How To Remove A Contact? Step by Step

Removing a contact lens is a simple skill once you know the steps. The key is to always wash your hands first, then use a clean, dry finger to gently slide the lens off your eye. Never pinch or press directly on the center of the lens; instead, slide it to the white part of your eye before pinching it to remove it.

What Do You Need Before You Start?

Preparation prevents most problems. You need clean hands, a clean workspace, and your lens case with fresh solution ready.

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them completely with a lint-free towel. Water on your fingers can make the lens stick to your skin instead of your eye. It can also introduce bacteria to the lens.

Set up your lens case before you touch your eyes. Fill each compartment with fresh contact lens solution. Never reuse old solution. Never use water or saliva. These are not sterile and can cause serious eye infections.

Work over a clean, flat surface. A sink with a closed drain or a clean counter works well. This protects the lens if you drop it.

How To Remove A Contact: Step by Step

Follow these steps in order. They work for both soft and rigid gas permeable lenses, though the pinch technique is mainly for soft lenses.

• Step 1: Look up at the ceiling.
• Step 2: Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid.
• Step 3: Use the index finger of your dominant hand to touch the lower edge of the lens.
• Step 4: Slide the lens downward toward the white of your eye.
• Step 5: Gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger.
• Step 6: Lift the lens away from your eye.

Never pinch the lens while it is centered over your cornea. The cornea is the clear front part of your eye. It is highly sensitive. Sliding the lens off the cornea first makes removal far more comfortable.

If the lens feels stuck, do not force it. Stop and add a few drops of contact lens rewetting solution to your eye. Blink several times. Wait a minute, then try again. A lens that will not move may be dried out or have an edge folded under your eyelid.

What If The Lens Is Stuck In Your Eye?

A stuck lens is common, especially after sleeping in lenses or in dry environments. The lens is usually still on your eye, just dried out.

First, wash your hands again. Then add two or three drops of rewetting solution or sterile saline directly to your eye. Close your eye gently and roll it around. Do not rub. Wait a few minutes for the lens to rehydrate.

Once the lens moves freely, try the removal steps again. If it still will not move, check if the lens is folded under your upper eyelid. Gently pull your upper lid down over the lens to help reposition it.

If you still cannot remove the lens after several attempts, stop. Do not keep poking at your eye. Contact your eye care professional. A lens stuck for more than a few hours increases the risk of corneal abrasion or infection.

How To Remove Hard Or Rigid Gas Permeable Lenses

Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses do not fold or pinch the same way soft lenses do. They are smaller and move more on the eye.

For RGP lenses, the technique is different. You do not pinch the lens. Instead, use a small suction remover device if you have one. These are small rubber sticks that grip the lens surface.

Without a suction remover, use the two-finger method. Place your index finger at the outer corner of your eye. Place your thumb at the inner corner. Gently pull the skin outward toward your ears. This tightens the eyelid edges and helps pop the lens off your cornea.

Blink firmly. The lens should fall out onto your hand or a clean surface. Do not use fingernails to pry the lens off your eye. This can scratch the lens or your cornea.

How To Clean And Store Your Lenses After Removal

Cleaning is as important as removal. A dirty lens can cause infections or discomfort the next time you wear it.

Place the removed lens in the palm of your hand. Add a few drops of fresh contact lens solution. Rub the lens gently with your index finger for about 20 seconds per side. This removes protein deposits and debris.

Rinse the lens with more solution. Then place it in the correct side of your lens case. Fill the case compartment with fresh solution so the lens is fully submerged. Close the case tightly.

Always use the right lens for the right eye. Most cases have an “L” and “R” marked on the lid. If your lenses have different prescriptions, mixing them up can cause blurry vision and eye strain.

Dispose of the old solution in the case. Never top it off. Topping off reduces the disinfecting power of the solution and can allow bacteria to grow.

What Not To Do When Removing Contacts

Some common habits are risky. Avoid them even if they seem convenient.

• Do not use wet fingers. Water makes the lens stick to your skin.
• Do not use your fingernails. Nails can scratch the lens or your eye.
• Do not use saliva. Saliva contains bacteria that can cause severe eye infections.
• Do not use tap water. Tap water contains microorganisms that can cause serious corneal infections.
• Do not pull the lens off by the edges only. This can tear the lens.
• Do not share your lenses. Contact lenses are prescription medical devices. Sharing them spreads bacteria and can cause infections.

If you wear daily disposable lenses, throw them away after removal. Do not clean, store, or reuse them. They are designed for single use only.

When To See An Eye Doctor

Most contact lens removal goes smoothly. But some symptoms need professional attention.

See an eye doctor if you experience any of the following after removal:

• Persistent pain or discomfort lasting more than a few hours
• Redness that does not improve
• Blurry vision that does not clear
• Sensitivity to light
• A feeling that something is still in your eye
• Excessive tearing or discharge

These symptoms can indicate a corneal abrasion, an infection, or a torn lens fragment left in the eye. Do not wait to see if they improve on their own. Eye infections can progress quickly and, in rare cases, threaten vision.

Also see your eye doctor if you repeatedly struggle to remove your lenses. There may be an underlying issue with your lens fit. A poor-fitting lens can cause discomfort and make removal difficult.

If you are new to contacts, practice removal during the day when you are not tired. Removing lenses for the first time can be frustrating. It becomes easier with practice. Most people master it within a few days.