You've finally learned how to put on contact lenses, but taking them off can be just as difficult, if not harder. Once removed, it is also very important to clean and store them properly to prevent infections. By knowing exactly what to do, you will be able to remove your lenses quickly and safely.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Remove the Contact Lenses
Step 1. Wash your hands
Dangerous pathogens can enter the eye through the lenses, causing infections or conjunctivitis. Wash with warm water and antibacterial soap, then dry thoroughly with a clean towel.
Taking good care of hand hygiene not only helps you protect your lenses from dangerous pathogens, but also your eyes in general
Step 2. Pour a few drops of saline into both eyes
This way, you will hydrate and lubricate your eyeballs and contact lenses, making them easier to remove. Make sure you use a sterile liquid.
Step 3. Use a mirror
First, good lighting and a mirror will help you get used to the movements needed to remove contact lenses.
Step 4. Always start with the same eye
Contact lenses are neither identical nor interchangeable, so don't confuse them. By always starting with the same eye, you will avoid mistakes.
Step 5. Keep your eyelids open
Look up, then use the index finger of the non-dominant hand to lift the upper lid and lashes away from the eye. Then, use the middle finger of your other hand to pull the lower lid down and away from the eye. Make sure your lashes are away from your eyes.
Step 6. Grab the lens with your index finger and thumb
Without letting go of your eyelids, use your dominant hand's thumb and index finger to grasp the contact lens. Use your fingertips to gently squeeze it (without bending or crumpling it).
Step 7. Remove the lens
Thanks to the gentle pressure, it should detach from the surface of the eye. At that point, pull it down and out to completely remove it from the eye. Be careful when squeezing it, so you don't inadvertently bend or tear it.
Step 8. Place the lens in the palm of the other hand
Instead of turning it upside down, it's easier to place it on the palm of your free hand. This will also make it easier to clean because you can use your dominant hand.
Part 2 of 2: Cleaning and Storing the Contact Lenses
Step 1. Clean the lens case before using it
You should wash it every day with sterile solution or warm water and let it dry in the fresh air before storing the lenses inside.
- Let the case dry, upside down and without a lid.
- You may find that it is easier to clean the case after putting on the lenses, so that it has plenty of time to dry.
- Replace the case every 3 months.
Step 2. Pour fresh, uncontaminated solution into the pouch
Before removing the contact lenses, it may be helpful to fill the case halfway with a fresh dose of solution. This will make it easier to transfer the lenses directly into the liquid, instead of filling the container while still holding the lens in your hand.
- Always avoid reusing the same solution twice.
- Make sure you use a sterile, non-saline solution. While the saline solution keeps the lenses hydrated, it is unable to disinfect them properly. Always use the product suggested by your optician.
Step 3. Clean the lenses
Holding them in the palm of your clean hand, wet them with the solution suitable for the type of lenses you are using (as directed by your optician). At that point, rub them gently with your fingertip, so as to apply the solution all over the surface. This method allows you to eliminate all residues and microbes more effectively, rather than letting the lenses soak in the liquid.
- To avoid damaging or scratching the lenses with your fingernails, start from the center and rub towards the outer edge, applying gentle pressure.
- Remember to clean both sides.
- You should clean your contact lenses every day to minimize the risk of eye infections or other complications associated with their use.
Step 4. Put the lenses in the case
Rubbing them will dissolve the residues, but you should still use a few more drops of disinfectant solution to get rid of them completely. At that point, you can deposit the lenses inside the clean solution found in the case. Make sure you don't swap the right lens with the left one.
If necessary, pour more solution into the case after inserting the lens. Make sure the liquid level is high enough to completely cover it
Step 5. Repeat for the other eye
To avoid inadvertently reversing the lenses, it can be easier to complete all the steps from start to finish for one eye at a time. In this case, repeat for the other eye.
Step 6. Leave the lenses in the solution for the indicated time
To make sure they are fully disinfected, they must remain in the liquid for the time indicated on the package. In most cases, this will take 4-6 hours, so one night is enough.
This way, your eyes will also have a chance to rest and you will avoid straining them
Advice
- To avoid irritating your eyes with your fingers, put a few drops of the solution on your fingertips after washing your hands.
- Remove contact lenses before removing makeup. By rubbing your eyes you risk tearing them.
- With long fingernails you can scratch or tear contact lenses. If you have long nails, use one finger to lift the lower lid and another from the same hand to remove the lens. Make sure your nails are pointing away from the eye.
- When you take off a contact lens, look in the mirror, but don't focus on your finger. Look up or straight ahead.
- If you have trouble taking your lenses off, you can use a special tool specifically for hard or soft lenses. The hard lens tool looks like a suction cup, while the soft lens tool looks more like tweezers.
- Remove your contact lenses before swimming or entering the hot tub.
- Consider cleaning your contact lenses with a protein-removing solution about once a week. Normal lens fluids do not eliminate proteins, which will therefore accumulate on the lenses every day.
- Follow all the directions of the optician, regardless of the type of lenses you use - soft or rigid gas-permeable contact lenses.
Warnings
- Read all the directions on the packaging of your contact lenses, eye drops, or liquid that can remove proteins. The methods of use can vary widely and are potentially harmful products if used incorrectly.
- If you use rigid lenses, be especially careful not to get them to end up in the back of the eye. This advice is also useful with soft lenses, which however do not cause as much pain.
- Always replace your contact lenses according to your optician's directions.
- Always remove contact lenses before bed if you have not been prescribed lenses to wear for long periods by your doctor. By sleeping with your lenses in, you risk various complications.
- If the lenses are stuck in one place on the eye, wash it with sterile saline. If you still can't remove the lens, ask an eye doctor for help.
- Avoid using the same solution twice.
- Always avoid cleaning your lenses with tap water or saliva.
- If you use disposable lenses, be sure to throw them away after removing them.
