
Taking out soft contact lenses with long nails can be challenging, but it's not impossible. It is important to take extra precautions to avoid scratching your eyes. Here are some general safety guidelines to follow: keep your hands clean, store your contacts in a contact solution, don't sleep with your contacts in, and change them as recommended by your eye doctor. When removing contacts with long nails, you can try the knuckle pinch method, using your knuckles instead of fingertips to avoid contact between your nails and eyes. Alternatively, you can use an applicator tool or place the lens on the pad of your finger, being careful not to touch your eye with your nails. Practicing good contact lens hygiene and following the recommended guidelines will ensure the health and safety of your eyes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| General safety guidelines | Keep your hands clean, store your contacts in a contact solution, don't sleep with your contacts in your eyes, take your contacts out when you're supposed to, and change your contacts when necessary. |
| Steps to safely remove contact lenses | Wash your hands, dry them with a clean, lint-free towel, ensure you have a clean mirror and a well-lit space, use one hand to pull your eyelids open gently, use the flat part of your index finger and thumb to softly pinch the contact lens and pull it away from your eye. |
| Alternative methods | The knuckle pinch method, the pad pinch method, or use an applicator tool. |
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What You'll Learn

Wash and dry your hands
Before you begin the process of removing your contact lenses, it is crucial to wash and dry your hands thoroughly. This step is essential for maintaining eye health and preventing infections. Here is a detailed guide on washing and drying your hands before handling contact lenses:
Firstly, ensure that you use clean water and soap to wash your hands. Wet your hands and apply soap generously, lathering well for at least 20 seconds. Pay attention to your fingertips, nails, and the areas between your fingers, as these parts come into direct contact with your eyes and lenses. Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water to remove all soap residue.
After rinsing, use a clean, lint-free towel to dry your hands. It is important to ensure that the towel is free of any fuzz or lint that could stick to your fingers and potentially irritate your eyes. Gently pat your hands dry, being careful not to transfer any dirt or germs from the towel to your hands. If you have access to a paper towel or a clean tissue, that would be ideal. Otherwise, ensure your cloth towel is freshly laundered and hasn't been used for any other purpose that could transfer dirt or bacteria to your hands.
Once your hands are dry, be mindful of touching any surfaces that could transfer germs or dirt onto your hands. If you need to touch anything before removing your contact lenses, such as a doorknob or a light switch, consider drying your hands again or using a hand sanitiser to ensure your hands remain clean. It is important to maintain hand hygiene throughout the process of handling your contact lenses.
Washing and drying your hands properly is a critical step in ensuring the safety and hygiene of your eyes when wearing contact lenses. It may seem like a simple step, but it is your first line of defence against eye infections and other eye health issues. Remember, if you feel any discomfort or experience any eye issues, consult your eye doctor for personalised advice and guidance.
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Use an applicator tool
Using an applicator tool is a great way to remove soft contact lenses with long nails. The EyeCandys applicator tool kit comes with a pair of tweezers and a silicone-tipped applicator. This applicator tool kit can be a handy, go-to method for inserting and removing lenses, especially when you have long nails.
- Take the lens out of the vial or contact lens case using the tweezers: Using the provided tweezers, carefully pick up the contact lens from its case and get ready to place it onto the tip of the applicator.
- Place the lens on the tip of the applicator: Ensure that the lens is bowl-shaped and the edges are not flared out. This is the correct position for the lens to be facing up and ready for application.
- Lightly touch the lens to your eye: With the lens on the tip of the applicator, gently touch it to your eye. The lens should adhere to your eye without much effort, similar to how it would if you were using your finger pads.
- Remove the lens with the applicator: When it's time to remove the lens, you can use the applicator again. Gently touch the applicator to the lens on your eye, and it should come off easily without the need to use your nails.
Using an applicator tool like the EyeCandys kit can make the process of inserting and removing contact lenses with long nails much simpler and safer. It eliminates the risk of scratching your eyes with your nails and provides a convenient alternative to other methods.
