A Synergeyes hybrid contact lens is a specialty lens design that has both a hard material and soft material combined. These lenses are made for those who want crisper vision which is aided by the harder material known as a gas permeable lens and is in the center of the Synergeyes lens. The outer portion of the lens is the soft material and helps keep the lens centered and helps with comfort. However, one of the possible problems with this design is the removal.
Once on the eye this lens has some unique attractive forces unlike an ordinary gas permeable lens or a regular disposable soft lens. A gas permeable lens can be removed by a forced blink or sliding it out over the lower lid or even a special suction tool. A soft lens is usually removed by grabbing the center or just below the center and pinching the lens to grab and remove. The Synergeyes method of removal is closer to how a soft lens is removed but is a little trickier.
First, your hands must be dry. And I mean dry. Did I say dry? You’re going to have to grab the very bottom of the lens where the soft part is. If you try to grab the middle you’ll not get a good squeeze on the lens because the gas permeable part in the center is not going to give and you need something to give in this situation. Before grabbing the lower part look up. That will help bring the lower part of your eye and the lens up so you can grab it. You’ll probably need to use your middle finger first to pull your lower lid down a bit. Then take your thumb and index finger and seriously push on the lower part of the lens and grab like you want that lens out. Once you have a grip on it then sliding it down will be the next move. Regular soft lenses give easier but this lens is pretty much stuck to your eye so this will take more effort.
One other possibility to help in removal is to use latex or similar gloves. Since the fingers can sometimes lose their grip on the lens, a glove seems to be effective if needed. It’s important to take your time and to not become frustrated no matter which way you remove this lens.
Also, the other eye can be trickier either due to the different position your hand and arm have to be in or because the Synergeyes lens might have a slightly different fit. Again, a little practice and patience will help.
Don’t use your fingernails to grab the lens. The soft lens material is durable but can certainly rip by using fingernails. And larger fingers might make this somewhat more difficult but with practice just about anyone can master the technique.
Removing this lens will take some practice and might seem too difficult but it’s well worth it because of the vision and comfort they provide. The Synergeyes lens comes in a couple of different versions but they are all removed in the same way. If for some reason the lens will not come out easily you might need to visit your eye care profession for more help.
