Rigid contact lenses, or gas permeable (RGP), are made of hard material and for this reason are considered easier to handle; sometimes, however, it is not easy to remove them, because they have a tendency to remain "glued" to the eye or to move during the extraction procedure. Despite these features, there are ways to avoid frustration while taking them out.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Preparing for Lens Removal
Step 1. Wash your hands with mild soap
You need to use the right type of cleanser before removing contact lenses (LACs). Do not use a perfumed or moisturizing product to prevent residue from transferring onto the lenses. It is best to wash your hands with antibacterial soap and warm water; when finished, dry them thoroughly with a clean, lint-free cloth.
Following good hand hygiene practices protects the eyes and ACLs from dangerous pathogens, which can enter the eye through the lenses and cause an infection or conjunctivitis
Step 2. Get a container and LAC solution
Before removing your contact lenses, you need a container to store them in, such as a special case or other sterile container. You also need to buy sterile saline or disinfectant for rigid ACL.
- Make sure you are using a sterile disinfectant and not a simple saline solution; although the latter is perfect for moisturizing ACL, it does not guarantee disinfection. Ask your eye doctor for more information to make sure you are using the right solution for your type of lens.
- Replace the container every three months.
Step 3. Prepare the container
When you have the correct one and solution, fill the container about half its capacity with disinfectant. The fresh, clean liquid keeps the LACs just as clean by removing build-up of proteins and bacteria. Remove the caps from the container to insert the lenses more easily.
Part 2 of 2: Remove the Lenses
Step 1. Get ready
Before removing ACLs, instill a few drops of sterile saline or artificial tears in each eye. In this way, it hydrates and lubricates both the eyes and the lenses, making them easier to extract. Place yourself on a flat surface, such as a dresser or bathroom counter; this little trick prevents the lenses from falling to the floor. Afterward, look straight into the mirror to observe the eyes.
Step 2. Put your fingers in the correct position
Place your index finger between the upper and lower eyelid lines. It should be in the center of the contact lens, holding it steady; use the index finger of the other hand to lift the upper eyelid. Move the finger holding the upper eyelid down; as a result, the lens should detach from the eye.
Step 3. Remove the lens
Use the middle finger of the hand holding the lens to pull down the lower lid. Look up, carefully slide the LAC down and pinch it out; scrub it gently with the disinfectant solution - apply three drops and rub each side for about ten seconds. In this way, it loosens the protein deposits, the residues that have remained on the LAC, consequently improving its comfort and extending its duration. Put the lens in the container you poured the disinfectant into.
- Do not skip this step, even if the disinfectant solution package says "no rub".
- Repeat for the other eye.
Step 4. Try an alternative method
If the one described above doesn't work, you can try the "on the fly" method. Lean over a flat surface to prevent the lens from falling to the ground; look down and put your hand under the eye to grab the lens. Use the index and middle fingers of the other hand to pull the outer corner of the eye towards the temple and blink. Thanks to this movement, the LAC should fall into your hand.
- Some people find it easier to pull only the upper eyelid rather than both.
- Repeat for the other eye.
Step 5. Use a suction cup
If you can't get the hard lenses out with the other methods, you can use a small specific suction cup. This tool adheres to the outer surface of the ACL and allows you to remove it; only use it if you can clearly see the lens in the eye.
To proceed, moisten the center of the suction cup with sterile saline solution; look straight ahead and place the accessory in the center of the lens. Gently wiggle it left and right until a strong snug bond has formed and you can pull out the LAC. Return the lens to the container and repeat the procedure with the other eye
Step 6. Know when to ask for help
Problems with the eyes can become severe and cause permanent damage. See your doctor right away if you notice the following warning signs:
- Inability to extract the lens from the eye;
- The lens got stuck in the eye;
- Poor eyesight;
- Pain, redness, or discomfort after ACL removal.
Advice
- Make sure you can see the ACL in the eye; if you don't spot it, close your eyelid with a clean hand and blink until you can see it.
- Never use tweezers, toothpicks or other hard objects to remove contact lenses.
- If they cause irritation or discomfort, inform your eye doctor; he may prescribe other more comfortable ones.
Warnings
- Don't apply too much pressure to remove the lenses, be very gentle.
- The techniques described in this article are only valid for hard contact lenses and should not be used for soft ones.
- Review these procedures with your eye doctor or optician before trying them yourself.
- If you are in pain or an eye has been punctured, ask someone to drive you to the emergency room or call an ambulance right away.
