Safely removing your colored contact lenses is a crucial part of maintaining excellent eye health and ensuring a comfortable experience. The key to learning how to remove contacts effectively and safely involves meticulous hygiene, a gentle touch, and understanding the correct step-by-step procedure. By following these guidelines, you can prevent irritation, infection, and damage to both your lenses and your eyes. For more on this, see our guide to How to Keep Contacts From Drying Out Mid-Day.
Preparation is Key: Setting the Stage for Safe Removal
Before you even think about touching your eyes or your lenses, proper preparation is paramount. This initial stage significantly reduces the risk of introducing bacteria or causing unnecessary discomfort.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
This is the most critical first step. Use an antibacterial soap and warm water to wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Pay close attention to your fingertips and under your nails, as these are the parts that will directly interact with your eyes and lenses. Rinse thoroughly and dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel. Any residual water or lint can transfer to your lens or eye, causing irritation or contamination.
Gather Your Supplies
Ensure you have all necessary items within easy reach before you begin the removal process. This prevents you from having to search for things with a partially removed lens or wet hands.
- Clean Lens Case: Make sure it's clean and ready with fresh, multi-purpose contact lens solution. Never use tap water or saliva.
- Fresh Contact Lens Solution: Use only the solution recommended by your eye care professional for cleaning, rinsing, and storing your specific type of colored contact lenses.
- Mirror: A well-lit mirror will help you see clearly and guide your movements.
- Re-wetting Drops (Optional): If your eyes tend to feel dry, having a bottle of contact lens-approved re-wetting drops nearby can be helpful to lubricate the lens before removal.
Choose a Clean, Well-Lit Environment
A brightly lit, clean space (like a bathroom counter) is ideal. Avoid removing your lenses in dimly lit areas or places where you might easily drop a lens or contaminate your supplies.
Identify Your Lenses (Right vs. Left)
To avoid mixing up your lenses, especially if you have different prescriptions or base curves for each eye, always start with the same eye (e.g., your right eye). Immediately place the removed lens into the correct chamber of your lens case. This habit is essential for maintaining proper vision correction and eye health. If you're weighing options, our roundup of Colored Contacts vs Eye Makeup for Changing Your Look is a good next read.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Safely Remove Your Colored Contacts
Learning how to remove contacts properly requires patience and a gentle touch. Follow these steps for a smooth and safe removal process:
- Look Up: Tilt your head slightly back and look directly upwards. This positions the lens in the lower part of your eye, making it easier to access.
- Pull Down Your Lower Eyelid: Using the middle finger of your dominant hand, gently pull down your lower eyelid. Ensure your finger is clean and dry to avoid slipping.
- Slide the Lens Down: With the pad of your index finger of the same hand, gently touch the bottom edge of the contact lens. Carefully slide the lens downwards onto the white part of your eye (sclera). This step is crucial because it moves the lens away from the sensitive cornea, reducing the risk of scratching.
- Gently Pinch and Remove: Using your thumb and index finger (or the thumb and middle finger) of your dominant hand, gently pinch the lens between your fingertips. The lens should fold slightly, allowing you to lift it off your eye. Avoid using your fingernails, as this can damage the lens or scratch your eye.
- Repeat for the Other Eye: Once the first lens is out, immediately place it into the correct compartment of your clean lens case, filled with fresh solution. Then, repeat the entire process for your other eye. Consistency helps prevent mix-ups.
Remember, your colored contact lenses, whether for cosmetic enhancement or vision correction like those from MyEyeColors, are delicate medical devices. Always handle them with care to preserve their integrity and your eye health. If you feel any discomfort or resistance, do not force the lens out. Blink several times, or apply a few drops of approved re-wetting solution to lubricate the eye and lens before trying again.
Troubleshooting Common Removal Issues
Sometimes, removing contacts isn't as straightforward as it seems. Here are solutions to common problems you might encounter:
Dry or "Stuck" Lenses
If your eyes feel dry, or the lens seems to be sticking to your eye, do not try to force it out. This can cause irritation or even damage. Instead:
- Blink several times to encourage natural tearing and re-wet the lens.
- Apply a few drops of re-wetting solution specifically designed for contact lenses. Close your eye and gently massage your eyelid for a few seconds to help the solution spread and loosen the lens.
- Wait a few minutes, then try the removal steps again.
Difficulty Gripping the Lens
If your fingers are too wet, they might slip off the lens. If they are too dry, they might not get a good grip. Ensure your fingertips are clean and dry enough to get a slight grip without causing discomfort. If you have long fingernails, be extra cautious or consider trimming them to avoid scratching your eye or tearing the lens. You might also like our take on How to Apply Colored Contacts Over Astigmatism Lenses.
Lens Folds or Tears
Occasionally, a soft lens might fold in half or tear slightly during removal. If it folds, gently unfold it once it's completely out of your eye and place it in the case. If a lens tears, no matter how small the tear, do not put it back in your eye. Dispose of it immediately and use a fresh lens. Wearing a torn lens can cause severe eye irritation or corneal damage. You can always explore new options for colored contacts at MyEyeColors if you need a replacement. browse our colored contacts
Lens Seems to Have Disappeared
It's very rare for a contact lens to truly get lost behind your eye; the anatomy of your eye prevents this. More often, it has simply shifted. Look up, down, and side to side, and gently massage your eyelids. You might find it folded under your upper or lower eyelid. If you still can't locate it and experience discomfort, consult your eye care professional.
