A dried or stuck contact lens causes discomfort, but safe removal is possible with patience and the correct technique. The danger is that the lack of moisture causes the lens to adhere tightly to the delicate corneal surface. Pulling on a lens in this state can easily lead to a painful corneal abrasion. Proper rehydration is the mandatory first step before any physical removal attempt, ensuring the lens is soft and pliable so it can glide off the eye without causing damage.
Rehydrating the Stuck Lens
Rehydration begins with thoroughly washing your hands using soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the eye surface. Once hands are clean and dry, apply a sterile solution directly to the eye. This lubricates the surface and restores the lens’s elasticity. Sterile saline solution or contact lens rewetting drops are the preferred agents for this purpose.
Apply several drops directly onto the lens and the eye surface, then close your eyelid and gently blink several times. This distributes the fluid evenly and allows moisture to soak into the lens material. Wait a full 10 to 15 minutes after applying the drops to give the lens sufficient time to re-saturate and loosen its grip. Attempting premature removal will likely result in continued adherence and discomfort.
Step-by-Step Safe Removal Techniques
After the lens is thoroughly moistened, carefully dislodge it using gentle, contact-safe techniques. The lens should feel softer and more mobile, indicating it is ready for removal. If the lens still feels rigidly stuck, reapply the drops and wait a few more minutes for full rehydration.
One common method is the gentle “push” technique, using the pad of a clean fingertip to lightly nudge the lens toward the white part of the eye (sclera). Once positioned on the sclera, which is less sensitive than the cornea, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger to remove it. Use only the fleshy pad of the finger, as a fingernail can easily scratch the eye’s surface and cause a corneal abrasion.
Another effective method uses the eyelid margin to slide the lens. After ensuring the lens is moist, use a clean finger to pull the lower eyelid down and out. Then, use the edge of the eyelid to gently coax the lens off the cornea. If the lens resists movement, stop immediately, apply more rewetting drops, and repeat the blinking and waiting process before trying again.
What to Do If the Lens Is Lodged Under the Eyelid
A frequent concern is that the lens has traveled “behind” the eye, but this is anatomically impossible. The conjunctiva, a membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids, folds back to cover the white part of the eye. This natural barrier traps the lens, meaning it can only be lodged under the upper or lower eyelid, or off to the side.
To locate an off-center lens, look in the opposite direction of where you suspect it is lodged. For example, if you feel the lens under your upper lid, look down toward your feet. This action helps move the lens back toward the center of the eye where it can be seen and retrieved.
If the lens is still out of sight, try gently massaging your closed eyelid over the area where you feel the foreign body sensation. This manipulation, combined with rewetting drops, encourages the lens to slide back onto the cornea. Once visible, remove the lens using the standard gentle pinching technique.
When to Seek Professional Medical Help
While most stuck lenses can be removed safely at home, certain symptoms following removal indicate a need for immediate professional medical attention. The most significant warning sign is persistent, severe pain that continues after the lens is out.
Seek care if you experience excessive or worsening redness, inflammation, or sensitivity to light (photophobia). Blurred or distorted vision that fails to clear after a few hours of rest may suggest potential corneal damage. If you suspect the lens has torn and left a fragment behind, or if you cannot locate or remove the lens after multiple attempts, consult an eye care professional.