To remove contact lenses safely and effectively, follow these expert- recommended steps:
Preparation
- Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid transferring dirt or bacteria to your eyes
Removing Soft Contact Lenses
- Stand in front of a well-lit mirror.
- Use your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid open by lifting it with your index or middle finger.
- Use your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger.
- Look slightly upward or straight ahead.
- With the pads of your thumb and index finger, gently pinch the lens at its lower edge and pull it down and away from your eye. Avoid pinching too hard to prevent damaging the lens or irritating your eye
- Alternatively, you can slide the lens down onto the white part of your eye and then pinch it out gently
- Place the lens into your palm for cleaning or disposal as appropriate
Removing Hard Contact Lenses
- Wash and dry your hands as above.
- Place a clean towel beneath your eye to catch the lens if it falls.
- Using the index fingers of both hands, gently pinch your upper and lower eyelids together to pop the lens out
- Alternatively, pull the outer corners of your eyelids taut to encourage the lens to pop out
Tips for Difficult Removal
- Use rewetting drops or lubricants to loosen lenses that feel stuck
- Slide the lens to the white of your eye to help lift it off
- If edges stick together, apply a drop of cleaning solution and rub gently
- If you continue to have trouble, consult your eye doctor. They may recommend tools like a suction device or soft-tipped tweezers for removal
Additional Advice
- Always remove lenses starting with the same eye to avoid mixing them up
- Keep your fingers dry to improve grip on the lens
- Be gentle throughout the process to avoid eye irritation or damage to the lens
Following these steps will help ensure safe and comfortable removal of your contact lenses
