Background

Contact lenses are the most preferred option in the current scenario. A good eyewear option helps give the necessary aesthetic and useful functionality factors. On the one hand, then practicing eye hygiene, which will also benefit our eyes if we take care of them, as well as our level of comfort. One of the leading steps is the correct sanitary and comfortable method of lens removal. This simple action can be called the hygienic and comfortable approach to lens care. 

Contact lens removal 

The process of taking contact lenses off is not rapid. It’s important to pay attention and follow proper technique to avoid unpleasant consequences such as eye’s pain, irritation, etc. Whether you choose to be on either the soft, rigid gas-permeable or the exclusive type of contact lenses, learning how to get them out correctly is essential.

Soft Contact Lenses: Additionally, these have a slow rate of water evaporation and a soft and flexible plastic structure where the oxygen can enter through the cornea. These skincare products are very easy to use.

Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Contact Lenses: Manufactured using tougher plastics materials that make air go through and their purpose is to provide water with the number of nutrients that it is necessary to keep it alive. They have sharper images and can be more resistant to fractures than contact lenses of soft type. Yet they certainly do take time for adaptation. 

Indications

Corneal infection or inflammation: Bacteria and irritants can be trapped under contact lenses creating a risk of corneal inflammations. In case the suspected symptom of the condition includes itching and redness around the eye, as a remedy, remove your lenses immediately and see a doctor.

Necessity of ocular irrigation due to chemical injury: In the event of a chemical exposure that causes damage to the eye, identification of an irritant and removal by immediate irrigation is required.  

Severe eye allergies: Most of eye allergies can be affected with use of contact lenses. If your lenses over-irritate your contact sight, discolours, makes your eyes watery or burn your eyes, see an eye doctor immediately.  

Contraindications

Corneal Abrasions or Trauma: Among the abrasions of cornea or any trauma to the eye, removing the contact lens may worsen into injury. Diagnostic evaluation right out for the patient must be sought, as these cases are known to be critical.

Foreign Objects Under the Lens: In the case of any foreign object caught underneath the lens, even as you try to ease it out without care, can cause more harm or even damage to the eye. In this regard it is important to carefully examine eye and take professional help. 

Outcomes

Equipment

Contact Lens Case 

Saline Solution 

Rewetting Drops 

Contact Lens Tweezers or Plunger 

Contact Lens Suction Cup (optional) 

Contact Lens Removal Solution 

Patient preparation

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly 

Find a Comfortable, Optimal lighting space 

Collect Your Supplies 

Patient position

The optimal position preference for removal of contact lens is either supine or sitting position. 

Approach considerations

Hand Hygiene: Usually always wash your hands with soap and water whenever you are about to touch the patient’s contact lens.

Preparation: Prior to the exam, pack everything you will need with you, including tweezers, a mirror, soft tissue, contact lens case as well as appropriate solution for storing the lenses.

Patient Positioning: The preferred position is upright position.

Gentleness: Carefully handle the lenses in your hands. 

Technique: Compare the different methods which is used by the patient considering the lenses.

Eye Inspection: Before removal, check the eye for any peels of skin, redness or any swelling or injury. Only do removal if the skin is gone and no damage was present.

Moisturizing Drops: In case the contact lens is stuck in the eye or if it dries up, add a drop or two of lubricating fluid to the eye; this could then help in loosening up the lens and make it easier to extract. 

Technique for removal of soft contact lens

Pinch method 

Step 1: Use adequately good hand washing practice by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your contact lens. Use a clean cloth to wipe the lenses, again to avoid trapping of soap residue in them.
Step 2: Prepare a designated space preferably on a clean and flat surface.
Step 3: lift your sight up and look below your lower eyelid to see the area under the eye from the side.
Step 4: Through the whole process, the non-dominant hand will lead, while slowly and comfortably pulling the skin of the lower eyelid down. It will result in a room for fingers to squeeze through the lens.
Step 5: This is while employing your dominant hand; these do the work of your thumbs and index. Finally, you must take a correct hold of it by pushing it down properly but not too strongly to avoid any ripping or damage.
Step 6: You need to insert the Lens contact onto your iris directly at the centre of your eye. Then, hold it towards the outside or the side of the sclera (the white part) of the eye. While employing a moderate and non-aggressive pressure you should not exaggerate the wrist’s movement as well as avoid pulling or stretching too harshly to help the process run more smoothly and painlessly for the eye. 

Step 7: Now, keep sliding it off until you can take it off completely. Once you done it correctly by using a pinch method, it would become easy and come off. 

Step 8: If you use contact lenses in both eyes, repeat everything and make the pinch action with the other eye applying the technique for the second eye. 

Technique for removal of hard contact lens

Lateral lid method 

Step 1: Make sure to cleanse your hands meticulously using soap and water, then pat them dry with a towel that doesn’t shed lint.  

Step 2: Keep your gaze fixed ahead.  

Step 3: Using the middle finger of one hand, softly grasp the skin on the outer edge of your upper eyelid and gently draw it outward.  

Step 4: Simultaneously, lower your gaze with the other hand and blink firmly several times.  

Step 5: This blinking motion aids in loosening the contact lens, causing it to pop out onto your cheek or lower eyelid.  

Step 6: Be ready to catch the lens with your sanitized thumb and forefinger or use a clean tissue or lens container to prevent contamination. 

Suction cup method 

Step 1: Inserted assistance of these suction cup plungers can be used  to remove the hard contact lenses, if it is difficult to do with the hands.

Step 2: Unfortunately, these appliances are not appropriate for using with soft contact lenses.

Step 3: Simply, it is necessary to wet the cup with saline solution and to again carefully put it at an exact spot onto the centre of the contact lens.

Step 4: The lens can be removed from the eye by lifting it from the cup.  

Step 5: To free the lens from the suction cup, be careful to pull it apart horizontally. 

Laboratory tests

Corneal topography: This procedure generates a 3-dimensional map of your cornea’s dome shaped. That may be easy to evaluate whether your corneas are in proper shape. 

 Tear function test: It indicates the amount and quality of your tears. Tears are significant, which is important in keeping your eyes well-lubricated and healthy. 

Complications

Dryness and irritation: When the cornea is dry and the lenses become lodged in the eyes, making them difficult to remove, this condition is common. Applying a lubricant drop prior to removal could perhaps alleviate strain.
Corneal abrasions or scratches:  An unnecessary scratch caused by rough handling or improper removal can cause soreness, reddening, and light sensitivity in the eyeball surface. To prevent damaging the delicate tissues in your eyes, always hold contact lenses lightly. 

Overwearing: If a wearer decides to keep the lenses in their eyes longer than is committed, the lenses have a greater tendency to stick to the eye. This makes them more difficult and uncomfortable to remove. 

References

Indications, Contraindications, and Selection of Contact Lenses | SpringerLink 

References

Indications, Contraindications, and Selection of Contact Lenses | SpringerLink