A stuck contact lens is a common issue that is almost always resolvable at home with patience and the correct technique. A lens typically becomes stuck because it has dried out, adhering firmly to the cornea, or because it has shifted from its central position. Approaching the situation calmly and prioritizing eye safety is the first step toward successful removal.
Initial Steps to Prepare the Eye
Before touching your eye, always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and dry them with a lint-free towel. This prevents the introduction of microorganisms that can lead to serious eye infections. Once your hands are clean, use a mirror and adequate lighting to locate the lens, which may have shifted from the center to the white of the eye or under an eyelid.
A primary reason a soft contact lens becomes stuck is dehydration. To counter this, you must rehydrate the lens using sterile saline solution or rewetting drops specifically approved for contact lenses. Apply a few generous drops directly onto the eye and blink several times to distribute the fluid evenly across the lens surface. Do not use tap water, as it is not sterile and can introduce harmful pathogens to the eye.
Allowing the lens to soak in the solution for a few minutes will help the hydrogel or silicone hydrogel material absorb moisture and soften. This rehydration process is essential because attempting to pinch a dried, brittle lens can cause it to tear or potentially scratch the delicate surface of the cornea. If you are certain a lens is in your eye but cannot locate it, the lens may have folded and lodged under the upper eyelid.
Step-by-Step Techniques for Removal
If the lens is centered but still feels fixed to the cornea after lubrication, a gentle massage technique can help dislodge it. Close your eye and gently rub your upper eyelid in a circular motion, or lightly press the eyelid and move your finger toward the inner corner of your eye. The goal is to encourage the lens to crinkle or move onto the less sensitive white part of the eye, where it is easier to grasp.
For a soft lens that has shifted off-center, look in the opposite direction of where the lens is located to help expose its edge. Once the lens is rehydrated and movable, use the pad of your index finger to gently slide the lens back toward the center of your eye or down onto the lower sclera. Once positioned correctly, you can use the standard pinch method with your thumb and index finger to remove it.
If the lens is lodged beneath the upper eyelid, look down toward your feet and gently pull the upper lid away from the eyeball. While holding the lid, look back and forth, or try gently massaging the eyelid to encourage the lens to slide down. The lens should reappear in the center of the eye, where it can be removed easily.
Removing RGP Lenses
Removing a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) or hard contact lens requires a different approach because the material does not flex and can scratch the eye if rubbed. If an RGP lens is stuck, avoid massaging your eyelid. Instead, use the flat pad of your fingertip to press lightly on the eye, just past the edge of the lens, to break the suction. Some wearers use a small, specialized suction cup device, designed for RGP lenses, to gently lift the lens directly off the eye’s surface.
When to Stop and Seek Medical Attention
While most stuck contacts can be removed at home, stop attempting removal and seek professional help if you have tried rehydration and gentle manipulation repeatedly over 10 to 15 minutes without success. Continuing to prod or rub the eye when the lens will not move significantly increases the risk of corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye.
You should contact an eye care professional immediately if you experience persistent symptoms after the lens has been removed or if you suspect it is still in your eye. These warning signs include:
- Severe or worsening pain.
- Excessive and persistent redness in the eye.
- A feeling that a foreign object is still present.
- Blurred or decreased vision.
- Unusual discharge from the eye.
- Increased sensitivity to light.
These symptoms can indicate a corneal abrasion or the beginning of an eye infection. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can safely remove a deeply lodged lens and examine your eye for any damage. If your eye care provider is unavailable, visit an urgent care center or an emergency room for immediate assessment.