Long Nails, No Problem: Easy Contact Lens Removal

how to remove contact lens if you have long nails

Removing contact lenses with long nails can be challenging and requires extra precautions to minimise the risk of damage and infection. It is important to keep your hands and nails clean, as bacteria can live under long nails. There are several methods for removing contact lenses with long nails, such as using the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull your top eyelid upward, and then using the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid downward. Another method is to tap the top of the contact lens with your index or pointer finger and slide it to the white of your eye, then roll it over your bottom eyelid.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty It is difficult to remove contact lenses with long nails, but it is not impossible.
Precautions Wash hands thoroughly, scrub nails with a brush, and use soap to prevent eye infections.
Methods Popular methods include pulling eyelids in opposite directions and blinking to squeeze out the lens, using the rolling method, or tools like tweezers and soft silicone scoops.
Risks Long nails increase the risk of scratching the eye, causing pain and eye infections. Bacteria can live under nails.
General Guidelines Keep nails and hands clean, store contacts in solution, remove contacts daily, and follow the lens expiration date.

nailicy

Wash your hands and nails thoroughly

Before removing your contact lenses, it is crucial to wash your hands and nails thoroughly. Handwashing is essential as you will be touching your eyes directly, and you certainly don't want to put dirty fingers anywhere near your eyes.

To wash your hands and nails properly, start by wetting your hands under running water. Then, lather up with soap, making sure to scrub your palms, the backs of your hands, and between your fingers, and especially your fingertips and nails. Use a clean nail brush or toothbrush to scrub under your nails and remove any dirt lodged there. Bacteria can live under long nails, so it is vital to ensure this area is thoroughly cleaned.

After scrubbing, rinse your hands well under running water to remove all traces of soap. Be sure to rinse away all the soap, as soap can irritate your eyes. If possible, let your hands air dry before handling your contact lenses to avoid getting lint from towels trapped in your eyes or on your lenses.

Washing your hands and nails is a simple yet critical step in the process of removing contact lenses, especially if you have long nails. It helps to minimize the risk of eye infections and other complications.

nailicy

Use a contact lens removal tool

Using a contact lens removal tool is a great way to safely remove your contacts without risking eye damage. There are a variety of tools available, such as the AITIME Soft Contact Lenses Remover and Insertion Tool, which features contact tweezers and a soft silicone scoop. This tool is designed specifically for individuals with long nails, offering a more sanitary alternative to using fingers directly.

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, paying special attention to your fingertips and under your nails. Use a clean nail brush or toothbrush to scrub your fingernails and ensure that you clean under your nails.
  • Rinse your hands thoroughly, making sure to remove all soap residue as it can irritate your eyes. If possible, air dry your hands before handling your contact lenses to avoid getting lint on your eyes.
  • Familiarize yourself with the contact lens removal tool by carefully reading the instructions and watching any available videos.
  • Practice inserting and removing the contact lenses with the tool, as it may take some time to master the technique and the required strength.
  • Using the tool, remove the soft lens from its case by placing it on the back of a small spoon.
  • Transfer the lens from the spoon onto the suction cups of the tool, ensuring it is positioned in the middle.
  • Prop up your eye to its fullest extent using your thumb and forefinger.
  • Slowly bring the suction cups with the soft lenses towards your eyes and gently place the lenses into your eyes.
  • Once you have worn the lenses for the recommended duration, remove them using the tool.
  • Clean and store your contact lenses in a contact lens case with a fresh multipurpose solution.

Remember, it is important to always handle your contact lenses with clean hands and tools to minimize the risk of eye damage and infection.

nailicy

Try the 'rolling' method

If you have long nails, removing contact lenses can be challenging and may pose several eye risks. It is easy to scratch your eyes with long nails, and bacteria can live under them. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to remove contact lenses using the rolling method:

Firstly, it is important to wash your hands and nails thoroughly before removing your contact lenses. Use soap and scrub your fingernails with a clean nail brush or toothbrush, ensuring that you clean under your nails. You can also scrub your hands under running water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure to rinse your hands thoroughly and dry them before handling your contact lenses.

Now, let's begin with the rolling method:

  • Place your fingertip on the contact lens, being careful not to use your nail. Tap the lens gently and slide it towards the white of your eye.
  • Push the lens downwards until it reaches your lower eyelid. Guide the lens gently into your lower eyelid, allowing it to roll over.
  • Blink gently while pushing your eyelids towards each other. This will help squeeze out the contact lens, allowing you to grasp and remove it from your eye.

By using the rolling method, you can effectively remove your contact lenses while keeping your long nails away from your eyes. Remember to always handle your lenses with clean hands and fingers to minimise the risk of infection and damage to your eyes.

Gel Nails and Tanning: A Risky Mix?

You may want to see also

nailicy

Avoid the 'pinching' method

If you have long nails, removing contact lenses can be challenging and may even be risky for your eyes. It is easy to scratch your eyes with long fingernails, so it is important to take extra precautions when removing your contact lenses.

Firstly, make sure your hands are clean. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap, scrubbing under your nails with a brush. Rinse your hands, ensuring you remove all the soap, and dry them thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel.

Now, you can try the rolling method. Place your fingertip on the contact lens and push it downwards, towards the white of your eye. Continue pushing the lens until it reaches your lower lid, where it should roll over and come out.

Alternatively, try the sweeping-down method. Use the index finger of your dominant hand to slide the contact lens down to the lower white portion of your eye. You may need to try a few times, as the contact will try to re-centre itself on your eye. Once you have lowered the lens, keep sliding it downward with the pad of your finger until the lens comes off your eye entirely.

If you are still struggling to remove your contact lenses without pinching, you could try using a tool such as the EyeCandys applicator, which has soft, silicone tips.

nailicy

Clean your contact case

Keeping your contact lens case clean is essential for maintaining eye health and protecting your vision. Here are some detailed, step-by-step instructions for cleaning your contact case:

First, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Antibacterial soap is ideal, and you should dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel. This simple step ensures that you don't transfer germs and oils from your fingers to the case during the cleaning process.

Next, remove your contact lenses from the case and pour out any remaining solution. It's important never to reuse or "top off" the old solution, as it may contain germs. Ensure that the case is completely empty before proceeding.

Then, rinse the case, including the caps, with a sterile contact lens solution. Follow the instructions on the solution for optimal results. After rinsing, dump out the solution and let the case air dry. Place the case and caps face down on a clean, lint-free towel or tissue to air dry. This setup helps draw any remaining solution down towards the towel and protects the case from airborne particles.

Once the case is completely dry, add fresh contact lens solution to each side of the case and tighten the caps securely. It is recommended to repeat this cleaning process daily, and replace your contact lens case regularly, generally every one to three months.

Some people also recommend soaking the cleaned case in contact lens solution overnight for extra disinfection. Additionally, if you want to use water, opt for distilled water instead of tap water, as tap water may contain impurities and microorganisms that can be harmful to your eyes.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment