Removing Contact Lenses

Goal: The lenses are removed without trauma to the eye and stored safely.

1. Perform hand hygiene and put on PPE, if indicated.

2. Identify the patient. Explain the procedure to the patient.

3. Assemble equipment on overbed table within reach.

4. Close curtains around bed and close the door to the room, if possible.

5. Assist patient to supine position. Elevate bed. Lower side rail closest to you.

6. If containers are not already labeled, do so now. Place 5 mL of normal saline in each container.

7. Put on gloves. Remove soft contact lens:
a. Have the patient look forward. Retract the lower lid with one hand. Using the pad of the index finger of the other hand, move the lens down to the sclera.
b. Using the pads of the thumb and index finger, grasp the lens with a gentle pinching motion and remove. (See the Skill Variation in your skills book for figures showing other techniques for removing both hard and soft lenses.)

8. Place the first lens in its designated cup in the storage case before removing the second lens.

9. Repeat actions to remove other contact lens.

10. If patient is awake and has glasses at bedside, offer patient glasses.

11. Remove equipment and return patient to a position of comfort. Remove your gloves. Raise side rail and lower bed.

12. Remove additional PPE, if used. Perform hand hygiene.