Contact lenses are a convenience that free people from having to wear glasses. However, proper handling and care of your contact lenses is important to keep your eyes healthy and to prevent infections and irritation. It may take a little time to become comfortable with the process of inserting and removing your lenses. Many eye doctors focus their attention on instructing you how to put your lenses in, but knowing how to take out your lenses properly is just as important. Correct procedures differ depending on whether you have hydrogel---soft---lenses or rigid gas permeable---hard---lenses.
Soft Contact Lenses
Step 1
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Choose a soap that does not contain lotions or perfume. Be sure to scrub underneath your fingernails to remove all germs.
Step 2
Dry your hands on a clean towel. Inspect your hands to make sure that your fingers are free of lint.
Step 3
Position yourself in front of a mirror. If you are removing your lenses over the sink, close the drain in case you drop a lens.
Step 4
Tilt your head back. Place a drop of rewetting solution in each eye.
Step 5
Take the top off of your contact lens case for your right eye. Your case should be clean. Fill the reservoir with fresh saline solution.
Step 6
Hold your right eye open with your left hand. Position your left index finger on your right upper eyelid. Use your middle finger to pull your lower eyelid down.
Step 7
Look up. Slide your right contact lens down onto the sclera---the white part of your eye that surrounds the cornea---with your right index finger. Pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger to remove it from your eye.
Step 8
Clean your right lens according to the manufacturer's instructions. Place the lens in the case. Open the case for your left contact lens.
Step 9
Hold your left eye open with your left hand. Follow the same procedure you used to remove your right contact lens. Clean your lens before storing it in fresh saline solution.
Hard Contact Lenses
Step 1
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Place rewetting drops in your eyes.
Step 2
Look straight ahead. Hold the index finger of one hand in the center of your upper eyelid, close to your eye. Place the index finger of your other hand on the center of your lower eyelid.
Step 3
Press your fingers against your lid as you begin to close your eye. The edge of your contact lens will catch on your eyelids. Close your eye completely. Remove the lens.
Tips and Warnings
- Keep your fingernails short and neatly filed to avoid tearing a contact lens. Left-handed people may feel more comfortable using their left hand to remove their contact lenses.
Things You'll Need
- Hand soap
- Clean hand towel
- Contact lens rewetting drops
- Contact lens case
- Saline solution