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Try the knuckle pinch method
If you have long nails, taking out your contact lenses can be challenging, but it's not impossible. You can try the knuckle pinch method, a popular technique in the long-nailed contact lens-wearing community. This method ensures that your nails do not come near your eyes, reducing the risk of scratching them.
- Start by washing your hands and drying them with a clean, lint-free towel. It is crucial to keep your hands clean when handling contact lenses to prevent any dirt or lint from getting into your eyes.
- Ensure you have a clean mirror and good lighting. Being able to see clearly is essential when removing contact lenses.
- Look upwards to create space below your iris. This movement will make it easier to access the contact lens with your knuckles.
- Using your knuckles, gently press the lower part of the lens. Avoid using your fingertips or nails to avoid scratching your eye.
- Slide the lens sideways and then downward towards the white of your eye. By moving the lens to the white of your eye, you create more space to pinch it out safely.
- Using your knuckles again, gently pinch the lens out. The lens should easily detach from your eye without putting your nails close to your eye.
While the knuckle pinch method is a useful technique, there are also other methods and tools you can explore to find what works best for you. For example, you can use an applicator tool, such as the EyeCandys rubber applicator, which has soft silicone tips for inserting and removing lenses.
Remember, if you experience consistent trouble or discomfort, consult your eye care professional for personalized advice and alternative solutions.
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Avoid the front-on method
If you have long nails, avoid the "front-on" method of contact lens removal. This popular method requires short nails because you use your fingertips to pinch the lens directly off your eye. With long nails, you risk scratching your cornea, which can lead to eye infections or even vision loss.
Instead, try the knuckle pinch method. First, look upwards to create space below your iris. Then, using your knuckles (not your fingertips or nails), lightly press the lower part of the lens and slide it sideways and downward towards the white of your eye. Finally, use your knuckles to gently pinch the lens out.
If you're still struggling with the knuckle pinch method, you could try an applicator tool. These tools often have soft, silicone tips and can be especially helpful for those with long nails. They resemble mini toilet plungers and can be used to insert and remove lenses.
Remember, it's important to consult with your eye care professional if you're experiencing consistent trouble or discomfort. They can provide personalized advice and alternative solutions tailored to your needs.
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Consult an eye doctor
Contact lens wearers with long nails should take extra precautions when removing their contacts. While there are methods to help with this process, it is always best to consult an eye doctor for advice and alternative solutions.
Eye doctors are qualified professionals who can provide personalised guidance on contact lens removal for people with long nails. They can demonstrate the correct techniques to use, ensuring that you can safely take out your contacts without damaging your eyes or the lenses themselves. This is especially important if you have any concerns or questions about your eye health.
If you experience any difficulties or discomfort when removing your contact lenses, an eye doctor can provide further assistance. They can advise on the best practices to avoid any issues and ensure a smooth removal process. Eye doctors can also prescribe medications to treat eye scratches or infections that may occur during contact lens removal.
Additionally, eye doctors can offer tailored advice on contact lens care and hygiene. They can guide you on the proper use of contact solutions, rewetting drops, and saline solutions to maintain healthy eyes and extend the longevity of your lenses. This is crucial for preventing eye infections and other complications.
Consulting an eye doctor is a recommended step if you have long nails and wear contact lenses. They can address any specific concerns, provide demonstrations, and offer personalised tips to make the process of removing contact lenses safer and more comfortable for you.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several methods for removing contact lenses with long nails. One popular method is the knuckle pinch method. Look upwards and use your knuckles to gently press the lower part of the lens, sliding it sideways and downward. Then, pinch the lens out with your knuckles. Alternatively, you can use an applicator tool or try the pad pinch method, placing the lens on the pad of your finger and using the pads of your fingers to handle the lens.
It is important to keep your hands clean and dry when removing contact lenses, and to ensure you have a clean mirror and a well-lit space. Use one hand to gently pull your eyelids open and avoid using your nails to handle the lens.
If you scratch your eye, carefully clean it and be gentle. Use a warm, wet compress to soothe any pain or swelling, and rinse your eye with clean water or saline solution. If you experience serious eye pain, contact your doctor.







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