How to Remove Scleral Contact Lenses Safely

Because scleral lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the sclera, removal uses a different technique from a standard soft lens — pulling directly at the lens can be uncomfortable and isn’t the recommended method. This guide reinforces the removal technique shown at your fitting appointments.

A scleral lens can feel snug, but it shouldn’t feel truly stuck. If it won’t come away, or your eye becomes painful, red or unusually light-sensitive, stop trying and contact the practice or seek urgent eye care rather than persisting at home.

Removal methods

Using a removal (DMV) plunger

• Wash and dry your hands
• Moisten the small suction tip of the DMV with a drop of saline
• Look straight ahead and place the tip gently on the lower third of the lens, away from the very centre
• Gently rock and pull the lens forward and down, breaking the seal rather than tugging straight out

Manual removal without a device

• Look upward and use one hand to hold your upper and lower lids apart at the outer corner of the eye
• Use a fingertip on the lower lid margin to press gently under the bottom edge of the lens, breaking the seal so the lens can be lifted away

Most patients are shown one method at fitting and stick with it, though it’s useful to know both in case you don’t have your DMV with you.

What if the lens feels stuck?

A scleral lens can feel snug because of the seal created by the fluid reservoir, but it shouldn’t feel truly stuck. If a lens genuinely won’t budge:

• Add a few drops of saline around the edge of the lens and wait a moment before trying again
• Avoid forcing or repeatedly tugging at the lens
• If it still won’t come away, or your eye becomes painful or red, contact the practice or seek urgent eye care rather than persisting at home

Scleral Lens Removal FAQs

Do scleral lenses fall out easily?

No — because scleral lenses extend under both eyelids and rest on the sclera, they’re generally much less prone to dislodging than corneal lenses, which is one of their advantages for active patients.

What can I do if my scleral lens won’t come out?

Add saline around the lens edge and wait briefly before trying again, and avoid forcing it. If it remains stuck or your eye becomes painful, contact us or seek urgent eye care rather than continuing to try at home.

Is it normal for removal to be uncomfortable at first?

Some initial hesitancy and awkwardness is normal while you’re learning the technique. Genuine pain isn’t — if removal is consistently painful, let us know so we can review your technique and the fit together.

Book a Scleral Lens Assessment

Call the practice on 0141 943 3300 to directly to arrange a scleral lens consultation.