A contact lens feeling lodged in the eye can be unsettling for many wearers, often causing discomfort. Understanding how to address a potentially stuck contact lens is important for maintaining eye health and comfort. This article guides you on identifying if a contact lens is truly stuck, outlines safe removal techniques, and advises when professional eye care is necessary.
Recognizing a Stuck Contact Lens
If a contact lens feels stuck, sensations might include redness, irritation, or a burning feeling in the eye. Some individuals report a sharp, scratching pain or difficulty opening their eyes without discomfort. These feelings can be similar to other irritations, such as a dry eye or a foreign particle, but the key is the persistent sensation of the lens itself.
A common concern is a lens getting lost behind the eye, but this is anatomically impossible. The conjunctiva, a membrane lining the eyelids and covering the white part of the eyeball, prevents anything from going behind the eye. The lens can only shift within the visible front part of the eye, possibly under an eyelid or to the side. To visually check, stand before a mirror with good lighting. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look in different directions. You can also lift your upper eyelid and glance downwards. The slight tint on the lens edge can aid visibility.
Gentle Removal Techniques
Before attempting removal, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. This prevents introducing bacteria or foreign particles into the eye. Next, re-wet the eye by applying several drops of sterile saline solution, rewetting drops, or a multipurpose solution approved for contacts. Blinking several times after applying the drops helps distribute moisture and rehydrate the lens, making it easier to move.
If the lens is centered but feels dried out and stuck, continuous blinking and gentle massage of the closed eyelid can help rehydrate it and encourage movement. If the lens has shifted off-center, look in the opposite direction of its location. For example, if it’s under the upper eyelid, look down; if it’s towards the outer corner, look towards your nose. Gently massage the eyelid over the area where you feel the lens to guide it back to the center.
Once the lens feels loose or has moved to an accessible position, you can attempt removal. For soft lenses, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger, or slide it down to the white part of your eye and then remove it.
If a gas permeable (hard) lens is stuck, avoid massaging the eyelid, as this could scratch the cornea. Instead, gently press the eye with your finger pad just outside the lens’s edge to break the suction.
If a lens has torn, slide the pieces to the corner of your eye and flush them out with saline solution. Avoid rubbing your eye or using tweezers or other tools.
Knowing When to Get Professional Help
While many stuck contact lens situations resolve at home, professional medical attention is sometimes necessary. Seek immediate help if you experience persistent severe pain, significant redness that does not subside, or vision changes like blurriness. These symptoms could indicate a scratched cornea, also known as a corneal abrasion, which requires prompt evaluation to prevent further complications.
Contact an eye care professional if you notice unusual discharge, increased light sensitivity, or a persistent feeling of something in your eye even after the lens is supposedly removed. These can be signs of an eye infection, such as keratitis, which if untreated, can lead to serious vision loss or blindness. If you cannot locate or retrieve the lens after multiple gentle attempts, or if it has broken apart and you suspect fragments remain, professional assistance is crucial. An eye doctor has specialized tools to safely remove the lens or any remaining pieces and can assess for damage or infection.
Tips to Prevent Lenses from Getting Stuck
Maintaining proper lens hydration is important for preventing contact lenses from sticking. Dry eyes can cause lenses to adhere more tightly or shift out of place. Using re-wetting drops regularly throughout the day helps keep both your eyes and lenses adequately moisturized.
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling contact lenses. This minimizes the transfer of oils, debris, or microorganisms that could lead to lens discomfort or displacement. Following the prescribed wearing schedule for your specific lens type is also important, as wearing them longer than recommended can cause them to dry out and become more prone to sticking.
Avoid sleeping in contact lenses unless specifically designed and approved for extended wear by your eye care professional. Sleeping in lenses significantly increases dryness and the likelihood of them getting stuck. Similarly, remove contact lenses before showering or swimming to prevent shifting or contamination with waterborne microbes. Ensuring your lenses are the correct fit also reduces the chance of them moving or becoming dislodged.