When a contact lens adheres firmly to the eye or shifts out of position, it can cause immediate discomfort and alarm. This issue often arises from dryness, which causes the lens material to lose flexibility and stick to the corneal surface. Understanding the precise steps for safe removal prevents potential irritation or damage to the eye.
Preparation and Basic Removal Techniques
Any attempt to remove a stuck contact lens must begin with meticulous hygiene to prevent bacterial contamination. Thoroughly wash hands with soap and water, then dry them completely with a lint-free towel before touching the eye or the lens. Use a well-lit area with a clean surface, such as a bathroom counter and mirror, to clearly visualize the lens’s position.
If the lens is centered on the cornea and feels dried out or immobile, the goal is rehydration. Apply several drops of sterile saline solution or contact lens rewetting drops directly onto the eye surface, allowing the fluid to pool over the lens. This moisture restores the lens’s natural pliability, which may require several minutes of repeated application.
Once the lens has been rehydrated and feels looser, gently attempt the standard removal technique. Use the pad of your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the lens off the eye, or slide it down to the white of the eye before folding it. If the lens still resists movement, avoid applying strong pressure and proceed to advanced techniques.
Advanced Troubleshooting for Stuck Lenses
A common scenario involves a soft lens that has dried and formed a tight suction seal against the cornea. The lens will not budge because the trapped moisture barrier is insufficient. To break this seal, apply more rewetting drops and gently massage the area over the lens in a circular motion while the eyelid is closed.
This gentle massage, combined with frequent blinking, encourages fluid exchange underneath the lens, allowing it to float freely. If the lens is a rigid gas-permeable (GP) type, do not massage the eyelid, as the stiff material could scratch the cornea. Instead, use the pad of your finger to press softly on the white of the eye just outside the lens’s edge to interrupt the suction.
If the lens has migrated away from the center of the eye, it is often lodged beneath the upper or lower eyelid. It is anatomically impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind the eye, as the protective conjunctiva membrane blocks this path. To find a lens that has moved, look in the direction opposite to where you suspect the lens is located.
If you feel the lens under your upper eyelid, look straight down toward your feet to pull the eyelid away from the eye’s front surface. With the eye looking down, gently sweep the upper eyelid with your finger to locate the lens and guide it back toward the center. If the lens is under the lower lid, look up while gently manipulating the lid until the lens becomes visible for removal.
Safety Warnings and Seeking Professional Care
During all attempts to remove a stuck lens, exercise caution and patience. Never use fingernails, tweezers, or any sharp objects to pry the lens off the eye surface. Forcefully rubbing or aggressively manipulating the lens risks causing a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the clear front surface of the eye).
If the lens remains stuck after multiple attempts, or if you experience certain warning signs, stop immediately and contact an eye care professional. These red flags include the sudden onset of severe or persistent pain, blurred vision that does not resolve after removal, or excessive, ongoing redness.
Other concerning symptoms requiring professional assessment are increased sensitivity to light or an unusual discharge from the eye. If you cannot confirm the lens has been successfully removed, or if you suspect the lens may have torn, an eye doctor must examine your eye to ensure no fragments remain.