How to insert a rigid contact lens (RGP)
Remove the lens from its case by using your fingers or a rigid suction cup lens remover (small size).
1. Place the contact lens on the tip of your index finger (try to keep your finger dry and the lens ‘wet’) and tuck your other fingers out of the way..
2. Add a fresh drop of Hylo-Forte solution in the bowl of the lens
3. Pull your lower lid down with the middle finger of the same hand.
4. Hold your upper lid firmly near the lashes with your other hand.
5. Look straight at your eye in the mirror put the lens on the coloured part of the eye. You may find it easier if you have a mirror on a table facing up at you so the lens does not slide off your fingers with gravity.
6. Release your lower lid first, then slowly let go your upper lid and blink.
7. If the lens does not feel comfortable, remove it, clean it and re-insert.
How to remove a rigid lens
There are a few different methods used to remove a rigid gas permeable lens.
First, there is the pull and blink method. Simply open your eye wide, then pull at the skin at the edge of your eyelid, and blink. The lens should pop off easily.
Second, using your eyelids as shovels, position the very edge of the eyelid under the top and bottom of the contact lens and push to remove. This technique will require some practice because the eyelids must be at the proper position to get underneath the lens. Lastly, you can use a small plunger to remove the lens. Simply wet the tip of the small plunger with saline, press the plunger directly onto the lens and pull out to remove.
Note: If the lens is not central (out on the white of your eye) gently move the lens by pressing on it through your eyelids. Or close your eye and again move the lens by pushing through your eyelid. Don’t press directly on the lens with your finger but use the edge of your eyelid (by pushing on it with your finger) to move the lens.
BLINK METHOD
1. Look straight ahead and open your eyes as wide as possible.
2. Pull the skin at the edge of your eyelid, and blink firmly. When removing with this method, the lens can come out quickly so be ready to catch it.
3. If the lens does not come out the first time, relax, have a few blinks and repeat.
SHOVEL METHOD
1. Position the edges of your eyelids under the top and bottom of the lens.
2. Tuck the eyelids underneath both edges of the lens at the same time.
3. If the lens does not come out the first time, relax, have a few blinks and repeat.
LENS SUCTION METHOD
This is the easiest method to remove your lenses, but you need to always carry a Rigid suction cup lens remover with you.
1. Wet the surface of the suction cup lens remover with some conditioning solution or saline.
2. Press the suction cup lens remover directly onto the lens as if you were putting the lens in your eye and the lens will come off with it.
3. To remove the lens from the suction cup lens remover slide it to the side rather than pulling it off the edges as the force can crack and damage the lens.
4. Remember to clean the suction cup lens remover with a sterile alcohol swab after each use.