Eye Society

How to take out your contact lenses

Nov 8, 2024

Taking out your contact lenses at the end of a long day feels like slipping into a warm bath. But removing contact lenses can be a bit tricky (no judgment here — we've all been there). Whether it's the fear of poking yourself in the eye or a contact lens that feels more attached than your favorite pair of sweats, we understand that mastering this skill takes a little finesse. 

“How To Take Out Your Contact Lenses” is the second video in a three part series aimed to help you learn the ins and outs of contact lens wear. Don’t forget to also check out “How To Put In Your Contact Lenses” and “How To Clean Your Contact Lenses.”

How to take out contacts

Taking out your contact lenses isn’t rocket science, but it does require some attention to detail (and patience). With a few easy steps and a lot of handwashing (seriously, you'll be a handwashing pro after this), you can have your lenses out in no time.

Basic removal steps

Let’s start with the classic way to remove your contacts. Whether you're a seasoned pro or new to the lens game, these are the basic steps to get those little suckers out safely:

Wash your hands (like, really well). You don’t want whatever germs are on your hands to become your eyes' new besties.

Dry your hands completely. Wet hands can cause your contact lens to stick — the opposite of what we’re aiming for.

Look up slightly and use your nondominant hand to gently hold your upper eyelid open. You know, to prevent any surprise blinks.

Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Yes, it sounds like a lot of fingers are involved, but you should have plenty to spare.

With your index finger, touch the bottom of the lens and gently slide it down to the white part of your eye. (This step makes you feel like a pro.)

Pinch the lens gently between your thumb and index finger, and remove it from your eye.

Place the lens in its case, or dispose of it if you're using dailies.

See? Easy-peasy, lemon-squeezy, and with minimal risk of becoming a pirate with an eye patch.

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How to take out contact lenses with long nails

You love your long nails, and we get it. But when it comes to putting in and taking out contact lenses, long nails might as well be chopsticks. Don't worry, though. You don't have to sacrifice your claws just to take out contact lenses with long nails.

Techniques for long nails

Removing contacts with long nails is all about finesse. Here are a few tips to not scratch eyes taking out contacts while keeping your nails looking fabulous:

Use the pads of your fingers, not the tips.

Try the “pinch and roll” technique. Gently pinch the lens with the pads of your thumb and index finger, then roll it off your eye.

Use a contact lens remover tool. Yep, there’s a gadget for that!

Recommended tools and products

Speaking of tools, let’s talk about the MVPs of contact lens removal for long-nailed folks.

Contact lens tweezers: Tiny, soft-tipped tweezers specifically designed to remove lenses without scratching your eye (or breaking a nail)

Suction cup removers: Another small tool that gently suctions to the lens, making removal super easy

Taking out dry contacts

You’ve had a long day, and your eyes are about as dry as the Sahara. Now, your contacts feel glued to your eyeballs. (We’ve all been there.) Taking out dry contacts (without scratched eyes) can be tricky, but we have a few tips to keep things smooth.

Handling dry lenses

If your lenses feel dry and stuck, resist the urge to panic or rub your eyes. Try these steps instead:

Blink a few times to see if that moves the lens around.

Apply a few rewetting drops to your eyes to hydrate the lens and make it easier to slide out.

Gently massage your eyelid to help the lens move to a better position for removal.

Take out contacts like an old pro

Taking out your contacts doesn't have to be a stressful, eye-poking affair. Maybe most important of all, be sure to book a visit with an eye care professional for advice and friendly encouragement before making any changes to your eye care routine, including new techniques for how to take out contacts.

Everything you need to know about contact lenses

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Free shipping for contact lenses

See how to get free shipping on affordable lenses, as well as the time it takes to get them and how to save time and money on the entire process.

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How much are contact lenses? Compare the prices of daily, weekly, biweekly, and monthly contact lenses and find the best option for you.

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FAQs

If you’ve yet to succeed, try, try again — and also review the frequently asked questions below.

What should I do if the contact lens feels stuck in my eye?

If your contact feels stuck, apply some rewetting drops and blink a few times. This usually helps loosen the lens. If it’s still stuck after a few minutes, try gently massaging your eyelid.

Is it safe to use eye drops before taking out dry contacts?

Yes, drops can make it easier to remove dry contacts without causing discomfort.

Can wearing contacts too long make them harder to remove?

'fraid so. Wearing contacts past their recommended time can cause dryness, which makes them harder to remove. 

Original published: 6/18/2020
Updated: 11/8/2024