally important for long-term eye health. Improper handling or removal can lead to corneal abrasions, infections, or irritation. Developing a safe routine minimizes the risk of complications and protects the delicate surface of the eye.
Essential Preparation for Safe Removal
The removal process begins with meticulous hand hygiene to prevent introducing microbes to the eye or the lens surface. Hands should be thoroughly washed with mild, non-oil-based soap and rinsed completely under running water. Avoid using lotions or heavily scented soaps, as residues can transfer to the lens and cause discomfort or clouding.
After washing, dry your hands completely using a clean, lint-free towel or cloth. Working with wet hands can make gripping the lens difficult. Before touching your eyes, ensure you are in a well-lit area and have your contact lens case and fresh disinfecting solution open and ready.
The Standard Method for Soft Contact Lenses
Begin by looking straight ahead or slightly upward to position the lens for easier access. Use the middle finger of one hand to gently pull down the lower eyelid, and the index finger of the same hand to hold the upper eyelid near the lash line. This stabilizes the eye and prevents blinking during removal.
With the eye stabilized, use the pad of the index finger on your dominant hand to gently touch the lens. Slowly slide the soft lens downward from the cornea (the clear central part) onto the sclera (the white part of the eye). Moving the lens to the sclera provides a softer, less sensitive surface for the next step.
Once the lens is positioned on the white of the eye, use the pads of your thumb and index finger to form a gentle “C” shape. Carefully pinch the lens between these two fingers, grasping only the lens material and not the eye tissue. The lens should fold slightly and lift away easily.
Before placing the removed lens into the case, quickly inspect its shape to confirm it was not inside-out during wear. A correctly oriented soft lens will appear dome-shaped, resembling a bowl with smooth, upright edges. If the lens is inside-out, the edges will flare slightly outward, resembling a saucer.
Troubleshooting Dry or Stuck Lenses
If a soft lens resists removal because it has become dehydrated and adhered slightly to the corneal surface, avoid attempting to forcibly pinch or peel it off, as this can cause micro-trauma to the eye. Instead, use a few drops of sterile rewetting solution or preservative-free saline.
Close your eye for 15 to 20 seconds after applying the drops to allow the fluid to fully hydrate the lens material. Once the lens regains flexibility and moves freely, attempt the standard slide-and-pinch method again. Patience is important, and repeated gentle attempts are safer than a single forceful maneuver.
If a lens seems to have disappeared, it is likely folded and lodged under the upper eyelid, which acts as a protective barrier. To locate it, apply a drop of saline and gently massage the closed upper eyelid downward toward the corner of the eye. The lens should unfold or move into a visible position, allowing for easy retrieval.
For those wearing Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, the removal method typically differs significantly from soft lenses. RGP lenses are removed using a specialized suction cup tool or by employing a specific blinking technique that uses the eyelid margin to dislodge the lens from the cornea.
Immediate Aftercare and Storage
After successfully removing the lens, immediately clean it using the recommended rub-and-rinse method before storing it. Place the lens in the palm of your hand, apply a few drops of fresh multipurpose solution, and gently rub the lens surface with your finger for 10 to 20 seconds. This physical action removes protein deposits and debris more effectively than rinsing alone.
Following cleaning, rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution and place it into the designated chamber of the storage case, which must be filled with fresh disinfecting solution. Never reuse old solution or use tap water, as neither provides adequate disinfection and can introduce harmful microorganisms. Empty the case each morning and allow it to air dry face-down to minimize bacterial buildup.