Removing a contact lens can sometimes result in a painful pinch, where the lens or fingers catch the sensitive tissues of the eye or eyelid. This common mistake, often resulting from too much force or improper technique, produces immediate discomfort. Understanding the difference between a temporary pinch sensation and a more serious injury is important for managing eye health. While the immediate pain is usually minor, aggressive removal carries a risk of eye surface damage.
Understanding the Pinch Sensation
The sharp, transient pain experienced during forceful removal usually involves the conjunctiva. This is the thin, clear membrane covering the white part of the eye (sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids. Pinching this highly sensitive tissue causes immediate, temporary irritation, often leading to tearing and redness.
This minor tissue irritation can result in a small, localized pink or reddish mark on the white of the eye. The pain typically subsides quickly once pressure is released. This sharp discomfort is generally a sign of improper contact lens handling, not a major structural injury. If the pain vanishes within a few minutes, the damage is limited to superficial irritation.
Potential for Corneal Abrasions
The most significant risk associated with aggressive contact lens removal is scratching the cornea, the transparent dome covering the iris and pupil. A corneal abrasion occurs if a fingernail or the sharp, dried edge of a folded contact lens drags across this outer layer. Because the cornea is packed with nerve endings, the scratch is acutely painful.
Symptoms of a corneal abrasion include persistent pain, a gritty feeling, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light (photophobia). Vision may also become blurry as the scratch interferes with the cornea’s ability to focus light. If these symptoms do not resolve quickly, professional medical attention is necessary. An untreated abrasion, especially one linked to contact lens wear, carries an elevated risk of infection or a corneal ulcer, which can lead to scarring and vision loss.
Immediate Aftercare and Monitoring
If you feel a painful pinch during removal, immediately rinse the eye with sterile saline solution or preservative-free artificial tears. This flushes out potential debris and rehydrates the eye surface. Resist the urge to rub the eye, as this can worsen any existing scratch or abrasion.
After rinsing, keep the contact lens out of the affected eye and avoid reinsertion. The eye needs time to heal, and re-wearing the lens prematurely can introduce bacteria or further irritate damaged tissue. Monitor the eye closely; if pain, redness, or light sensitivity persists beyond a few hours, or if vision changes occur, contact an eye care professional immediately.
Techniques for Safer Contact Removal
To prevent a painful pinch, focus on using the correct technique and ensuring the lens is adequately lubricated before removal. If the lens feels dry or stuck, apply a rewetting drop or sterile saline solution and blink to moisten it. A moist lens is less likely to adhere tightly, reducing the force needed for removal.
Use the pads of your index finger and thumb, not your fingernails, to gently remove the lens. The “slide and pinch” technique is a common method: slide the lens down from the center of the cornea onto the white of the eye (sclera) before gently pinching it off. This minimizes the risk of scratching the cornea. Always wash your hands thoroughly with mild soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before starting the removal process.