Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) lenses, often called “hard contacts,” are made from durable plastic materials that maintain their shape on the eye, which is a significant difference from flexible soft lenses. This material allows for high oxygen transmission to the cornea, but requires a specific removal technique. RGP lenses form a seal with the cornea, so removal must break this seal without causing discomfort or damage to the eye. Following precise instructions is important for safe removal.
Preparation and Hygiene Before Removal
Before touching your eyes or lenses, meticulous hand hygiene is necessary to prevent introducing pathogens to the ocular surface. Wash your hands thoroughly with a mild, non-cosmetic soap that does not contain heavy lotions or moisturizers. Residue from these products can transfer to the lens surface, leading to blurry vision and protein buildup. Completely dry your hands afterward using a clean, lint-free cloth or towel, as water droplets can interfere with the lens removal process.
The removal area should be clean, well-lit, and ideally positioned over a flat surface, such as a towel on a counter, to catch the lens if it pops out unexpectedly. Have your lens case filled with fresh conditioning solution ready nearby to streamline the process. If your eyes feel dry before attempting removal, apply a few drops of approved artificial tears or saline solution. This moisturizes the lens and eye surface, helping to prevent the lens from adhering too tightly.
Step-by-Step Manual Removal Techniques
The most common method for removing RGP lenses manually uses controlled eyelid tension to gently dislodge the lens from the cornea. This “blink” or “finger pressure” technique relies on manipulating the eyelids rather than directly touching the lens. Start by tilting your head slightly forward over a flat catching surface, such as a towel. This position helps prevent the lens from dropping onto the floor if it is ejected.
Use the index finger of one hand to firmly hold your upper eyelid against the bone above your eye, keeping the lashes out of the way. With the index or middle finger of your other hand, pull the skin at the outer corner of your eye taut, stretching it horizontally toward your ear. This combined tension should stretch the skin around the lens.
While maintaining this outward tension, blink your eye quickly and forcefully. The firm blink causes the edges of your eyelids to catch the rigid lens, breaking the suction seal it forms with the cornea. The lens should then eject cleanly from the eye, landing safely in your cupped palm or onto the surface below. If the lens does not come out on the first attempt, relax your eye, blink a few times, and repeat the stretching and blinking motion, adjusting the angle of the outward pull slightly.
Using the Specialized Suction Tool
An alternative method involves using a small, specialized suction cup, often called a plunger or DMV tool. This tool is especially helpful for beginners or when the manual technique is difficult. The tool is designed with a hollow cup to create a gentle vacuum seal directly onto the lens surface. Lightly moisten the cup tip with a drop of sterile saline solution to ensure a secure initial attachment to the RGP material.
Look straight ahead or slightly upward into a mirror while holding the eyelids open with your non-dominant hand. Carefully bring the suction cup toward your eye, aiming to place it directly onto the center of the lens, over the colored iris. It is important to avoid touching the sensitive cornea or the white sclera with the tool.
Gently press the tool against the lens until you feel a light suction, indicating adherence. Once securely attached, slowly and smoothly pull the tool straight away from your eye, bringing the lens with it. To release the lens from the plunger, gently slide the lens sideways off the cup rather than pulling it straight off, which can damage the lens material.
Troubleshooting Difficult or Stuck Lenses
Occasionally, an RGP lens may feel stuck or migrate from the central position, making removal challenging. Dryness is the most common reason for a stuck lens, causing it to adhere tightly to the cornea. The first step is to re-lubricate the eye by applying several drops of rewetting solution or sterile saline. Blink repeatedly for a minute or two to allow the fluid to work its way under the lens.
If the lens has moved up under the upper eyelid, look down toward your nose while gently massaging the closed eyelid over the area where you feel the lens. This helps guide the lens back toward the center of the cornea for removal. If the lens is stuck and you cannot manually break the seal, use a clean fingertip to gently press the eye just beside the lens edge on the white part of the eye. This gentle pressure can break the vacuum holding the lens in place.
Do not rub your eye forcefully or attempt to pinch the RGP lens, as its rigid nature could scratch the cornea. If the lens remains stuck after multiple attempts, or if your eye becomes significantly red, painful, or you experience blurred vision, remove the lens from the other eye. Contact your eye care professional immediately for assistance.