Soft contact lenses are a popular vision correction option. While wearing them is straightforward, safe removal is a daily habit that directly impacts long-term eye health. Gentle handling and consistent technique are necessary to prevent microscopic scratches to the cornea or the introduction of harmful microbes. Learning the correct steps ensures the delicate lens material remains intact and your eyes stay comfortable and infection-free.
Essential Preparation Steps
The process of removing a soft contact lens begins before you touch your eye. First, wash your hands thoroughly using a mild, non-cosmetic soap that lacks heavy perfumes, lotions, or oils. These substances can easily transfer to the lens surface, causing eye irritation or blurry vision. Next, dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel to ensure no residual moisture remains.
Dry hands are important because water can harbor microorganisms, like Acanthamoeba, and make the lens stick to your finger. Before you start, ensure your lens storage case is open and filled with fresh disinfecting solution on a clean, flat surface. Always removing the same lens first—either the right or the left—can help prevent mixing up the lenses and simplify your routine.
Safe Removal Techniques
Once your hands are clean and dry, approach the mirror and establish a stable position, often over a clean surface. Look up slightly and use the non-dominant hand to hold the upper eyelid open to prevent reflexive blinking. Taking a moment to breathe deeply can help relax the muscles around the eye, making the removal attempt less stressful.
The Slide and Fold Method is effective for reducing the chance of irritating the central cornea. Use the pad of your dominant index finger to gently touch the lens and slide it down onto the white part of the eye, known as the sclera. Since the sclera is less sensitive than the cornea, this provides a safer place to perform the next action. With the lens off-center, gently use your dominant thumb and index finger to softly pinch the lower edge of the lens to fold it slightly and lift it off the eye.
Alternatively, the direct Pinch/Grasp Method can be used by experienced wearers. Pull down the lower eyelid with the middle finger of the dominant hand. While looking up, bring the pads of your dominant thumb and index finger toward the lens, positioning them on opposite sides. Gently pinch the edges of the lens together, causing the lens to lift and fold slightly, which breaks the surface tension holding it to the eye. Regardless of the method used, keep your fingernails trimmed short to avoid accidentally scratching the lens or the delicate surface of the eye.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes a soft lens will feel stuck to the eye, usually because it has dried out. If this happens, do not attempt to force the lens off, as this risks causing a corneal abrasion. The strategy is to rehydrate both the eye and the lens before attempting removal.
Apply three to five drops of a lubricating or rewetting solution approved for use with soft contact lenses. After applying the drops, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid in a circular motion for a few seconds. This helps circulate the moisture underneath the lens. Blinking repeatedly can also help the lens recenter and loosen its tight adherence to the cornea.
If the lens is still difficult to remove or has migrated, take a short break to let your eye recover before repeating the rewetting and massage steps. A contact lens cannot get lost behind the eye, but it can slide up under the upper eyelid. To bring a high lens back into view, look down toward your nose and gently push on the eyelid to encourage the lens to slide back down. If the eye becomes noticeably red or painful during this process, stop immediately and wear your glasses.
Immediate Lens and Eye Care
After removing a reusable soft lens, clean it immediately using the “rub and rinse” method, even if your solution is labeled “no-rub.” Place the lens in your clean palm, add a few drops of fresh solution, and gently rub the lens with your finger for about 20 seconds to remove deposits. Rinse the lens thoroughly with more solution before placing it into the clean case. Always use new disinfecting solution in the case each night, never reusing or topping off old solution, as its disinfecting power diminishes quickly. If your eye feels scratchy or irritated after removal, rinsing it with sterile saline solution can help wash away any irritants.