Finding a contact lens refusing to budge can instantly trigger frustration and panic. This is a common occurrence for lens wearers, but the feeling of a stuck lens does not mean it is lost forever or that your eye is in danger. The eye’s natural structure makes it impossible for a contact lens to slip permanently behind the eyeball. Remaining calm and knowing the correct, gentle steps are the safest ways to resolve the situation without damaging your cornea.
Immediate Steps for Safe Removal
The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water before touching your eye or lens. This hygiene measure prevents the transfer of bacteria and oils that could lead to infection or complication. Always dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel to avoid introducing foreign particles to the eye’s surface.
A primary cause of a lens sticking is dehydration, so re-moisturizing the eye is the next necessary action. Apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or rewetting drops approved for use with contact lenses directly to the eye. These solutions hydrate the lens material, causing it to regain flexibility and separate from the cornea. Avoid using tap water, as it is not sterile and can introduce harmful microorganisms, such as Acanthamoeba, to the eye.
After lubrication, gently close your eye and wait for the fluid to absorb into the lens. Blinking several times helps distribute the solution and encourages the lens to move back to the center of the eye. If the lens is centered, the standard “pinch” method involves gently sliding the lens down to the white of the eye (sclera) using your thumb and index finger, then softly pinching it off. If the pinch is difficult, the “slide-and-fold” technique involves using a fingertip to slide the lens down and allowing it to gently fold for removal.
Troubleshooting Specific Causes of Difficulty
If basic re-moisturizing steps fail, the lens is likely extremely dry and tightly adhered to the cornea. If the lens is centralized and appears suctioned, soak the eye with a steady stream of preservative-free saline for several minutes. After this prolonged hydration, gently close your eyelid and massage the upper lid in a circular motion to encourage the lens to dislodge. This gentle manipulation, coupled with the regained moisture, helps the lens float freely so it can be moved to a more accessible position.
A frequent concern is a lens that has shifted off-center, leading to the feeling that it is lost “behind” the eye. The eye’s anatomy, specifically the conjunctiva membrane, creates a physical barrier preventing any object from passing permanently to the back of the eye. If the lens is tucked under the upper eyelid, look down toward your nose to expose the area where the lens might be resting. To check under the lower lid, look up and away from the side where you suspect the lens is located, which helps reveal the dislodged material.
If the lens is torn or folded, use lubricating drops to ensure the remaining pieces are not scraping against the eye’s surface. A folded lens can sometimes be unfolded by blinking or gently massaging the closed eyelid until it smooths out. If you locate a torn piece, gently slide it to the white of the eye before attempting removal with clean fingertips. If you suspect a piece remains after removing the bulk of the lens, do not attempt to dig for it, but instead flush the eye repeatedly with sterile saline.
Recognizing Warning Signs and When to Stop
Knowing when to cease attempts at removal is important to prevent serious injury. Never use sharp objects, such as tweezers or fingernails, directly on the eye’s surface to retrieve a lens. Vigorous rubbing of the eye is highly discouraged, as this action can easily cause a corneal abrasion, a painful scratch on the eye’s protective dome.
Stop removal efforts immediately if you experience sharp, worsening pain, distinct from the mild irritation of a stuck lens. Other warning signs include a sudden increase in redness or a bloodshot appearance that quickly spreads across the white of the eye. A persistent, severe gritty sensation, even after lubrication, can indicate that the lens may have already scratched the cornea.
If the lens remains stuck after 10 to 15 minutes of safe, gentle rehydration and massage, stop trying. If you cannot remove the lens but are experiencing discomfort, apply a liberal amount of preservative-free lubricating drops and consider covering the eye with a loose patch to minimize blinking until you can seek professional help.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
If the lens remains stuck despite repeated, safe attempts at rehydration and gentle massage over an hour or two, contact your eye care professional. Eye doctors have specialized tools and techniques for safely removing a tightly adhered lens without causing trauma. Do not wait several hours if the eye is already showing signs of distress.
Even if you successfully remove the lens, seek an immediate evaluation if the foreign body sensation or pain persists. This lingering discomfort can signal a corneal abrasion, which requires proper diagnosis and care to prevent infection.
If you notice a visible tear in the lens and are unsure if a fragment remains, a professional examination is needed to confirm complete removal. For severe, unmanageable pain, sudden vision changes, or signs of possible infection like discharge or swelling, proceed directly to an urgent care center or emergency room for prompt attention.