How to Properly Remove Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are a great, “hands-off” approach to vision correction that eliminate the need for eyeglasses. However, they require more maintenance and care. 

For those new to contact lenses, proper insertion and removal comes with continued practice. The more you use our lenses, the quicker using them becomes. 

The simplified overview of contact lens removal includes: 

1. Washing your hands
2. Gently pulling your eyelids away to expose more of the eye’s surface
3. Using your finger or suction tool, gently pinch the contact to remove it from your eye
4. Placing the contacts back in their storage case with new contact lens solution 

Understanding Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are thin, clear, curved lenses that sit directly on the eye’s surface. They correct refractive errors like myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism, and their versatile design makes them suitable for a wide range of wearers.

However, while contact lenses are a great tool for vision correction, they require more maintenance and care than eyeglasses. This is why we recommend children start wearing them once they can handle the associated responsibility 

Proper contact lens hygiene and care are vital for avoiding eye infections and maintaining overall eye health. Improper lens care can lead to serious eye problems, including infections, corneal ulcers, and even vision loss. Contact lens fittings provide a comprehensive guide on proper contact lens wear and care to prevent complications. 

How to Properly Remove Contact Lenses

There are several kinds of contact lenses. Each has its own removal process, though they all have similarities.

Begin lens removal by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. This will prevent the transfer of debris or bacteria to your eye.  

Once the lenses are removed, inspect them for debris or damage to the contact. If the contact lens is damaged, dispose of it appropriately. If the contact lens is in good condition, place it in the palm of your clean hand, and gently rinse the lens with contact lens solution.

Dispose of any old contact lens solution in a storage container, and fill each compartment with fresh solution before placing the contact back in the case. Submerge each lens in the solution to prevent the lens from drying out. Tightly screw the cap of the container closed to prevent contamination and the lens from drying out. 

Removing Soft Contact Lenses

Soft contact lenses are the most popular form of contact lens correction. These lenses are made from a thin, flexible material that easily conforms to the shape of your eye, providing a secure and comfortable fit over your lens. 

1. Gather Your Supplies: After washing your hands, have your contact lens case and solution ready. If you’re removing daily disposable lenses, you can disregard this step.
2. Position Yourself: Stand in front of a well-lit mirror. Clear the surface beneath the mirror in case you accidentally drop the lens.
3. Secure Your Eyelid: While focusing on the mirror, use your non-dominant hand to pull the top of your eyelid away, while your dominant hand (middle and ring finger) pulls away your lower eyelid. This exposes most of the lens surface, making it easier to grip.
4. Pinch and Remove: While your eyelids are pulled back, use the pointer finger and thumb of your dominant hand to gently pinch the sides of the contact lens. Once you’ve grasped the contact, slowly remove it from your eye. If the lens appears stuck, blink several times to re-shift the lens over the cornea, then try again.

Removing Scleral Lenses

Scleral contact lenses are larger than traditional soft contact lenses, are made from a rigid, gas-permeable material, and are designed to vault over the entire cornea, resting on the sclera.

This unique design creates a fluid-filled reservoir between the lens and cornea, offering a smooth surface. Scleral lenses are typically prescribed for individuals with irregular corneas, severe dry eyes, or other complex ocular conditions where soft lenses fall short.

1. Use a Suction Tool: Since scleral lenses are larger than soft contacts, they often require use of a suction tool. Once you’ve washed your hands, place the suction tool on the center of the lens over your eye. 
2. Gently Pull: Once the suction tool has adhered to the lens, gently pull it away from your eye. Avoid tugging too hard to prevent damage to your eye.
3. Clean the Suction Tool: After using the tool to remove both lenses, rinse the suction tool with a contact lens solution and let it air dry to maintain the tool’s hygiene. 

Removing Rigid Gas-Permeable Contact Lenses 

Like scleral lenses, rigid gas-permeable contacts are made from a hard material, but they fit over the lens of the eye like soft contacts. Also known as hard contacts, they’re a great option for individuals with high astigmatism, other corneal irregularities, or severe dry eyes.   

They can be removed in one of two ways.

The Blink Method: 

1. Look straight ahead and focus on the mirror in front of you.
2. Use the pointer finger of one hand to gently push the contact lens from the outer corner of the eye, while the pointer finger of the other hand gently pushes on the lens from the bottom of the eye, creating an upside-down L shape with your fingers.
3. Blink as your fingers push gently on the lens, and the contact lens will pop out of your eye.

If the blink method isn’t suitable, you can also use a suction tool:

1. Moisten the suction tool with fresh contact lens solution for better adhesion.
2. Place the suction tool on the center of your lens and gently apply pressure. 
3. Draw the suction tool away from your eye to remove the lens. 
4. Clean the suction tool.

Schedule a Contact Lens Fitting

Following proper contact lens wear and care is key to maintaining good eye health and vision. 

For those who are new to contact lenses, an initial contact lens training will teach you how to insert, remove, and care for your contact lenses. 

Connect with our team at Total Vision Pasadena to schedule your contact lens fitting today.