Mastering the Art: Removing Contact Lenses Without Touching Your Eye

For many contact lens wearers, the act of inserting and removing their lenses becomes a routine, almost unconscious habit. However, the very act of touching your eye, even with clean hands, carries a slight risk of introducing bacteria or irritating the delicate surface. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way to remove your contact lenses without ever having to directly touch your eye? The good news is: there is! While it might seem like a magic trick, removing contact lenses without finger contact is a perfectly achievable skill, with practice and the right techniques. This article will guide you through several methods, offering detailed instructions and tips for safe and effective lens removal.

Why Avoid Touching Your Eye?

Before we dive into the techniques, it’s crucial to understand why minimizing eye contact is beneficial:

• Reduced Risk of Infection: Our hands, despite frequent washing, can harbor bacteria and other microorganisms that can lead to eye infections like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or keratitis (corneal inflammation).
• Minimized Irritation: Even gentle touching can sometimes cause minor irritation, redness, or a scratch on the cornea, especially if your nails are long or not properly trimmed.
• Greater Comfort: For some people, the sensation of fingers touching their eye is simply uncomfortable or anxiety-inducing. Non-touch removal methods can make lens removal a more pleasant experience.
• Avoiding Contamination of the Lens: While we always advocate washing hands thoroughly before touching lenses, a no-touch method minimizes the risk of inadvertently transferring any oils, lotions, or residues from your fingers to the contact lens, potentially causing discomfort or blurred vision.

The Methods: Removing Contact Lenses Without Finger Contact

Several methods can help you remove your contact lenses without direct finger contact. While they might seem challenging at first, consistent practice will lead to mastery. Here are the most popular and effective techniques:

Method 1: The Blink and Slide Technique (For Soft Lenses)

This is perhaps the most popular non-touch method for removing soft contact lenses. It relies on manipulating the lens with your eyelids and the natural blinking reflex.

1. Wash Your Hands: As always, start with thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water. Dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This may seem counterintuitive since you won’t be touching your eye directly, but it’s critical to avoid transferring anything to your eyelid which might then get onto your eye.
2. Look in the Mirror: Position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror, making sure you have a clear view of your eye.
3. Open Your Eye Wide: Use your non-dominant hand to gently hold your upper eyelid up, keeping it wide open. Try not to pull your eyelid back so hard that you squeeze your eye or distort the natural curve of the eye.
4. Look Towards Your Nose: While keeping your upper eyelid held open, direct your gaze towards your nose using the eye that has a lens in it. This will naturally move the contact lens slightly towards the side of your eye.
5. Gently Press and Blink: With your free hand, use a finger or your thumb to very gently press on your upper eyelid, pushing it just slightly towards your eye’s upper rim, towards the area where the lens will be pushed off. Do not apply too much pressure, you want to encourage the lens to fold at its edge, not just get pushed around. You should now have your upper and lower eyelids slightly touching and gently pressing the top and bottom edges of the lens.
6. Blink Deliberately: Initiate a deliberate and forceful blink. As your upper and lower eyelids come together they should ‘catch’ the edges of the lens and cause it to fold outwards as it moves past your eyelids. The lens will most likely fold and come off of your eye. It should naturally sit on the edge of your lower eyelid or even just fall off.
7. Catch the Lens: Once the lens has been removed from the eye you should gently tilt your head and try to let the lens fall into your cupped hand, or onto a clean piece of tissue, or into your lens case.
8. Repeat for the Other Eye: Follow the same procedure for the other eye if you are wearing lenses in both.

Tips for Success with the Blink and Slide Technique:

• Practice Makes Perfect: This technique might take some practice. Be patient and don’t get discouraged if you don’t get it right away.
• Gentle Pressure: Use very light pressure on your eyelid. Too much pressure can be uncomfortable and may not be effective.
• Don’t Force It: If the lens doesn’t come out easily, don’t force it. Try again gently or try a different method.
• Moisturize if Needed: If your eyes feel dry, use a few drops of contact lens-friendly rewetting drops to lubricate the lens and make it easier to move.

Method 2: The Lid-Assisted Slide Technique (For Soft Lenses)

This method utilizes your eyelids in a more direct way to guide and slide the lens out of your eye. It provides greater control over the lens’s movement, making it good option for those finding it hard to master the ‘Blink and Slide’.

1. Wash Your Hands: Thoroughly wash and dry your hands before starting.
2. Look in the Mirror: Find a well-lit mirror and position yourself so you can see clearly.
3. Open Your Eye Wide: Gently lift your upper eyelid with your non-dominant hand and make sure you keep your eyes open.
4. Look Towards the Side: Look towards the outer corner of the eye (temple side). This will encourage the lens to move closer to the edge of your eye.
5. Pull Eyelid Back: With your non-dominant hand holding your upper eyelid, gently use a clean finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid outwards and slightly upwards towards the middle of the lens.
6. Push the Lens with Your Lid: As you pull the lower eyelid, use the edge of the eyelid against your eye as a guide. Push the lower eyelid gently inwards towards the edge of the lens. Use the lower eyelid to slightly lift one edge of the lens. It should now fold as you continue to use your lower eyelid to guide it towards the outside of your eye.
7. Let it Fall or Catch it: As the lens folds and dislodges, let it fall into your cupped hand, onto a tissue, or your lens case.
8. Repeat for the Other Eye: Complete the same steps on your other eye if necessary.

