The sudden inability to remove a contact lens can be an alarming and frustrating experience for even the most seasoned wearer. This common occurrence is rarely a sign of a serious problem and most often results from simple physiological changes in the eye or lens material. Understanding the reasons behind the lens adhesion and knowing the correct, gentle steps for removal can quickly resolve the situation. The key to safely getting a stuck lens out is to avoid panic and never apply excessive force, which could damage the eye’s delicate surface.
Common Physical Causes for Lenses Sticking
The primary reason a soft contact lens adheres tightly to the cornea is dehydration, which causes the lens material to lose its flexibility and create a vacuum seal against the eye’s surface. When the lens loses a significant portion of its water content, it shrinks slightly and its material properties change, making it difficult to manipulate with a fingertip. This dehydration is often a result of wearing the lenses for too long, sleeping in them, or spending time in dry environments like air-conditioned rooms.
Another significant factor is the accumulation of deposits from the tear film, specifically proteins and lipids. Tears naturally contain proteins, such as lysozyme, which can denature or change shape when they adhere to the lens surface. These denatured proteins become sticky and create a rougher surface, increasing friction between the lens and the eyelid during blinking, which further locks the lens in place. Silicone hydrogel lenses can sometimes accumulate more lipid or fat deposits, which similarly affect the lens’s surface texture and make removal challenging.
Finally, an improper lens fit can contribute to chronic sticking, even with adequate hydration. A lens that is too tight for the eye’s curvature may not move sufficiently during a blink, leading to reduced tear exchange and increased adherence to the cornea. Conversely, a lens that is too loose can move excessively and become dislodged, sometimes folding over and complicating the removal process. If sticking is a frequent issue, it may indicate that the lens base curve or diameter is no longer suitable for the current shape of the eye.
When the Lens is Misplaced or Folded
The greatest fear when a lens disappears is that it has slipped behind the eye, but this is anatomically impossible. A continuous mucous membrane called the conjunctiva covers the white of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids, creating a natural barrier. This fold of tissue, known as the fornix, prevents any object, including a contact lens, from physically traveling to the back of the eye socket.
When a lens cannot be felt or seen, it is almost always dislocated from the center and folded up underneath the upper eyelid. Vigorous eye rubbing or a sudden impact can cause the lens to move off the cornea and into this sheltered area. To locate a dislodged lens, look in a mirror and gently pull your lower eyelid down while looking up, and then pull your upper eyelid up while looking down. Flushing the eye with sterile saline solution or rewetting drops can help coax the lens to float back onto the visible surface of the eye.
Safe and Effective Removal Techniques
The most important first step for removing a stuck lens is to prioritize lubrication and rehydration. Attempting to pinch or slide a dry lens can easily cause irritation or an abrasion on the cornea. Apply a generous amount of sterile saline solution, multi-purpose solution, or preservative-free rewetting drops directly to the eye, ensuring the lens is thoroughly bathed.
After applying the solution, close your eye and wait patiently for 10 to 15 minutes, allowing the lens material to fully reabsorb moisture. During this waiting period, gently massage your closed eyelid to encourage the lens to move and break its suction-like seal with the cornea. Once the lens feels more mobile, you can attempt the standard removal techniques.
The “slide and pinch” method is often effective for a newly hydrated soft lens. Use the pad of your index finger to slide the lens down from the sensitive cornea onto the white of the eye, which helps to break the seal. Once the lens is on the sclera, gently pinch it between your thumb and index finger to lift it away. If the lens is still resisting, try the “lid tension” method by pulling the outer corners of your eyelids toward your ear while blinking, which can cause the lens to pop out. If the eye becomes noticeably red, painful, or you are unable to remove the lens after several gentle attempts, stop immediately and contact your eye care professional for assistance.
Long-Term Strategies for Easier Removal
Preventing lens adhesion begins with respecting the prescribed wearing schedule and avoiding overuse. Removing lenses earlier in the evening, before the eyes have reached their peak dryness, makes the process significantly easier. Consistent and thorough cleaning routines are also essential for minimizing deposit buildup that causes chronic sticking.
Using a cleaning solution effective against protein and lipid deposits, and replacing lenses on schedule, prevents sticky residue accumulation. Staying adequately hydrated throughout the day helps maintain a healthy tear film, which cushions the lens. Regular comprehensive eye exams allow your doctor to assess your lens fit and determine if a change in lens material or base curve is needed to ensure proper movement and tear exchange.