Feeling a sharp, uncomfortable sensation when removing a contact lens is common, especially after extended wear. This pain typically indicates a mechanical issue where the lens is adhering too tightly to the delicate surface of the eye. The discomfort can range from a gritty sensation to a distinct, temporary stinging that fades quickly once the lens is off. While often related to simple dryness or handling errors, this pain can sometimes signal an underlying eye condition or minor surface damage.
Pain Caused by Lens Adherence and Removal Technique
The most frequent cause of pain during removal is a lens that has dehydrated and become tightly adhered to the cornea. In dry environments or during extended wear, the lens material loses moisture and conforms closely to the eye, creating a strong suction-like effect. Attempting to pinch or slide this dried lens off causes momentary sharp pain as the seal breaks and pulls on the corneal surface. Rehydrating the lens with sterile saline or rewetting drops is the best way to loosen this tight adherence before removal.
Improper removal technique is a significant contributor to discomfort and potential damage. Using fingernails instead of the soft, padded parts of the index finger and thumb risks scraping the corneal epithelium, causing a micro-trauma known as a corneal abrasion. This abrasion may not be felt immediately but causes considerable pain afterward, often feeling like a foreign body sensation. Forceful pinching or sliding the lens across a dry eye surface also mechanically irritates the corneal tissue. Gently sliding the lens down to the white of the eye before pinching it off minimizes contact with the sensitive central cornea.
Contact lens overwear reduces the oxygen supply to the cornea, leading to swelling and dryness that makes the lens fit tighter. An oxygen-deprived cornea is more vulnerable to irritation and minor injury during lens removal. Furthermore, a poorly fitting lens, whether too tight or too loose, can create excessive suction or rub incorrectly against the eye. Maintaining the recommended wearing schedule and ensuring a proper lens fit are preventative steps to avoid this mechanical pain.
Underlying Eye Conditions Exacerbated by Removal
Removing a lens can aggravate existing, often unnoticed, damage to the eye’s surface. A corneal abrasion, or scratch, may have occurred from a foreign body trapped underneath the lens during wear. When the lens is moved off the eye, it catches on the damaged spot, causing an intense flare-up of pain as it slides over the injured area. This condition causes tearing, light sensitivity, and a foreign body sensation that lingers after removal.
Foreign debris, such as makeup residue or environmental particles, can cause micro-trauma throughout the day. These particles get trapped between the lens and the eye, and the physical force of removal can press them into the corneal or conjunctival tissue. This irritation often starts subtly while wearing the lens and intensifies immediately upon removal.
Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC) is an inflammatory response where the inner surface of the upper eyelid develops small, inflamed bumps called papillae. These bumps often form in response to deposits on the lens material. As GPC progresses, the papillae become rougher, creating significant friction when the eyelid blinks over the lens. The pain during removal is caused by the lens dragging across this irritated inner eyelid tissue. Increased mucus production and discomfort while wearing the lens are hallmark symptoms of GPC.
If an infection like keratitis (inflammation of the cornea) is present, the physical manipulation required for removal will cause severe, sharp pain. Keratitis is a serious complication often triggered by overwearing lenses or poor hygiene, allowing microbes to infect the cornea. The pain associated with an infection is usually accompanied by noticeable eye redness, sensitivity to light, and sometimes discharge.
Immediate Steps and When to See a Doctor
If you experience pain while attempting to remove a lens, stop and re-lubricate the eye generously. Use sterile saline or rewetting drops to flood the surface, which helps rehydrate the lens and break the tight adhesion. Gently massage the eyelid to encourage the lens to loosen or reposition itself before attempting removal again. Never use tap water, as it contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
If a contact lens feels stuck or if you suspect a corneal scratch, immediately stop wearing lenses in that eye and switch to glasses. Discontinue use completely if you notice symptoms suggesting a more serious issue than simple dryness, such as persistent redness, excessive tearing, or intense sensitivity to light (photophobia).
Immediate professional medical attention is required if you experience any of the following red flags. These symptoms indicate a possible corneal infection or significant abrasion that needs prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent permanent vision damage.
- Pain that lasts for more than an hour after successfully removing the lens.
- A noticeable and persistent blurring of vision.
- Any kind of discharge, such as pus or thick mucus.
- The presence of a white or grayish spot on the cornea, which signals a potential corneal ulcer.