Preparing to Remove a Dislodged Contact Lens: What You Need to Know. This is a guide on how to safely and comfortably remove a dislodged contact lens from your eye.
1 Preparation for Removing a Dislodged Contact Lens
Wash Your Hands Before Handling Contact Lenses
Wash hands before handling contact lenses
First, it is imperative to wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your eyes to avoid any eye infections as your hands carry thousands of bacteria. As removing a dislodged lens may take longer, unclean hands can increase the risk of eye infections.
Stay Calm When Dealing with a Stuck Contact Lens
Relax your hands and stay calm before attempting removal
It is important to remain calm and avoid panic as it will only make the process of removing the contact lens more challenging. Take a few deep breaths before proceeding.
2 Steps to Remove a Soft Contact Lens from Your Eye
Step 1 Locate the Soft Contact Lens in Your Eye
Begin by looking in the mirror and trying to spot the lens by looking in the opposite direction. Alternatively, you can place your finger above your eyelid (near the eyebrow) and gently pull the eyelid up to widen your eye, making it easier to locate the lens.
Removing a soft contact lens from the eye
Step 2 Moisturize the Contact Lens
Apply a few drops of saline solution directly onto the lens to soften it and make removal easier. Alternatively, you can close your eyes for a few seconds before attempting to remove the lens.
Step 3 Massage Your Eyelid Before Removing the Contact Lens
Close your eye and gently massage your eyelid while trying to push the lens towards the cornea if it has shifted position. If the lens is stuck under your eyelid, looking downwards while massaging your eyelid can help dislodge it.
Note:
If you are unable to remove the dislodged lens after several attempts, consult an eye doctor to avoid causing any damage to your eye.
3 Steps to Remove a Hard Contact Lens from Your Eye
Removing a hard contact lens from the eye
Step 1 Locate the Hard Contact Lens
Close your eye and relax to sense the position of the lens in your eye. If you cannot feel it under your eyelid, gently touch the lid with your finger to try and locate it.
You can also locate the lens by looking in the mirror.
Alternatively, try looking in the opposite direction of where the lens is stuck. For example, if it is stuck in the upper left corner, look towards the right, and if it is stuck in the upper part, look downwards.
Step 2 Reduce the Suction of the Lens on Your Eye
To break the suction, gently press on your eye just outside the edge of the lens with your fingertip. Avoid rubbing the eyeball as you would with a soft contact lens.
Step 3 Use a Contact Lens Removal Tool
Using a contact lens removal tool
Clean the contact lens removal tool and moisten the suction cup with saline solution.
Use your thumb and index finger to separate your eyelid.
Place the suction cup of the removal tool between the lens and your eye, and gently pull it out, being careful not to let the cup touch your eye. Alternatively, you can gently slide the lens out to the side.
Note: Consult an eye doctor if you are unable to remove the lens yourself.
We have provided you with a safe and comfortable guide on removing a dislodged contact lens. Please refer to it and take care!
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