Ploppertje

A contact lens suction cup is a handy tool for people who wear soft contact lenses. It consists of a small handle with a soft, hollow suction cup at the end, usually made of silicone or rubber. By gently pressing the suction cup and placing it against the lens, a slight vacuum is created, causing the lens to stick to the popper.

You mainly use a contact lens suction cup to pick up a lens from the lens case without touching it with your fingers, or to place the lens on your eye. Once the lens is on the surface of your eye, you release the suction cup and the lens will come away from it by itself.

Ploppertjes are particularly useful if you find it difficult to handle a lens with your fingers, for example because you have long nails, your fingers are dry, or you find it hard to transfer the lens from your finger to your eye. People with reduced sensation in their fingertips or limited manual dexterity may also benefit from them.

Please note: a ‘ploppertje’ is designed for soft lenses. For hard or rigid lenses, there are other tools available, such as small tweezers or a special suction cup with a more robust design.

How do you use a contact lens suction cup?

It is easy to use. Gently press the suction cup in, carefully place it in the centre of the lens in the lens case, and lift the lens out. Bring the lens to your eye and release the suction cup as soon as the lens makes contact with the surface of your eye. The lens will then detach from the ‘plopper’ of its own accord.

Make sure your fingers and the suction cup are clean before you start. Rinse the suction cup with tap water or lens solution after use and leave it to dry. Replace the suction cup if the suction cup becomes damaged or no longer works properly.

Who might find a contact lens remover handy?

A contact lens remover can be a great help if you:

• if you have long or artificial nails that make it difficult to pick up a lens with your fingertips;
• you have dry fingers, causing the lens to stick to your finger;
• have difficulty with the fine motor skills required to place a lens on your eye;
• It is best to touch your eyes with your fingers as little as possible.

Where can you find a contact lens remover?

At SMEYEL , you’ll find contact lens accessories, including suction cups and other tools that make wearing and caring for lenses easier.