Help! How To Remove Contacts With Long Nails

I admit it. As a lover of acrylics, I’ve struggled to take out my lenses. When I finally decided to check social media, I quickly realized I wasn’t the only one trying to figure out how to remove contacts with long nails. 

There’s a community of countless women worldwide facing this pressing issue. I’ve tried all the recommended methods, so you don’t have to. Now that I know what works (and what definitely doesn’t), let’s get to the bottom of this pesky problem!

Before You Begin

I know you’re eager to get down to business, but before attempting anything, be sure you wash your hands and nails. Dirty hands and eyes don’t mix!

If you’ve got dirt or debris stuck under the nails, use a brush to scrub them clean. Then, dry your hands thoroughly.

Now, let’s get into my favorite four ways to remove contacts with long nails!

Trending No-Touch Method

This no-touch method has been trending for a while. It’s easy, and your fingers remain outside of your eyes at all times.

Follow this step-by-step:

• Use your middle finger to pull up your top eyelid.
• Use your ring finger to pull down your bottom eyelid.
• Look over at your nose, then blink and close your eyelids with your fingers, using the lids to squeeze out the lens at the same time.

Classic Pinch Method

This might be the most well-known method in the bunch. When I first watched the video and saw those Lady Gaga-style nails, I was terrified for Kora. But like magic, she quickly had that lens out of her eye!

Here’s how to do it:

1. Use one hand to pull up your top eyelid
2. On your other hand, turn your index finger and thumb to the side.
3. Pinch your contact out using only the sides of your fingers, so your nails are completely out of the way.

Slide-To-The-Side Method

Optometrist Dr. Jennifer Tsai recommends this contact lens removal method. It’s ideal for natural, long-ish nails, but might be suitable for super-long acrylic nails.

This is how it’s done: 

1. Hover just the pad of your index finger over your contact.
2. Once you’ve made contact (no pun intended), gently slide the lens to the outer corner of your eye.
3. You should be able to remove the contact more easily now.

Again, you are only using the pad of your finger. If you do this right, your nail should never touch your eyeball!

Knuckle Method

When you’re talking about removing contact lenses, the word “knuckles” can be intimidating. Don’t worry, the knuckle method isn’t as scary as it sounds.

There are a few simple steps: 

1. First, without going near your eyes, bend your index and middle fingers.
2. Practice making little pinching motions with your knuckles. Imagine you’re a crab using your little pinchers!
3. Once you’re ready, open your eyelid wide and carefully use this same motion to pluck out each lens with your knuckles.

It gets easier with practice!

Lessons I’ve Learned

If you search “how to remove contacts with long nails” on Reddit, YouTube, or TikTok, you’ll see some of the biggest fails. The worst ones serve as warnings, and others may be funny, but each one comes with an important lesson.

Basic Dos and Don’ts

• Don’t use Q-tips to get your contacts out! They can scratch your eyes and lead to infection.
• Don’t use metal tweezers to take out your contacts! No matter how desperate you are, they can lead to major injuries.
• If you’re using your fingers to remove your contacts, use the pad of your finger. Depending on how long your nails are, you should be able to hover and make contact with your lenses without your nails touching your eyes.
• Use rewetting drops if your lens feels stuck.

A Note About Contact Removal Tools

I’ve seen tools like little suction sticks and soft pinchers to remove contacts. If you’re too intimidated to try the methods above and would rather use a tool, consult your doctor. They might be able to offer the safest and most sanitary tools.

Risks of Removing Contacts With Long Nails

Removing contacts with long nails might look easy on TikTok, but there are real risks to be aware of. Here’s what can go wrong if you’re not careful: 

• Corneal Scratches or Abrasions: Long nails can accidentally scrape the surface of the eye, causing pain, an increased risk of infection, and vision issues.
• Conjunctival Injury: The thin membrane covering the white of the eye (conjunctiva) can be torn or irritated during removal.
• Increased Infection Risk: Bacteria and debris under long nails can transfer to the eye or lens, increasing the chance of infections like conjunctivitis or keratitis.
• Trapped Debris: Particles under the nails can fall into the eye during lens removal, causing irritation or infection.
• Accidental Inversion or Suction: Improper grip due to long nails may lead to excessive suction or inverting the lens inside the eye, making removal more difficult and painful.
• Delayed Removal Time: Difficulty gripping the lens can lead to excessive handling and rubbing, stressing the eye surface.
• Lens Damage: Nails can tear, crack, or warp soft contact lenses, rendering them unusable and risking eye irritation if worn.

Other Options

If you find that maintaining long nails is too tricky or removing your contacts with them is driving you crazy, consider these other options:

• Why not try good ol’ glasses? There are so many styles to choose from, including super stylish options from top designer brands.
• LASIK might be the answer for long-nail lovers who choose contacts over glasses. If it suits your needs and budget, it’s worth looking into!
• This option has to be mentioned: Ditch the long nails and opt for a more practical length instead. Sorry, it had to be said!

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TL;DR Summary

There are risks to removing contacts with long nails. They include: corneal or conjunctival injuries, infection, trapped debris, accidental inversion of the lens, delayed removal time, and lens damage.

If you’re willing to take the necessary precautions, the process can be easy:

• Always make sure your hands are clean and washed before you start poking around.
• Try a proven method, like pinching or sliding the lens to the side. 
• Use your knuckles or the pads of your fingers, not your nails!
• Avoid using random tools. Get guidance from your doctor.
• If all else fails, consider eyeglasses, LASIK surgery, or trimming your talons.

Bottom Line: If you’re determined to remove contacts with long nails, it can be done!