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For many people, the first time you try to take out a contact lens can feel a little intimidating. It is a new sensation, and it is natural to be cautious about touching your eye. The good news is that with a bit of practice, removing your contacts will become a simple and natural part of your daily routine.
This guide will walk you through safe and easy techniques for removing soft contact lenses, which are the type most people wear. We will also share essential safety tips for handling, so you can feel confident and comfortable every time you care for your lenses.
Golden Rule for Safe Contact Lens Removal
No matter which removal technique you use, a few universal rules always apply to keep your eyes healthy and free from infection.
First, always wash and thoroughly dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel before touching your lenses or eyes. Next, prepare a clean space with a mirror and a clean contact lens case with fresh solution ready to go. Finally, to avoid mixing up your lenses, get in the habit of always starting with the same eye, whether it is your right or your left.
The Ceiling Method: An Easy Way to Avoid Pinching
The ceiling method is a great technique if you are nervous about pinching your cornea or have long fingernails. This method uses your eyelids to help gently guide the lens off of your eye.
Here is how you do it:
- After washing and drying your hands, use a mirror and look up at the ceiling.
- With the index finger of one hand, gently pull your lower eyelid down.
- Using the index finger of your other hand, gently touch the bottom of the contact lens. Slowly slide the lens downward, off your cornea and onto the white part of your eye.
- Continue to guide the lens down until it nudges against the skin of your lower eyelid, causing it to gently crinkle and lift away from your eye.
- Carefully remove the contact lens. If you are using a reusable lens, place it in a clean case with fresh solution. If it’s a daily disposable lens, throw it away.
- Repeat these steps for your other eye.
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The Slide Method: An Alternative for Sensitive Eyes
The slide method is another safe technique that can feel less intimidating if you are nervous about touching your cornea directly. This method involves moving the lens to the white part of your eye before removing it.
Follow these steps for the slide method:
- After washing and drying your hands, use your non-dominant hand to hold your eyelids open.
- With the index finger of your dominant hand, gently touch the contact lens and slowly slide it down toward the bottom of your eye.
- Once the lens is on the white part of your eye, where it is less sensitive, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the edges together and lift the lens away.
- Handle the lens as you would normally, either placing it in a case with fresh solution or throwing it away if it’s a daily disposable.
- Repeat for your other eye.
What if a Contact Lens Feels Stuck?
If a contact lens feels stuck or lost in your eye, don’t panic. A lens cannot get lost behind your eye because of a membrane called the conjunctiva, which connects the inside of your eyelid to the eye’s surface.
If you are struggling to remove a lens, try these things: first, wash and dry your hands. Then, use rewetting drops or sterile saline to rehydrate the lens, which can make it easier to move. Gently massage your eyelids to help the lens shift to a more accessible spot. If you still cannot get the lens out, do not force it and contact your eye doctor for guidance.
When to Seek Professional Help
Your eye health is a top priority. If you have tried these techniques and still cannot remove a contact lens, it is important to call your eye doctor. You should also contact a professional immediately if you experience any of these symptoms before, during, or after lens removal: persistent eye pain or discomfort, unusual redness or discharge, or sudden blurred vision. These could be signs of a serious issue that needs prompt professional attention.
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Learning how to safely and easily remove your contacts is an important part of your vision journey. Once you get the hang of it, you can truly enjoy the benefits of clear vision without glasses.
Lens.com provides a wide selection of high-quality, FDA-approved contact lenses from leading brands. The competitive prices and convenient online ordering system make it simple to get the lenses your eye doctor prescribes.
