Contact Lens Remover

A contact lens remover is currently not always necessary to remove contact lenses, but there are several safe and adequate devices in existence nonetheless. Regardless of which device an individual decides to use, or whether or not an individual even decides to use a device in the first place, there are several items that are required to ensure that the removal process is safe, clean, and successful: removal directions (provided with every pair of contact lenses), water, saline solution (also available with every pair of contact lenses, but can optionally be purchased separately), soap, and a soft towel. All of these may seem obvious, but it’s still necessary to clarify for those who might not know.

Two viable methods exist for the extraction of contact lenses without the use of a contact lens remover. Soft contact lenses, especially, are easier to take out without a remover device than are Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) contact lenses. The first procedure is called the “Pinch” Method, and involves upturning the eye to slide the contact lenses with the forefinger and then gently pull the contact lenses out between the thumb and forefinger. This is easy to remember, although not always easy to accomplish because it requires a clean, steady finger to follow through. The “Pinch” Method is probably the most common non-remover method practiced today, simply because it is easy to remember. The second procedure, which is similar to the first, is called the “Forefinger-and-Thumb” Method and requires placing the forefinger on the upper lid while simultaneously placing the thumb on the lower, putting pressure on the lids so that the eye will blink on reflex, and then using the other hand or a dry towel to catch the lenses as they fall out. Whichever procedure is preferable to the wearer, a gentle approach is always important and necessary to make certain that eye injury does not occur.

As for the removal devices, several are used. Blotters assist in keeping the fingers clean during the process of extracting the contact lenses. These items are necessary to maintain sanitary conditions. Tweezers and mini tweezers, usually plastic, require a very steady hand. This particular kind of contact lens remover, rubber or plastic, must be clean at all times. The plunger, which requires a steady aim but also necessitates the simultaneous tilting of the head, can be used as a soft contact lens remover or as a RGP contact lens inserter/remover. Specifically for extracting the hard lens, however, is the DMV® ULTRA™, but the DMV® soft contact lens remover serves as a similar apparatus. Both of these are currently used devices, as are the tweezers, so there are many options from which anyone can choose, depending on necessity and personal preferences.

Whichever device is used (if any are used), all of these contact lens removers serve a vital role in healthy eye care. All must be approved and deemed safe. Any contact lens wearer attempting to use these must be well-informed if she or he is to conduct these procedures safely.