How to Remove Contact Lenses Safely

Most of the 'myopics' are avid contact lens users. Reason - lenses serve a good break from the mundane spectacles and are very comfortable to use too. But there are also many other people who are averse to using lenses, for reasons a plenty. For some, it is the time factor (as one needs some time to get used to the contact lenses application). For others, it is the extra precautions that need to be followed while using lenses.

But there would be no trouble in using lenses once you get used to the application and removal procedure. Lenses need to be handled very carefully to prevent any complications. In this article, we have focused on the contact lenses removal, and have given the details of how to take them out properly.

Why is Precaution Necessary

There are many different kinds of contact lenses, like the soft lenses, RGP lenses, disposable lenses, etc. The materials used may differ, but the basic idea of applying and removing is the same. The lenses fit and adjust to the shape of the cornea. Improper use can lead to infection and redness of the eyes. Thus, to avoid the infections and other problems associated with the improper use, the proper method of application and removal should be followed at all times.

Removing Contact Lenses

The steps given below would help you get a hang of the precautions needed to remove contact lenses with minimal pain or discomfort. Some people master this art very fast, but some may take time. But with practice, anybody can do it easily. Have a look.

• Before you remove lenses, wash your hands clean with a good hand washer. Dry your hands with a clean towel. The bacteria and dust on the hands can damage the lenses.
• After this, keep your lens box ready with the freshly added lens protection solution in it.
• Now comes the most important part. The pinch method is the easiest and recommended way to remove the lenses.
• Stretch your eyes wide with your fingers so that the circular ball is completely visible. Use the fingers (ring finger and middle finger) of your recessive hands to stretch the upper eyelid part, and the middle finger of the writing hand to stretch the lower eye part. Now using the thumb and pointer finger, pinch the lens out and dip it in the solution.
• Make sure that the lens doesn't fall off, and you neatly keep it back in the solution box. Soft lenses do not pain and can be easily removed.

Tips on Using Contact Lenses

• Make sure you are following the precautions that have been mentioned to you by your doctor. Most of the lenses require you to use a fresh solution daily.
• Daily cleaning of lenses is also very important. Before putting the lenses on, see that there are no foreign particles on them. If there are any, dip the lenses in the solution again and clean them by rubbing them gently between your fingers.
• You should never go to sleep with your lenses on, and proper rest should be given to the eyes. Make use of eye drops to prevent dryness in the eyes.
• Put on your lenses before you apply any makeup.
• Lenses require lubrication, but to lubricate the lenses, do not make use of any other lubricant other than the doctor recommended solution.
• One should always use protective eye gear in windy conditions and under harsh sunlight. The eyes should be protected from the environmental factors like dust and likewise.
• Consult a doctor if your eyes get red after using the lenses, and you should avoid the use of the lenses if there is any irritation and swelling of the eyes.
• If there is a difference in the power of both lenses, take precaution that you do not mix up the left and right lenses, and keep the 'right' lens in the 'right' box.

Though it may seem tiring during the initial days, once mastered, the technique of application and removal of lenses is very easy. Hope this article was helpful to some extent. Take care!