Post-Removal Care: What to Do After Your Lenses Are Out
Once your colored contacts are safely removed, proper aftercare for both your lenses and your eyes is essential for long-term comfort and health.
Clean, Disinfect, and Store Your Lenses
For reusable lenses, immediately after removal, clean and disinfect them according to your eye care professional's instructions and the solution manufacturer's guidelines. This typically involves:
- Placing the lens in the palm of your clean, dry hand.
- Adding a few drops of fresh multi-purpose solution.
- Gently rubbing the lens with your fingertip for about 10-20 seconds on each side.
- Rinsing the lens thoroughly with more fresh solution.
- Placing the clean lens in its appropriate compartment in the lens case, filled with fresh solution.
Never "top off" old solution with new solution. Always discard the old solution and use fresh solution every time you store your lenses. This ensures proper disinfection and prevents bacterial growth.
Clean Your Lens Case Regularly
Your lens case itself needs cleaning. Rinse it with fresh solution (not water!) after each use and allow it to air dry upside down with the caps off. Replace your lens case every 1-3 months, or as recommended by your eye care professional, as cases can harbor bacteria over time. We break this down further in How to Apply Contacts When You're Squeamish.
Give Your Eyes a Rest
It's beneficial to give your eyes a break from contact lenses, especially overnight. Wearing contacts for extended periods can reduce oxygen flow to your cornea. If you wear daily disposables, simply discard them after use. For extended wear lenses, always adhere to the prescribed wearing schedule. MyEyeColors emphasizes that all colored contacts are medical devices and should be worn and cared for according to your eye care professional's advice.
Recognize Signs of Irritation
After removal, if your eyes feel unusually red, itchy, watery, or painful, or if your vision is blurry, do not reinsert your lenses. Allow your eyes to rest and, if symptoms persist, contact your eye care professional immediately. These could be signs of an eye infection or other complications.
When to Seek Professional Help
While learning how to remove contacts safely is empowering, there are times when professional intervention is necessary. Your eye care professional is your primary resource for all contact lens-related concerns.
Persistent Discomfort or Pain
If you experience persistent eye pain, redness, irritation, or a foreign body sensation that doesn't resolve after removing your lenses and resting your eyes, contact your eye doctor. These symptoms could indicate an infection, corneal abrasion, or allergic reaction.
Vision Changes
Any sudden or noticeable changes in your vision, such as blurriness, halos around lights, or increased light sensitivity, warrant immediate professional attention. Do not delay seeking help, as these could be signs of serious eye conditions. It pairs well with what we cover in How to Apply Contacts With Long Nails.
Inability to Remove a Lens
If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and still cannot remove a lens, resist the urge to panic or force it. Instead, contact your eye care professional or visit an emergency eye clinic. They have specialized tools and techniques to safely remove the lens without causing harm.
Regular Eye Examinations
Even if you feel your eyes are perfectly healthy, regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for all contact lens wearers. Your eye care professional will check your eye health, assess your lens fit, and update your prescription as needed. They can also provide personalized advice on lens care and hygiene. Remember, colored contacts, including those from MyEyeColors, require a valid prescription and professional fitting to ensure safety and comfort.
Key Takeaways
- Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Use only fresh, approved contact lens solution for cleaning and storage.
- Be gentle and follow the step-by-step removal guide to avoid eye irritation or lens damage.
- Never sleep in your colored contacts unless specifically prescribed for extended wear by your eye doctor.
- If you experience persistent discomfort, pain, or vision changes, consult an eye care professional immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sleep with my colored contacts in?
No, generally, you should never sleep with colored contact lenses in unless they are specifically designed and prescribed by your eye care professional for extended wear. Sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear significantly increases your risk of serious eye infections and complications due to reduced oxygen flow to the cornea.
What if my contact lens rips when I'm trying to take it out?
If your contact lens rips during removal, immediately dispose of both pieces. Do not attempt to reinsert a torn lens, even if it's a small tear, as it can scratch your eye or cause severe irritation. If a piece remains in your eye, try to flush it out with saline solution. If you cannot remove it or experience discomfort, consult your eye care professional.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
You should replace your contact lens case every 1 to 3 months, or as recommended by your eye care professional. Lens cases can harbor bacteria and biofilms over time, even with regular cleaning, which can lead to eye infections. Always rinse your case with fresh solution (not water) and air dry it between uses.
Is it normal for my eyes to feel dry after wearing colored contacts?
Some dryness can be normal, especially after prolonged wear or in certain environmental conditions (e.g., air conditioning, heating, screen use). However, persistent or severe dryness might indicate that your lenses aren't suited for your eyes, you're wearing them too long, or you need re-wetting drops. Consult your eye care professional if dryness is a recurring issue; they can recommend suitable solutions or different lens types.
Can I use tap water to clean my colored contacts or lens case?
Absolutely not. Never use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to clean, rinse, or store your colored contacts or lens case. Tap water contains microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe, sight-threatening eye infections. Always use only sterile, FDA-approved contact lens solution as directed by your eye care professional.
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