How to Take Out Contacts with Long Nails?

Struggling with removing your contact lenses while maintaining your fabulous long nails? 

Many contact lens wearers find themselves facing a unique challenge when they have long nails. Whether it's a fashion choice or a personal preference, long nails can make the delicate task of removing contact lenses a bit tricky.

This blog provides safe and effective methods for removing contact lenses without causing damage to the lenses or harm to the eyes, specifically addressing the challenges faced by individuals with long nails.

Getting Ready to Take Out Your Lenses

Sanitize Your Contact Lens Case

Ensure you have a clean and prepared contact lens container ready before starting the lens removal process.

• Ensure the lens case is free from debris by rinsing with solution (not tap water), which is not sterile and can harbor harmful microorganisms.
• Dry the case either with a clean, lint-free towel or by air drying, with the latter being recommended to minimize bacterial and debris transfer.
• Replace contact lens cases every three months, keeping track of the case's usage duration.

Clean Your Hands Thoroughly

It's essential to thoroughly wash and dry your hands before removing contact lenses or touching your eyes, as debris or bacteria accumulated during the day can cause eye infections.

• Wet hands with tap water at your preferred temperature.
• Use pH-neutral soap with minimal oil and fragrance for handwashing.
• Thoroughly lather, focusing on finger gaps, back of hands, fingertips, and under nails.
• Scrub hands for at least 20 seconds under running water, using the "Happy Birthday" song as a timer.
• Rinse off all soap to avoid eye irritation.
• Air dry hands or use paper towels to minimize lint before handling lenses.
• Consider using a nail brush for extra cleanliness, especially to remove debris under nails.

Locate A Mirror in A Room with Good Lighting

For contact lens removal, it's important to find a well-lit room with a mirror to clearly see your eyes. Ensure the lens is positioned over the colored part of your eye and use the mirror to locate the lens outline. This helps in knowing the lens's exact position, minimizing the risk of inadvertently touching your eye.

Position Yourself Above A Suitable Surface

To prevent losing your contact lens if dropped, stand over a clean surface. If over a sink, plug the drain to avoid the lens falling into the plumbing.

Taking Out the Contacts

Attempt the Pinch Technique

For removing contact lenses with long nails, one option is the pinching method, where you use two fingers to extract the lens.

• Preferred fingers for removal vary; try different combinations to find the most comfortable one.
• Use only fingertips, not nails, to avoid damaging the cornea or lens.
• Gently push lenses towards the eye's center to make them pop outwards.
• Carefully secure the lens between fingers without pinching too hard or folding it.
• Gently pull the lens out of the eye.

Attempt the Rolling Technique

If the pinching method is challenging, consider the rolling method.

• Push the lens downward toward the eye's white using your fingertip.
• Move the lens to the lower lid, gently guiding it into the lid.
• The lens will roll over and be pushed out, similar to eyelashes, enabling you to grasp and remove it.

Inspect the Lens for Any Signs of Damage

Long nails may damage contact lenses, so check for damage after removal.

• Place the lens on your index finger tip and hold it up to light for inspection.
• Look for tears or debris on the lens, as damaged lenses can irritate the eye or harm the cornea. Discard any damaged lenses instead of storing them.

Keeping Your Lenses Safe

Keep Your Contacts Safely Stored

• Avoid topping off old solution; instead, replace it with fresh solution to maintain its disinfecting property.
• Securely close the contact case and store it in a safe spot at home until next use.
• The frequency of lens removal varies; consult with your eye doctor about the specific needs of your lenses, including whether they can be worn overnight.

Discover Solutions for Challenges Related to Contact Lenses

Contact lenses generally become manageable with familiarity, but their removal can pose challenges that are readily solvable.

• Use one hand to hold the upper lid and eyelashes open if you struggle to keep your eyes open during contact removal.
• To ease lens sliding, maintain a steady gaze in the mirror; shifting eyes indicate lens movement.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes with contacts in to prevent lens damage and eye irritation.

Get to Know the Expiry Date of Your Contact Lenses

Contact lenses have a finite lifespan, with an expiration date dependent on the lens type. Consult your doctor for the duration of your lenses' usability when prescribed, or refer to the box instructions for disposal guidelines if you forget the details.

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