Contact lenses offer a convenient and discreet way to correct vision, but they occasionally present minor issues that cause discomfort or blurry vision. Most problems are temporary, stemming from improper positioning, dryness, or a foreign particle. Learning simple troubleshooting techniques can quickly resolve these common occurrences, restoring comfort and clear sight without professional intervention.
Troubleshooting Positioning and Comfort
Discomfort or poor vision often begins with an improperly situated lens, making a quick check of its orientation the first step in troubleshooting. When a soft contact lens is placed on the tip of your finger, it should form a perfect, smooth dome. If the edges flare slightly outward, resembling a shallow saucer or a “W” shape, the lens is inverted and must be gently flipped before insertion. Inserting an inside-out lens typically causes immediate discomfort, a sensation of looseness, or excessive movement.
A lens may fold or crease upon removal or insertion. If a lens is folded or stuck to itself, place it in the palm of your hand and apply a few drops of fresh multipurpose contact lens solution. Gently rub the lens between your thumb and index finger to help it relax and unfold, avoiding the use of fingernails which can cause tears. After unfolding, thoroughly rinse the lens with solution before re-inserting it, ensuring it is completely flat and smooth.
Debris like dust or a stray eyelash can lodge beneath the lens, causing a sharp, gritty sensation. If immediate, purposeful blinking does not flush the particle out, remove the lens completely. Place the removed lens in your palm, add fresh contact lens solution, and gently rub the surface for about 20 seconds to dislodge any debris. If the lens feels dry and uncomfortable while in the eye, use rewetting drops to enhance moisture and comfort.
How to Safely Remove a Stuck Lens
A lens that feels adhered to the cornea or is difficult to remove is usually the result of dryness, which causes the lens material to tighten onto the eye’s surface. The first step in this situation is to lubricate the eye thoroughly. Apply several drops of sterile saline or contact lens rewetting drops directly onto the eye and blink gently to distribute the moisture evenly over the lens.
Allowing the solution to soak for several minutes is important, as it gives the lens time to rehydrate, soften, and regain its natural flexibility. If the lens is still not moving easily after rewetting, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid in a circular motion. This technique can help to dislodge the lens from the central cornea and encourage it to float to a position where it can be grasped.
If you suspect the lens has migrated under the eyelid, look in the opposite direction of the suspected location while gently massaging the lid. For instance, if the lens is under the upper lid, look down. Once the lens is mobile, the safest removal method for a soft lens is to gently pinch it between the pads of your index finger and thumb, avoiding fingernails which can scratch the eye. Do not attempt to force a dry lens off the eye, as this can lead to trauma to the corneal tissue.
When a Lens Cannot Be Fixed
Structural damage to a contact lens, such as a tear, a nick along the edge, or a deep scratch, makes the lens unsafe for continued wear. Even a small tear creates a jagged edge that can scrape the cornea with every blink, causing a corneal abrasion. This damage breaches the protective barrier of the eye, significantly increasing the risk of serious eye infections like keratitis or corneal ulcers.
A damaged lens must be removed immediately and discarded, as there is no safe or effective way to repair the material. Never attempt to use household adhesives or scissors to trim a torn lens, as this introduces contaminants and compromises the lens integrity. If you experience persistent redness, sharp or stinging pain, excessive tearing, or blurred vision that continues after the lens is removed, contact an eye care professional immediately for an examination.