Key Takeaways
- Wash your hands thoroughly before removing contact lenses to prevent bacterial transfer.
- Follow these steps: find good lighting, look up, slide the lens down, pinch and remove, then store or discard.
- For stubborn lenses, use rewetting drops, blink to reposition, and avoid using fingernails.
- Visit an eye care professional if you experience pain or suspect a lens is stuck.
- Learning how to remove contact lenses properly takes practice, but it becomes easy with clean hands and good technique.
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned wearer, knowing how to remove contact lenses correctly can save you from discomfort, irritation, and even eye infections. Follow these simple steps to take out your lenses safely every time.
Wash Your Hands First
Before you do anything else, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel. This step is non-negotiable. Your fingers carry bacteria that can transfer directly to your eyes if you skip it.
How to Remove Contact Lenses: Step-by-Step
Step 1: Find good lightingÂ
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror. You want to see exactly what you’re doing.
Step 2: Look upÂ
Tilt your gaze upward toward the ceiling while pulling down your lower eyelid with your middle finger.
Step 3: Slide the lens downÂ
Using your index finger, gently slide the contact lens down to the white part of your eye (the sclera).
Step 4: Pinch and removeÂ
Pinch the lens gently between your index finger and thumb, then lift it away from your eye. You’ll feel it release easily. Don’t force it.
Step 5: Store or discardÂ
Place reusable lenses in a clean contact case filled with fresh solution. Throw away daily disposables immediately.
Tips for Removing Stubborn Lenses
Sometimes lenses dry out or shift, making removal tricky. Here’s what to do:
- Use rewetting drops. Apply a drop or two of contact-safe lubricating drops before attempting removal. This rehydrates the lens and makes it easier to slide off.
- Blink a few times. Blinking helps reposition a lens that has drifted to the side of your eye.
- Never use fingernails. Always use the soft pads of your fingertips to avoid scratching your cornea.
When to See a Doctor
If you struggle to remove a lens, feel significant pain, or suspect a lens is stuck under your eyelid, visit an eye care professional right away. Never dig aggressively at your eye trying to remove a contact. You can cause damage.
Learning how to remove contact lenses properly takes a little practice, but it quickly becomes second nature. With clean hands, good lighting, and a gentle touch, you’ll master the process in no time. Your eyes will thank you for it.
Sounds awesome! Love that they have points that their loyal customers can earn and use for future purchases. It’s definitely a good store to take advantage of!
I haven’t seen this before. But with 3 out of 5 of us wearing contacts and glasses, this could save me some money. Thanks for this!
I’m going to remember these since I may be getting contacts at my next appointment. I’m a bit nervous about it but this post made me feel easier about it.
I do wear contacts and will run out soon. I definitely want to consider this brand anything that will save me money is great
I am in need of some new contacts and have been putting off the trip to the eye doctor to order them. I love the idea of ordering online, I just never knew who to trust.
Sounds pretty amazing! I loge the deals that they offer their customers especially the points. It can really help anyone save money.
I wear glasses, I currently don’t have a prescription for contacts. However, this is something that I would like to look into. Thanks for sharing these helpful tips!
This seems like a great place to get glasses from! I like that there is a ton of options, you get money back with the voucher and point system and it is easy to order.
I wore glasses and contacts for many years and would have loved a service like this. It is great that they use your current prescription.
This sounds like such a great website – I could definitely do with something like this myself – I do wear contacts and I am all for making the process easier.
I’ll keep this in mind if I ever have to wear contacts. I got Lasik, but my eyes are starting to fail again, so I might need them soon!
I hadn’t heard of EZContacts before this. I’ve worn contacts for about 40 years now. They can be expensive, particularly in the doctor’s office. It’s nice that there’s a rewards program here.
I don’t wear contacts but this is definitely a great product, I would definitely be looking into it if I needed them.
I didn’t know about this before. I have two ids in contacts now and we could use the savings!
Nobody in my family wears contacts. For this who do wear glasses and want to switch to contacts this would be great.
I am going to need a new pair of eyeglasses soon. I would like to check this out. Eyeglasses can be so expensive so it’s nice when you can find someplace to save.
I don’t wear contact but if I did I would totally check out this company! Anything I can do to make my life easier is a WIN in my book!!
My stepson wears contacts, so I will have to tell him about this. Sounds like a great way to get contacts.