The Best Way to Remove Hard Contact Lenses From Eyes

Gas permeable contact lenses are smaller in diameter than soft contact lenses and are made of hard plastic; they are also called hard contact lenses. Because of the differences in size and materials, the process for removing a gas permeable hard lens from the eye is significantly different than the process for soft contact lenses. Both require manipulation of the eye and eyelid, so clean hands and caution are required.

Preparation

• The typical location for removing a gas permeable contact lens from the eye is over the bathroom sink. First, wash both hands with an unscented soap, rinse completely and dry with a hand towel. Clean hands can reduce the risk of getting bacteria on the lens or in the eye. Also, your nails should be trimmed and not ragged, to lower the risk of damage to the eye or the tissues around the eye when removing the lenses.

  Placing a towel in the sink (after closing the drain) is a good idea, because the fingers get wet with contact lens solution or tears; the wetness makes it more difficult to get a firm grip on the skin. The towel also offers some protection if the lens is dropped, and may make it easier to find. The contact lens case should be open on the towel, with fresh contact lens storing solution already in the wells.

Removal

• Always start with the same eye to minimize confusion when removing the lenses. Pull the skin at the outer corner of the eyelid away from the nose; this creates pressure on the contact lens.

  Position the other hand under the eye, and blink the eye with the skin still taut; the lens should pop right into the hand. If it does not on the first blink, reposition the eyelid and try again. Once the first lens is removed, repeat the procedure to remove the lens from the remaining eye.

  Some people who wear hard or gas permeable lenses use a small suction cup to remove the lens from the eye. The suction cups can also be used to remove gas permeable lenses that are dislocated in the eye (not located on the cornea). These can be purchased at a pharmacy or obtained from the eye doctor's office. The suction cup should be placed directly on the lens (not the eye) and gently twisted off. The lens should slide off of the suction device so the lens can be cleaned and placed in the storage case.

  Both procedures need some practice and probably should be reviewed with the eye doctor when the lenses are first purchased. The blink method is probably the most commonly used method today, but the suction cup method is available for emergencies and for those who are unable to use or are uncomfortable with the blink method.

  No matter which method is used, the contact lenses need to be cleaned immediately after removal and placed in the case.