Feeling sudden, sharp pain upon removing a contact lens indicates irritation or damage to the eye’s delicate surface. Contact lenses rest directly on the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye, which is densely packed with nerve endings. This discomfort often stems from an underlying issue that the lens was either causing or masking while worn. Understanding how the lens interacts with the cornea and the conjunctiva—the thin membrane covering the white of the eye—is key to finding relief and preventing future incidents.
Mechanical and Environmental Causes of Pain
The most immediate cause of pain upon removal is physical damage to the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the cornea. This damage is frequently a corneal abrasion, essentially a scratch caused by mechanical force. Common sources include rough removal techniques, such as scraping the eye with a fingernail or pinching the cornea instead of the lens. Even a lens with a small tear or chipped edge can create friction and abrade the corneal surface throughout the day.
A lens that has become too dry can adhere firmly to the eye, making removal painful. When a lens loses moisture, it tightens and suctions onto the cornea, and pulling it off can lift the epithelial layer. This effect is magnified if the lens is overworn or if the wearer has underlying dry eye, causing the lens to absorb tears and dehydrate. The resulting irritation is a micro-trauma that becomes acutely noticeable once the lens is removed.
Another frequent cause is a foreign body, such as dust, pollen, or makeup, trapped between the lens and the cornea. While the lens is in place, blinking forces this debris to rub against the corneal surface, causing a scratch. The pain may not be felt intensely until the lens is removed, exposing the newly injured area to the air.
The pain can also be a delayed symptom of chronic irritation, such as hypoxia, a lack of sufficient oxygen reaching the cornea. Overwearing a lens, especially one with low oxygen permeability, stresses corneal cells and leads to inflammation. This inflammation, known as superficial keratitis, manifests as a gritty, painful sensation that persists after the lens is removed. A foreign body sensation can also signal Giant Papillary Conjunctivitis (GPC), where deposits on the lens irritate the inner eyelid.
Immediate Actions for Eye Relief
If you experience pain after removing a contact lens, stop touching the eye immediately. Rubbing the eye, even gently, risks worsening a corneal abrasion or pushing debris further into the tissue. The goal is to calm the irritation and allow the cornea’s natural healing process to begin.
Lubricate the eye using preservative-free artificial tears to flush the surface and provide moisture. These drops help wash away lingering debris and reduce friction caused by blinking on the irritated surface. Applying a cool, damp compress over the closed eyelid for a few minutes can help reduce inflammation and dull the discomfort.
Keep the contact lenses out of the affected eye for the rest of the day to allow the tissue time to recover. Switch to wearing glasses temporarily. Reinserting a lens will perpetuate irritation and introduce a risk of infection into any microscopic break in the corneal surface. If the discomfort is minimal and subsides within an hour, the eye likely suffered only minor, superficial irritation.
Warning Signs Requiring Medical Attention
While mild discomfort often resolves quickly, certain symptoms indicate a more serious underlying problem, such as a deep abrasion or developing infection. Contact an eye care professional (ECP) if the pain persists for more than a few hours after lens removal or if it intensifies. Since the cornea heals rapidly, persistent pain suggests a more significant injury.
Serious signs include any noticeable decrease in visual acuity or blurriness that does not clear with blinking, and extreme light sensitivity (photophobia). Severe redness that covers the white of the eye and does not subside also warrants urgent examination. The presence of discharge, especially thick, pus-like or mucus discharge, strongly suggests a bacterial or microbial infection, such as keratitis, which can rapidly threaten vision.
Seek medical care if you have a persistent feeling that something is lodged in your eye, even after flushing it and removing the lens. These symptoms, particularly in combination, can be hallmarks of a corneal ulcer. This serious condition necessitates immediate antibiotic treatment and close monitoring by an ECP to prevent permanent scarring and vision loss.
Prevention Strategies for Contact Lens Users
Preventing pain upon removal starts with establishing correct long-term habits and ensuring the lenses are suitable for your eyes. Before touching your eye, ensure your hands are thoroughly washed and dried to minimize the transfer of bacteria and debris. When removing the lens, use the pad of your finger to gently pinch the lens off the eye, avoiding contact between your fingernail and the corneal surface.
If the lens feels tight or stuck, use a rewetting or lubricating drop a few minutes before attempting removal. This rehydrates the lens, helping it regain flexibility and reducing the risk of pulling on the corneal epithelium. Adhering strictly to the prescribed wearing schedule is essential, as overwearing reduces oxygen flow and increases the chance of dryness and inflammation.
Routine eye exams ensure the ECP can confirm the lens fit remains optimal. A lens that is too loose or too tight, often due to an incorrect base curve, can cause constant friction or adherence issues. Maintaining excellent hygiene by regularly cleaning the lenses and replacing the solution and the case prevents the buildup of protein deposits and microbial biofilms that lead to irritation and infection.