If you’re a first-time contact lens user, taking them out might initially feel a bit strange. After all, you’ve lived your whole life trying not to put your fingers in your eyes! At Total Vision, we’ve put together a simple step-by-step guide to help you easily remove your contact lenses.
And remember to visit your optometrist regularly to take care of your vision!
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Any time you touch your eyes, it’s crucial to wash them thoroughly with soap and water first.
Clean hands reduce the risk of transferring bacteria or dirt to your eyes, which can lead to infections. So before you ever handle contacts, grab the soap!
Step 2: Relax & Steady Yourself
Taking out your contacts requires a gentle touch and a calm mindset. If you’re agitated, antsy, or shaking, it’ll be much harder than it should be. Relax, take a deep breath, and then you can start.
It can help to rest your non-dominant hand on your forehead or cheek to keep your hand steady and avoid unnecessary poking or prodding in your eye.
Step 3: Gently Hold Your Eyelids
Once comfortable, use your non-dominant hand to pull your upper eyelid upward gently. Be careful not to squeeze too hard, and don’t apply too much pressure. Remember that your eyes are sensitive.
Then, using your dominant hand, grab your lower eyelid and pull it downward. This will help expose the edge of the lens.
Step 4: Blink & Slide the Lens
Now it’s time for the magic moment. Blink once or twice to moisten your eye, then slide the lens toward the lower part of your eye. You can use the pad of your finger to gently nudge the lens downwards.
At no point should you use a sharp object or any excessive force. Doing so can damage your eyes or the lens. And don’t rub or scratch your eyes too hard.
Step 5: Pinch & Remove the Lenses
Once you’ve slid the lens down, gently pinch the lens with your thumb and index finger. Be careful not to pinch it too tightly, as that can cause the lens to fold or tear. Slowly and steadily remove the lens from your eye, keeping it balanced on your fingertips.
If the lens is stuck in your eye, don’t force it. You can use eye drops or saline solution to rehydrate the lens before trying again. It can even help to close your eyes and move them around to help re-center the lens in your eye and make it easier to grab.
Step 6: Clean & Store the Lenses
Your lens is out, but the process is not over yet! Now it’s time to clean your contacts:
- Apply a few drops of contact lens cleaning solution
- Rub the lens gently with your fingertip
- Rinse the lens with more solution
- Place it in a clean case filled with fresh solution
Repeat this process for the other lens.
Remember to check the expiration dates on the solution and case. Using out-of-date materials can put you at risk of eye infections.
Step 7: Take Care of Your Vision
Make sure you’ve removed both lenses before going to sleep. If you ever encounter a problem, from pain or discomfort to any other unusual experience, you can contact our team at Total Vison. We’re here to help you with all of your contact lens needs. Book your appointment today!
