How To Take Out Contacts With Long Nails [The Best Ways]

Having a long and stylish manicure is one of the most attractive and rewarding ways to treat yourself, providing both elegance and confidence. But they do come with their challenges; perhaps one of the most frustrating being when it comes to taking your contact lenses out. I’ve been there, and not only is it time consuming but it can be painful and outright dangerous if you get it wrong and scratch your eye! So, I decided to research and I would like to share my new strategies with you here today.

So, how do you take out contacts with long nails? The easiest way to take out contacts with long nails is by placing your thumb underneath your eye and your index finger on your eyelid. Gently squeeze your eye with your thumb and index finger and the lens should immediately pop out. Another way is by using special contact lenses tweezers. A third way involves again your thumb and index finger: “lock’’ them together and gently pull out the contact lens. Lastly, You can also roll the contacts with the side of your finger in a downward motion.

There are generally four ways considered to be the most ideal for this particular challenge.

Whatever process you use, just be careful and take it slow; you do not want to nip your cornea or your eye. It can be painful and lead to a scratch which can even get infected.

Let us know take a closer look at each way in much more detail. We’ll also be covering some of the best tips and tricks so that this soon becomes an effortless task and one you needn’t need to worry about!

How Do You Take Contacts Out With Long Nails?

There are several ways to take contacts out with long nails. If you are just starting out with this, you can try all of them and see which one suits you best!

Thumb And Index Finger Squeezing Your Eye

This is one of the easier ways to remove contacts with long nails.

Place your thumb, with your nail facing downward, right below your eye.

Then, place your index finger on your eyelid with your nail plate looking upward.

Gently squeeze your lower eye part and eyelid your each finger, respectively, and the contact lens will pop out.

This way is very fast; you don’t feel your nails in the way and is a preferred method by most people.

Contact Tweezers

You can take out your contacts with tweezers. They are special ones for lenses. Do not attempt to remove your contacts with eyebrow tweezers!

Simply hold them with your thumb and index finger and pull out the lens.

This is a very easy and also very hygienic way for removal, since it does not require any direct contact with your fingers and your inner eye.

Eye contact tweezers are easily found on Amazom.com and are very affordable. They are very soft and flexible, usually made of plastic with silicone tips.

This is my favorite product on amazon because you also get a portable case and mirror too.

The silicone endings make them soft on the eye and eliminate any possible pain, if you accidentally scratch your eye with the tweezers.

Also, you can spot any debris or fibers on the lens and you don’t risk contaminating them with bacteria from your fingers.

In case you don’t want to order online and wait for your package, you can buy contact lenses tweezers from any pharmacy.

Thumb And Index Finger Locked Together

The third way involves, once again, your thumb and index finger – lock the two together, with both nails facing outwards. Simply take out the lens.

If you opt for this way, however, bear in mind that you will touching your eye directly with your skin.

To prevent any spread of bacteria and dirt from your skin to your eye, always disinfect your hands before removing the lens.

It is also possible for this method not to work, if your nails are too long and simply come in the way of removal.

Using Only One Finger

This is similar to one of the ways to put lenses on. Choose one finger (whichever feels most comfortable for you) and simply remove the lens.

It will naturally stick to your finger and will separate from your eye.

Wash your hands thoroughly beforehand as the contact with your skin is direct.

Whichever method you opt for, be careful not to accidentally hurt your eye with your long nail!

How Do You Put Contacts In With Long Nails?

Same as when taking your contacts out with long nails, there are different methods for putting them in.

They are similar to removal but the process is reversed. Some users actually report that putting them on is much easier than removing them with a long manicure.

Let’s find out! 

Tweezers.

Grab your contact lens tweezers, take one lens with the help of the silicone tips and directly apply the lens on.

The method is easy, fast and clean as there is no contact with the skins. Make sure the tweezers have been disinfected before application.

Ring Finger, Index Finger and Middle Finger

Before proceeding, place your lens on your middle finger. With your index finger pull your eyelid up and with your ring finger, pull your lower lid down.

As you do this and with your eye wide open, gently place the lens that is already on your middle finger.

Do not worry the lens will fall off your finger on the way – the liquid it has been in prior will help it stick to your finger.

Using Your Nails

If you nails are long enough and very pointy (they have to be pointy and sharp at the tips for this method), gently grab the lens with the very tips of your nails (your thumb and your index finger) and place the lens directly.

This is also a very easy and quick way but there is a high risk of bacteria transfer.

A lot of dirt gets stuck underneath the nails on daily basis. Be absolutely sure your hands and nails underneath are perfectly sanitized before touching and applying the lens.

Whichever way you select, always remember that you must feel comfortable and safe with it!

The methods above are some ideas collected from users but you can come up with your own way for application and removal with long nails!

Wearing contacts does not mean giving up your beloved colorful manicures. 

Best Practices, Tips and Recommendations

The absolute most important thing to do before putting in and taking out your contacts with your long nails, is to not just clean but disinfect your hands and nails!

Human eyes are very susceptible to dirt and bacteria and sanitizing your hands is an absolute must!

1. Prepare to put on/remove your lenses.
2. Wash your hands.
3. Find a mirror with a well-lit room.
4. Stand over an appropriate surface.
5. Examine the lens for damage.
6. Store your contacts safely.
7. Learn about solutions to contact relates challenges.
8. Check out the expiration date.

Always begin by cleaning and preparing your contacts case. Make sure the container is free from any debris and fibres and do not use tap water. It is not sterile enough for cleaning and contains microorganisms that can be harmful to the eye.

Rinse your lens container with a special solution you can find in pharmacies. Wipe the case with a clean dry towel or better, let it air dry, as the towel can leave fibers.

One case can be used for three months the longest. After that you have to replace it with a new one.

Do not forget to properly wash your hands before you do anything else. Use soap and warm water and wash for at least 20 seconds.

To keep track, count until 20 at a natural pace. Dry your hands with a paper towel to minimise any debris leftovers.

Having good visibility is vital for a successful application and removal. You have to place the lens on the coloured part of your eye and no anywhere else.

To do so, you need to be able to see your eye properly.

There is always a risk of dropping a lens on a surface below you. If you are standing above a sink, make sure you close the drain.

Otherwise, the lens may slide down the plumbing. Always make sure the surface is sanitized to minimize the transfer of microorganisms.

Before applying, always examine the lens for debris and scratches.

Long nails can be particularly damaging on contacts. Hold the lens up to a light and look out for scratches, tears, fibers and debris.

Any of these can cause irritations and even infections.

Always store your contacts safely. Apply fresh solution and never use the same amount twice. Close the lids of the case tightly and keep it as at a safe place.

Every solution to a problem sometimes comes with practice. In the beginning, when putting on and removing with long nails, use both hands until you get used to the process.

Just like with any other product, contacts have their expiration date. Check the box for instructions and keep an eye on the date every now and then.

In Summary

Just like with anything else, long nails do come with their advantages and disadvantages.

For example, it is more difficult to type on your phone or your keyboard, it may be challenging to pick up small objects (especially from the floor) and they can be annoying, especially if you have to remove contact lenses! This is one of the most common problems the fans of long nails come across.

Although removing your contacts with long nails takes some getting used to, thankfully, it will run smoothly in time and with the right methods!

Hopefully by now you are well aware of some of the best options to try. By using tweezers, combing two or three fingers or using the tips of your nails themselves or “popping” the lens out with the help of your thumb and index finger. The ways for applying are the same but reverse.

Whichever way you choose, always make sure you feel comfortable and safe with it.

Choose a well-lit room with a mirror and always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your lenses. Keep the case clean, never use tap water and let everything air dry as much as possible.