Introduction
Contact lenses are an excellent alternative for eyeglasses. They provide clear vision and are more comfortable and discreet than glasses. But, taking them out safely can be difficult, especially if you are a new wearer. Our goal in this article is to provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to take out contact lenses safely and effortlessly.
A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Take Out Contacts Safely
Before starting, wash your hands with soap and warm water to remove any dirt or bacteria that may be on your fingers. Then, follow these steps:
Step 1: Wash Your Hands
Before removing contact lenses, it’s crucial to wash your hands thoroughly. Wash your hands with soap and warm water and dry them with a clean towel to ensure that your fingers are free of dirt, grease, or bacteria.
Step 2: Look in the Mirror
Stand in front of a mirror and use your fingers to pull down your lower eyelid. Look up at the ceiling, then gently touch your contact lens with your index finger.
Step 3: Use Your Fingers
With your index finger, gently slide the contact lens toward the outer corner of your eye. You may feel the lens starting to pop out of your eye. Then, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the contact lens and remove it from your eye.
Step 4: Remove the Lens
If you have difficulty removing the lens, gently squeeze the contact lens between your thumb and index finger and slide it off of the cornea. If the lens is sticking to your eye, blink your eye and try again.
Step 5: Repeat with Other Eye
Repeat the same process with the other eye. After removing both lenses, clean and disinfect them according to the instructions from your optometrist or eye doctor.
Top Tips to Make Removing Your Contacts Effortless
To make removing contact lenses effortless and comfortable, follow these top tips:
Tip 1: Blink a Few Times Before Removing
Before taking out the lenses, blink your eyes a few times to help loosen the lenses from your cornea. This step will make it easier for you to remove the lenses.
Tip 2: Use Eye Drops to Lubricate Your Eyes
Eye drops can help moisten the contact lenses, making it easier to remove them. Apply a drop or two of the contact lens solution or sterile eye drops to your eyes before removing your lenses.
Tip 3: Use Your Non-Dominant Hand
If you’re having difficulty removing the contact lenses, try switching hands. Use your non-dominant hand to pull down your eyelid or remove lenses, and it may be easier to remove the lens.
Tip 4: Relax Your Eyes and Face Muscles
Avoid straining your eyes or facial muscles when removing your contact lenses. As you remove the lenses, breathe deeply, and try to relax your eyes and facial muscles.
Tip 5: Take Your Time
Removing contact lenses takes a bit of patience and skill, so take your time. Never rush the process, and if you feel uncomfortable or uncertain, seek help from an eye care professional.
Expert Advice: Best Practices for Taking Out Contact Lenses
Following these best practices will help ensure your contact lenses are safe to wear and provide clear vision:
Expert Advice 1: Follow the Instructions Provided by Your Eye Doctor
Always follow the instructions and guidelines provided by your optometrist or eye doctor. They will give you specific advice about how to wear, clean, store and replace your lenses.
Expert Advice 2: Use a Contact Lens Solution for Cleaning and Storing Your Lenses
Your eye doctor or optometrist will recommend a contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your lenses. Use the solution regularly, and never use water or saliva to clean or moisten your lenses.
Expert Advice 3: Replace Your Lenses on a Regular Basis
Replace your contact lenses regularly, as advised by your eye doctor. Overuse or not replacing your lenses can cause eye infections and other complications.
Expert Advice 4: Avoid Sleeping with Your Contact Lenses On
Sleeping with contact lenses can cause eye infections and other problems. Always remove your lenses before sleeping or taking a nap, even if your lenses are approved for overnight wear.
Expert Advice 5: Seek Professional Help if You Have Difficulty Removing Your Lenses
If you experience difficulty removing your contact lenses, seek professional help from an optometrist or eye doctor. They can assist you in removing your lenses or recommend other solutions.
The Dos and Don’ts of Removing Contact Lenses
To ensure safe removal of your contact lenses, follow these dos and don’ts:
Dos: Follow the Steps for Safe Removal
- Do remove your contact lenses gradually and safely by following the step-by-step instructions mentioned above.
- Do sanitize your lenses and your hands before and after removing them.
- Do replace your contact lenses regularly as per the instructions of your eye doctor.
Dos: Use Clean Fingers and Lenses
- Do use freshly washed and dried fingers to remove your contact lenses. Moist and greasy fingers can cause bacterial infections inside the lens and in the eyes.
- Do clean and sanitize your lenses and their cases thoroughly.
Don’ts: Excessive Rubbing or Touching of Eyes
- Don’t rub or touch your eyes excessively, as it can cause uncomfortable irritation and infection in the eyes.
- Don’t rub your eyelids too hard, as it can cause the contact lens to move out of position or fall out of the eye.
Don’ts: Use Saliva, Water, or Other Substances to Wet Lenses
- Don’t use saliva or water to moisten or clean your lenses, as they harbor bacteria that can cause infections in the eyes.
- Don’t use lotions, hairsprays, or other cosmetics around the eyes, as they can stick to lenses and cause irritation.
Don’ts: Ignore Any Symptoms of Eye Infection or Discomfort
- Don’t ignore any symptoms of redness, itching, swelling, blurry vision, or other discomforts in the eyes. Seek professional help as soon as possible.
- Don’t wear contact lenses if your eyes are irritated or diseased; it may lead to severe problems such as an eye infection.
Easy Hacks to Remove Contact Lenses Without Any Discomfort
If you’re having difficulty with the standard technique, try these easy hacks:
Hack 1: Close Your Eyes and Roll Them Upwards
Closing your eyes and moving them up and down helps to move the lens towards the lower eyelid, making it easy to remove. After doing so, use your fingers to remove the contact lens.
Hack 2: Use a Suction Cup Device for Contact Lens Removal
A suction cup device provides an easy and efficient way to remove contact lenses, especially if you have difficulty removing soft contact lenses. Gently place the suction cup over the lens to remove it from the eye.
Hack 3: Try a Contact Lens Applicator or Remover Tool
A contact lens applicator is a specialized tool designed for safe and easy contact lens insertion and removal. This tool is perfect for those with difficulty applying contact lenses or removing them using their fingers.
Hack 4: Use a Contact Lens Magnet or Plunger
A contact lens magnet or plunger works on the same principle as a suction cup device. It’s a handy tool for removing gas permeable contact lenses. Simply apply the magnet or plunger to the contact lens to remove it from the eye.
Hack 5: Practice Good Hygiene for Clean and Healthy Eyes
If you want to avoid trouble while wearing contact lenses, you must practice good hygiene. Wash your hands regularly and thoroughly, and don’t share contact lenses or lens cases with anyone else.
Conclusion
We hope this article has provided the information you need to remove contact lenses safely and quickly. Remember, patience and good hygiene are vital to ensure your eye health while wearing contact lenses. Make sure you follow the guidelines provided by your eye care professional for the best results.
Always consult your doctor or eye care provider if you have any difficulty with removing your lenses, or if you notice discomfort or unusual symptoms. By following these tips, removing your contact lenses will be a breeze.
Take a proactive approach towards your eye care by maintaining proper hygiene, replacing your lenses regularly, and seeking professional help when needed. Remember, your eyesight is precious, so take care of it well.