Removing contact lenses step by step

Removing contact lenses is a daily routine for anyone who wears them. It may seem simple, but using the correct technique prevents you from damaging your lenses or unnecessarily touching the surface of your eye. Most people develop their own routine after a few days of practice, but the basic steps remain the same.

Whether you wear soft or hard lenses, the principle is similar: make sure your hands are clean, look in the right direction and gently remove the lens from your eye. For soft lenses, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger; for hard lenses, slide the lens towards the edge of your eye or use a suction cup.

Preparation

Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a lint-free towel. Traces of soap, cream or dirt on your fingers can irritate your lens or your eye. Make sure your nails are short and smooth, so that you do not accidentally tear the lens or scratch your eye.

Make sure you have a mirror to hand and plenty of light. Stand or sit comfortably so that you are not in a rush. Have your lens case or lens container ready with fresh solution in it, so that you can store the lens straight away.

Removing soft contact lenses

Look straight ahead or slightly upwards. With your other hand, gently pull your upper eyelid upwards or your lower eyelid downwards so that you can see and reach the lens clearly. Place the tip of your index finger on the lens and slide it slightly downwards or to the side onto the white part of your eye, so that the lens is no longer directly over your pupil.

Gently pinch the lens between the tip of your thumb and index finger. The lens will then fold over slightly and come away from your eye. Remove the lens from your eye and place it in the palm of your hand or directly into the lens case containing fresh solution. Repeat the steps for your other eye.

Removing hard contact lenses

Look straight ahead. Place your index finger on the outer edge of your eye, just next to the corner where the upper and lower eyelids meet. Gently pull the skin outwards there whilst slightly squeezing your eyelids together. The lens will then often come loose by itself and fall into the palm of your hand or onto a clean surface.

Another method is to gently slide the lens towards the edge of your eye with your fingertip and catch it there. Some people use a special suction cup: you place the suction cup on the lens, pull gently, and the lens comes loose. Store the lens in the correct solution in your lens case.

Common mistakes

Do not try to pull the lens off your pupil without first sliding it to one side; this can be uncomfortable and the lens may stick to your finger instead of coming away. Do not squeeze too hard, as this could tear the lens. Always wash your hands first, even if you are in a hurry.

Do not use tap water to rinse or store your lenses; tap water contains microorganisms that can irritate your eyes. Always store your lenses in fresh solution, never in old or reused solution from the case.

When should you remove your contact lenses?

Remove your lenses before going to sleep, unless you are specifically wearing day-and-night lenses that are approved for this purpose. Even if you are tired or your eyes are stinging, it is advisable to remove your lenses and give your eyes a rest. Never wear your lenses for longer than the manufacturer’s recommended wearing time.

Make sure you take your lenses out before you go swimming, have a shower or have a bath, as water can contaminate your lenses or wash them out of your eye. If you experience irritation, redness or pain, remove your lenses and have your eye examined by your optician, optometrist or ophthalmologist.

Cleaning after removal

Clean your soft lenses immediately after removing them, following the instructions for your solution: gently rub the lens in the palm of your hand with a few drops of solution, rinse it off and place it in the case with fresh solution. Clean hard lenses in the same way, using the solution suitable for your lens type.

At SMEYEL , you’ll find lens solution and care products for all types of lenses, so you can clean and store your lenses properly after removing them. Replace the solution in your lens case every time you place your lenses in it; reusing old solution is ineffective and increases the risk of contamination.

Problems when removing contact lenses

If your lens is stuck or seems reluctant to come away, first moisten your eye with a few drops of lens solution or moisturising eye drops. Blink a few times and try again. Never force it; a dry lens can sometimes stick to your eye and will come away more easily once it is moist again.

If you cannot find the lens on your eye, look carefully in the mirror and pull your upper and lower eyelids up and down. Sometimes a soft lens can slip under your eyelid. If you really cannot find the lens or are unable to remove it, please contact your optician or ophthalmologist.

Tips for beginners

Take your time and practise at a leisurely pace. The first few times, it often takes longer to remove your lenses, but after a few days it will become quicker and more natural. If your lens doesn’t sit comfortably between your fingers straight away, try again without forcing it.

Some people find it easier to remove their lenses over a clean towel or in a sink with the drain plugged, so that the lens doesn’t get lost if it slips from your fingers. Always keep a spare pair of lenses or a pair of glasses to hand, in case your lens gets damaged or lost.