If you have recently used contact lenses (ACLs), you may find it difficult to remove them, especially if you have long nails. Adhering to a certain protocol for this operation minimizes the risk of damage and infection.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Preparing to Remove Contact Lenses
Step 1. Clean the container
Before you take the lenses out of your eyes, you need to make sure you have a clean and ready container.
- Make sure it doesn't contain any residue by rinsing it. Do not use tap water, as it is safe to drink, but it is not sterile and may contain microorganisms that are harmful to the eye. Use contact lens solution for this.
- You can let the container air dry or wipe it with a soft, clean, lint-free cloth. Generally, the first option is preferred because it reduces the risk of spreading bacteria and dust inside.
- Contact lens containers should only be used for three months and then replaced; monitor how long you use them.
Step 2. Wash your hands
Before removing the ACLs or proceeding with any operation that involves touching the eyes, you should wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Dirt and bacteria you come into contact with during the day could cause an eye infection.
- Wet your hands with tap water. Although many people encourage the use of hot water, in reality the temperature is a matter of personal preference; both cold and hot water are fine.
- The soap you use to wash your hands before removing the LACs should have a neutral pH and contain few oils or fragrances.
- Rub the foam into your hands without neglecting the area between the fingers and the backs. Since you will be touching the eyes directly, pay special attention to the fingertips and the area under the nails.
- Rub your hands under running water for at least twenty seconds; to keep track of time, you can hum "Happy Birthday" twice.
- Rinse your hands. Be especially careful to remove all soap, as its residue can irritate your eyes.
- If possible, air dry your hands before handling the LACs to prevent fluff from getting into your eyes; if you don't have this option, use a paper towel as it is less likely to shed lint on your hands.
- If you have one, you should use a nail brush. Since you will need to touch your eyes, it is important to get rid of all dirt residue.
Step 3. Find a mirror in a well-lit room
To be able to remove contact lenses, you need to see your eyes. Go to a brightly lit room with a mirror. The lens should be exactly in front of the colored part of the eye. Look directly in the eye and pay attention if you can see the outer edge of the ACLs. You need to know the position of the lenses before touching your eyes, in order to avoid coming into contact with exposed mucous membranes.
Step 4. Place yourself on a suitable surface
There are some chances that the LACs will fall. For safety reasons, be sure to work on a clean surface; if you are in front of the sink, remember to close the drain to prevent the LACs from disappearing into the pipes.
Part 2 of 3: Remove the Contact Lenses
Step 1. Try the "pinch" method
There are two techniques for removing ACLs when you have long nails. The first is to pinch the lens with two fingers.
- Most people find it easier to use the two indexes, but these are matters of personal preference; experiment with different fingers until you find the combination that gives you the best control.
- Use only your fingertip and not your fingernail. You don't have to damage the cornea or ACLs.
- Push the edges of the lens inward, towards the center of the eye, so it should come off.
- Securely grasp the lens with both fingers. Don't pinch it too hard, otherwise you run the risk of breaking it. The lens shouldn't fold in half and the two opposite edges shouldn't fold.
- Pull the ACL outward until it comes out of the eye.
Step 2. Try the "sliding" method
Many people believe that the "pinch" technique requires complex coordination. If you are not comfortable with this, you can give the one described below a try.
- Place your fingertip on the lens and push it down towards the white part of the eye.
- Keep pushing until it reaches the lower lid and then guide it to the inside of the lid.
- At this point, the lens should pass over the eyelid and be pushed out, a bit like eyelashes; this allows you to grab it and take it out of the eye.
Step 3. Inspect the lenses for damage
Long nails are especially dangerous for contact lenses. After removing the LACs, check for tears before placing them in the container.
- Hold the lens on your fingertip and observe it against the light.
- Inspect it for debris or cracks. A broken lens can cause eye irritation and potentially tear the cornea, causing serious damage; if you notice any alterations, throw the lens away instead of putting it away.
Part 3 of 3: Storing the Contact Lenses
Step 1. Put the LACs away
Once removed, you should store them safely until you need to use them again.
- Many people limit themselves to refilling the container in which there is still the used solution. However, the liquid serves to disinfect the lenses and becomes contaminated with use; you should then throw away the old product and replace it with a fresh solution.
- Close the lid of the container and tighten it carefully and store everything in a safe place in the house, until you need to put on the LACs once more.
- The various types of lenses must be removed after different uses. Some can even be worn all night, while others cannot; talk to your ophthalmologist to find out how often you need to remove and store the ACLs.
Step 2. Learn to troubleshoot common contact lens problems
Although it is a rather simple optical correction device to use, when you get used to its maintenance, there are some difficulties related to its removal; however, these are easily overcome obstacles.
- If you have trouble keeping your eyes open when removing the ACLs, use one hand to hold the upper lid and lashes as you go.
- If you can't slide the lenses in, stare at the mirror and keep your gaze steady. If you lose eye contact, it means that you have moved your eye and consequently the lens has shifted.
- Be careful not to rub your eyes when wearing your lenses; you could damage ACLs and cause eye irritation.
Step 3. Find out about the expiration date of the lenses
These products don't last forever; contact lenses have a specific expiration date based on the type. When your ophthalmologist prescribes this kind of correction, ask him how long it can last; if you don't remember the information, check the packaging to know when to throw away the LACs.
