The 5 Easiest Ways How To Take Contacts Out (Even If They’re Stuck!)

Learning how to take contacts out is often the biggest hurdle for new contact lens wearers, but it doesn't have to be a struggle. As of December 2025, the techniques have been refined to be quicker, gentler, and more hygienic than ever before, focusing on minimizing contact with the delicate eye surface.

Whether you are dealing with a brand-new pair of soft contact lenses or a stubborn, dry lens that feels glued to your cornea, mastering the right technique is essential for eye health and comfort. We break down the most effective methods—from the classic pinch to the no-touch blink method—to ensure your removal process is smooth, safe, and stress-free every time.

Essential Pre-Removal Checklist and Hygiene Protocol

Before you even touch your eye, proper preparation is the non-negotiable first step in safe contact lens removal. Neglecting this foundational hygiene can introduce bacteria, leading to serious eye infections or irritation. This protocol applies universally, whether you wear daily disposables or extended wear lenses.

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• Wash Your Hands Thoroughly: Use a mild, non-cosmetic soap (lotion-free is best) and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Rinse completely and dry your hands with a lint-free towel. This removes oils, dirt, and pathogens.
• Prepare Your Space: Work in a well-lit area with a clean, flat surface and a mirror. Have your contact lens case filled with fresh, sterile contact lens solution ready and open.
• Identify the Lens: Always start with the same eye (e.g., the right eye first) to avoid mixing up your lenses, especially if you have different prescriptions.
• Use Rewetting Drops (If Needed): If your eyes feel dry or the lens feels "stuck," apply a few drops of lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution. Blink a few times to rehydrate the lens and allow it to move more freely. Wait 30 seconds before attempting removal.

Method 1: The Classic Pinch Method (Beginner's Go-To)

The pinch method is the most widely taught and simplest technique, making it the perfect starting point for beginners. It works by gently creating a fold in the soft lens, which breaks the suction holding it to the eye.

1. Stabilize Your Eye: Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull down your lower eyelid. Use your non-dominant hand’s index finger to gently pull up your upper eyelid. This keeps your eye wide open.
2. Shift the Lens: Look up toward the ceiling. Use the pad of your index finger (the one on your dominant hand) to gently slide the contact lens down onto the white part of your eye (the sclera). This is less sensitive than the cornea.
3. The Gentle Pinch: With your index finger and thumb, gently pinch the lens between the pads of your fingers. The lens should fold slightly, breaking the suction.
4. Remove and Clean: Carefully lift the lens out of your eye and place it immediately into the correct compartment of your contact lens case, covered with fresh solution (unless it’s a daily disposable lens).

Method 2: The Slide Method (Good for Long Fingernails)

The slide method is a variation that can be easier for people who are nervous about pinching or who have longer fingernails. This technique is often recommended for soft contact lens removal.

1. Stabilize and Look Up: As with the pinch method, hold your eyelids open. Look straight ahead or slightly up.
2. Slide Down: Place the pad of your index finger on the very edge of the contact lens. Gently slide the lens down toward your lower eyelid.
3. Fold and Release: Once the lens is on the white of your eye, continue to slide it down slightly until it begins to wrinkle or fold. The edge of the lens will pop off the eye surface.
4. Use the Thumb: Use your thumb to gently scoop the wrinkled lens out of your eye.

Method 3: The Blink Method (The No-Touch Technique)

For those who absolutely hate the idea of touching their eyeball or the lens directly, the blink method is a fantastic alternative. It’s also known as the "no-pinch" or "no-touch" method and relies on the pressure of your eyelids.

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1. Look Sideways: Look away from the lens you are trying to remove. For example, if removing the right lens, look to your far right.
2. Pull the Skin: Use the index finger of one hand to pull the skin at the outer corner of your eye (near your temple) taut, stretching the skin slightly sideways.
3. The Hard Blink: While keeping the skin taut, blink forcefully. The pressure and movement of your eyelids against the stretched skin will cause the edge of the contact lens to catch, and it should pop out onto your hand or a clean surface below.
4. Repeat if Necessary: If it doesn't come out on the first try, readjust your grip on the skin and try a second, firm blink.

Troubleshooting: What to Do If Your Contact Lens Is Stuck

A "stuck" contact lens is a common issue, usually caused by a dry eye. Do not panic or try to yank it out. Forcing a dry lens can scratch your cornea. The key is rehydration.

Step-by-Step for a Dry, Stuck Lens

If your soft contact lens feels like it is adhering to your eye, follow this protocol:

1. Lubricate: Apply several drops of sterile rewetting drops or saline solution directly into your eye. Close your eye for 10-15 seconds to allow the lens to absorb the moisture.
2. Blink: Blink gently a few times. This helps distribute the lubricating eye drops and allows the lens to become pliable again.
3. Gently Massage: With your eye closed, very gently massage your eyelid. This can help move the lens off the center of the cornea.
4. Re-Attempt Removal: Once the lens can slide freely, use the Slide Method (Method 2) to remove it. If the lens is still stuck after a few attempts, wait 15–20 minutes, re-lubricate, and try again.

Dealing with a Displaced Lens

Sometimes, a lens can move up under your upper eyelid. This is uncomfortable but harmless. It cannot get "lost" behind your eye.

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• Look Down: Close your eyes and look down toward your feet.
• Massage Upward: Gently massage the top of your upper eyelid. This motion often pushes the lens back down toward the center.
• Re-Lubricate: Open your eye, apply rewetting drops, and then try the Slide or Pinch Method once the lens is visible again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid During Contact Lens Removal

Avoiding these pitfalls will significantly reduce your risk of eye irritation, infection, and damage to your lenses. This is crucial for maintaining optimal eye health and comfort for long-term contact lens use.

• Using Tap Water or Saliva: Never use tap water, distilled water, or saliva to rinse or rewet your lenses. These contain microorganisms (like Acanthamoeba) that can cause severe eye infections. Always use a proper contact lens solution.
• Pinching Too Hard: Excessive force or "tugging" at your eye can cause corneal abrasions. Removal should always be a gentle process using only the soft pads of your fingertips.
• Forgetting to Dry Hands: Soft contact lenses are hydrogel materials that can stick to wet surfaces. Ensure your hands are completely dry before touching the lens to facilitate easier removal.
• Not Checking the Lens: After removal, quickly check the lens to ensure it is intact. If a piece is missing, you must locate the fragment in your eye and remove it immediately. If you can't, consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
• Ignoring Discomfort: If your eye is red, irritated, or painful after removal, do not put the lens back in. Clean the lens, wear your glasses, and consult your eye care professional.

By following these updated and proven techniques, you will quickly gain confidence in your ability to remove your contact lenses safely and comfortably. Consistent hygiene and gentle handling are the secrets to a lifetime of successful contact lens wear.