Tips for Success with the Lid-Assisted Slide Technique:

• Smooth Motions: Use smooth, fluid movements rather than jerky ones. This will minimize any discomfort.
• Lower Lid is Key: The lower eyelid is the primary tool in this method. Make sure you are using the edge of your lower eyelid to gently push the lens.
• Don’t Rush: Take your time and be gentle. Don’t force the lens to dislodge from the eye.

Method 3: The Scleral Lens Removal Method (Specific for Scleral Lenses)

Scleral lenses are larger, rigid lenses that vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera (the white part of the eye). Their removal technique is different from soft lenses due to their design. While traditionally a tool called a plunger was used, a technique using only the eyelids is growing in popularity and worth exploring for those looking for a completely no-touch removal. It is important to remember that this technique must be done carefully and only after a discussion with your eyecare professional. This information is for informational purposes only and does not substitute instructions from your doctor.

1. Wash Your Hands: Ensure your hands are meticulously clean and dry.
2. Position Yourself: Sit comfortably in front of a mirror and make sure you can see your eye clearly.
3. Look Straight Ahead: Maintain a direct gaze, looking straight into the mirror.
4. Open Your Eye: Use the index and middle finger of your non-dominant hand to gently pull and hold open your eyelids wide. Make sure you don’t just push down onto the eye as you pull back on the lids.
5. Use Your Eyelids: Use the index finger on your dominant hand to gently bring your upper and lower eyelids together towards the outside of your eye. You are aiming to get the edges of the upper and lower eyelids to go just slightly underneath the edges of the scleral lens, so that it is almost gripped from the sides.
6. Blink Deliberately: Blink purposefully, so your eyelids push the lens forward and help dislodge the lens. This should be enough to break the suction between the eye and lens. It is important to do this deliberately, as a gentle or ‘normal’ blink will not be enough.
7. Remove the Lens: As the lens dislodges, you can gently blink again, so the lens either falls into your cupped hand, onto a tissue or straight into the lens case.
8. Repeat for Other Eye: If you wear scleral lenses in both eyes, perform this method on the second eye.

Tips for Success with the Scleral Lens Removal Method:

• Gentle Movements: Avoid any sudden or forceful movements that could damage the lens or your eye.
• Consistent Pressure: Apply even, consistent pressure as your eyelids come together towards the edge of the lens.
• Consult Your Doctor: Always consult your eyecare provider before making any adjustments to your removal technique. This is particularly important for Scleral lenses. They may have specific advice or tools that are appropriate for your case.

Additional Tips for No-Touch Lens Removal

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the easier these techniques will become. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice lens removal without touching your eyes.
• Start Slow: Don’t rush the process. Be patient and take your time, especially in the beginning.
• Use a Mirror: Always use a well-lit mirror to see what you are doing. This will help you understand the positioning and mechanics of the methods.
• Keep Your Eyes Moist: If your eyes are dry, use rewetting drops to lubricate the lenses and make them easier to remove. This is especially important for rigid lenses.
• Be Patient: Don’t get discouraged if it doesn’t work the first few times, or even the first few weeks. It takes time to master these techniques. Consistency is key.
• Don’t Share Lenses: Never share your contact lenses with anyone else. This is a crucial step in preventing eye infections.
• Visit Your Eye Doctor: Always attend your regularly scheduled eye exams and follow all recommendations from your eyecare professional. If you have any difficulties or questions about lens removal, consult them for personalized guidance.
• Store Lenses Properly: Store your lenses in a clean case with fresh solution every time. Do not reuse solution and always dispose of solutions once you open them and use them.
• Don’t Wear Damaged Lenses: Inspect your lenses carefully and if you see any damage, dispose of them immediately. Wearing damaged lenses can cause discomfort or eye damage.

When to See an Eye Care Professional

While these techniques are generally safe, there are times when you need to seek professional help:

• Persistent Redness or Irritation: If your eyes remain red, irritated, or painful after lens removal, seek professional help.
• Blurry Vision: If your vision is blurry even after removing your lenses, contact your eye doctor.
• Difficulty Removing Lenses: If you consistently have trouble removing your lenses, regardless of the method, consult an eye care professional.
• Pain or Discomfort: Any pain or discomfort that doesn’t resolve on its own should be evaluated by an eye doctor.
• Change in Vision: If you notice a change in your vision, or any new symptoms that are not normal for you, make sure you consult a professional for guidance.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of removing contact lenses without touching your eye can significantly improve your comfort and reduce the risk of eye infections. By practicing these techniques, being patient, and following our helpful tips, you will find that lens removal is no longer a challenge. Choose the method that works best for you, and with consistent practice, you’ll soon be able to remove your lenses with ease and confidence. Remember, your eye health is paramount, and taking the extra step to minimize hand-to-eye contact is always a great idea. Always consult your eyecare provider for individualized advice and never hesitate to seek help if you experience discomfort or unusual symptoms. Happy and healthy lens wearing!