To remove contact lenses when you have long or acrylic nails, use careful techniques that avoid scraping or damaging the lenses with your nails. Here are effective methods and tips:

Key Tips Before Removal

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, cleaning under your nails with a nail brush.
• Dry your hands and nails completely with a lint-free towel.
• Use the pads of your fingers (not the nails) to handle the lenses to avoid ripping or scratching them

Methods to Remove Contacts with Long Nails

1. The Ceiling Method

• Use the middle finger of your non-dominant hand to pull your upper eyelid up.
• Use the middle finger of your dominant hand to pull your lower eyelid down.
• Hold your dominant hand’s index finger parallel to your eye and sweep the lens down toward your lower lid.
• When the lens is against the skin of your lower lid, pinch it gently between your fingers and remove it

2. The Slide-to-the-Side Method

• Pull your upper eyelid up with your non-dominant hand.
• Pull your lower eyelid down with the middle finger of your dominant hand.
• Look toward your nose.
• Use the pad of your dominant hand’s index finger to slide the lens toward the outer corner of your eye.
• Pinch the lens between your fingers when it reaches the outer corner and remove it

3. The “No Hands” Method (Blink Method)

• Pull your upper eyelid up with one hand and your lower eyelid down with the other.
• Look toward your nose and blink while gently pushing your eyelids toward each other.
• The lens should be squeezed out by your eyelids without needing to pinch it with your fingers

Additional Practical Advice

• Use the pads of your fingers rather than the tips or nails.
• Form a "peace sign" with your fingers to gently fold and pinch the lens.
• Use artificial tears if your eyes feel dry or irritated after removal.
• If lenses are stuck or difficult to remove, remain calm and try blinking or gently pressing on your eyelids to reposition the lens. Consult an eye doctor if you cannot remove the lens safely

By following these methods and handling your lenses with the pads of your fingers, you can safely remove contact lenses even with long or acrylic nails without damaging the lenses or your eyes