Content

• Steps
• Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Remove Contact Lenses
• Part 2 of 3: Removing the lenses
• Part 3 of 3: Storing your lenses
• Tips
• Warnings
• What do you need

If you just recently switched to contact lenses, then at first it will be difficult for you to get them out of your eyes, especially if you have long nails. Knowing how to properly remove your lenses will minimize the risk of damage and infection.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Remove Contact Lenses

1. 1 Rinse your contact lens case. Make sure the lens case is clean and ready to use before removing your lenses.
   • Rinse the container to remove debris. Do not use tap water for flushing. Tap water, although safe to drink, is not at all sterile, and may contain microorganisms harmful to the eyes. Do not rinse the lens case in water, but in a special solution.
   • Then dry the container with a clean, lint-free towel or let it dry in the sun. It is still preferable to expose the container to the sun, so you will protect it from the introduction of bacteria or debris.
   • Do not use one contact lens container for more than three months, after which it should be replaced. Track how long you have been using the container.
2. 2 Wash your hands. Before removing contact lenses or otherwise touching your eyes, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Dirt and bacteria that you have been in contact with during the day can infect your eyes.
   • Wet your hands with plain water. Although people often advise using warm water, this is just a matter of personal preference. Both warm and cold water will do.
   • When washing your hands, use a pH neutral soap that contains a small amount of oil or fragrance.
   • Lather your hands, remembering to rub between your fingers and lather the back of your hand. Since you will be touching your eyes directly, pay special attention to your fingertips and under your nails.
   • Rub your hands under running water for at least 20 seconds. To count down the right amount of time, sing the song "Happy Birthday" twice to yourself.
   • Rinse your hands. Make sure to rinse off any soap residue as it can irritate your eyes.
   • Before doing any manipulation with contact lenses, let your hands dry themselves if possible so that the lint does not get into your eyes. If this option does not suit you, take a paper towel, after which it is unlikely that any garbage will remain on your hands.
   • If you have a nail brush, it's a good idea to use it. Since you're going to have such close eye contact, it's worth making sure the dirt has been cleaned up safely.
3. 3 Find a mirror in a well-lit room. To remove contact lenses, you must see your eyes clearly. Find a room that is well lit and has a mirror. The lens should be in front of the colored part of your eye. Without taking your eyes off your eyes, use a mirror to see the outline of the contact lens. Do not touch the eye until you know exactly where the lens is located to avoid accidentally touching the exposed membrane.
4. 4 Stand on a suitable surface. You could accidentally drop your contact lenses. To be on the safe side, be sure to stand on a clean surface. If you're standing over a sink, be sure to plug the drain so that your contact lenses don't fall into the drain.

Part 2 of 3: Removing the lenses

1. 1 Try the pinch method. There are two methods for removing contact lenses if you have long nails. One of them is the pinching method, which involves squeezing a contact lens with two fingers and pulling it out of the eye.
   • Most people prefer to use their index fingers for this, but this is just personal preference. Try different finger combinations to see which fingertips are easiest for you to control.
   • Use only your fingertips, not your nails, or you risk damaging the cornea or the contact lenses themselves.
   • Gently squeeze the lens inward towards the center of the eye. The lens should bend.
   • Pinch the lens between your fingers. Just don't squeeze it too hard or it will break. Do not fold the lens in half or let the edges touch.
   • Pull the lens until it is outside the eye.
2. 2 Try the scrolling method. Many people have difficulty coordinating their fingers with the pinching method. If you're having trouble getting to grips with it, try the scrolling method.
   • Place your fingertip over the contact lens. Push the lens down towards the squirrel.
   • Continue lowering the lens until it reaches your lower eyelid, and then gently slide it underneath.
   • The lens should flip over. When it starts to bulge outward, like eyelashes, you can pick it up and pull it out of your eye.
3. 3 Inspect the lens for damage. Long nails can seriously damage contact lenses. When you remove the lens, make sure it is not damaged before returning it to the container.
   • Place the lens on the tip of your index finger and hold it in the light.
   • Inspect the lens for cracks or dirt. A damaged lens can irritate the eyes and even damage the cornea. If you notice any damage, do not leave the lenses, but discard them immediately.

Part 3 of 3: Storing your lenses

1. 1 Store your lenses properly. Once removed, store your contact lenses in a safe place until you need them again.
   • Most people just dump out the old lens storage solution. Since the solution is intended to be disinfected, it can deteriorate over time. Pour out the old solution and replace it with a new one.
   • Close the container lid tightly and put it in a safe place until you need the lenses again.
   • Different contact lenses should be removed for different periods of time. Some can be worn overnight, while others cannot. Ask your optometrist how often to remove and set your lenses.
2. 2 Find out about solutions to problems with contact lenses. Although contact lenses are fairly easy to care for, they can be problematic when removing them. But they are also easy to eliminate.
   • If you find it difficult to keep your eyes open when removing your contact lenses, try holding your upper eyelid and eyelashes with one hand and pulling the lens out with the other.
   • If you are having trouble removing your lenses, look in a mirror and concentrate on one point. If you lose eye contact, your eyes will shift, and so will your lenses.
   • Try not to rub your eyes with contact lenses. This can damage the lenses and cause eye inflammation.
3. 3 Find out the expiration date of your contact lenses. Contact lenses are not permanent. Depending on the type of lenses you wear, they have a certain expiration date. If your doctor writes you a prescription for contact lenses, ask them how long they will last. If this information gets out of your mind, look on the packaging for instructions on when to discard your lenses.

Tips

• If you regularly experience pain and discomfort while wearing lenses, consider trimming your nails or switching to glasses.

Warnings

• Symptoms of an eye infection include blurred vision, fever, eye discharge, and watery eyes. If you have any of these symptoms, see your eye doctor right away.

What do you need

• Contact lens solution
• Lens container
• Soap
• Water