Experiencing a contact lens that seems fused to the eye can be alarming. This is a common occurrence, and in the vast majority of cases, the lens can be removed safely at home without causing harm. The sensation of a lens being stuck is usually due to a temporary physical condition of the eye or the lens itself. Remaining calm and understanding the underlying cause is the first step toward a successful removal.
Why the Contact Lens is Stuck
The most frequent reason a soft contact lens becomes difficult to remove is a lack of moisture, leading to dehydration. Soft lenses are designed to hold water to maintain flexibility. When they dry out, they can adhere tightly to the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped surface at the front of the eye, becoming stiff. This loss of hydration often happens if the lens is worn for an extended period or if a person falls asleep while wearing them.
Another common issue is that the lens has simply moved from its central position on the cornea. The lens cannot get lost behind the eye because the conjunctiva, a tissue layer lining the eyelid, prevents anything from passing to the back of the eye. Instead, the lens might slide up underneath the upper eyelid or shift toward the corner of the eye, making it difficult to locate.
A lens that is slightly off-center often feels stuck, even if it is not dried out. Rubbing the eyes or a forceful blink can displace the lens into a less visible area. An improper fit, where the lens is too loose or too tight, can also contribute to it shifting position or sticking more readily.
Techniques for Safe Removal
Before attempting removal, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. Introducing bacteria or debris to an irritated eye increases the risk of infection. With clean hands, the next priority is to rehydrate and lubricate the eye, especially if the lens feels dried out.
Apply sterile saline solution, a multipurpose contact lens solution, or rewetting drops approved for contact lens use to the affected eye. This liquid re-moisturizes the lens, restoring its soft texture and breaking the tight adhesion to the cornea. Allow the drops a few moments to work, and blink repeatedly to distribute the moisture evenly.
If the lens is still centered after rehydration, try the standard removal method by gently pinching the lens off using the pads of your thumb and index finger. If the lens is off-center, attempt to slide it back into position by looking in the direction opposite to where the lens is located. For a lens stuck high under the upper eyelid, look down and gently massage the closed upper lid to encourage the lens to move toward the center.
Repeat the lubrication and gentle massage process as needed. It may take several attempts and up to 10 to 15 minutes for a severely dried lens to become pliable and movable. Avoid pressing too hard or scraping the eye, as this can cause a corneal abrasion. Once the lens moves freely, proceed with the usual pinch removal technique.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most stuck contacts can be managed at home, certain warning signs necessitate an immediate visit to an optometrist or ophthalmologist. Stop all attempts at removal and seek professional care if you experience persistent, severe pain that does not subside. Forcing a stuck lens can damage the corneal tissue; a doctor can safely remove the lens and check for abrasions.
Significant and lasting redness of the eye is another indicator that professional attention is required. This redness may signal a serious irritation, an infection, or a scratch on the cornea that needs assessment and treatment. Similarly, if your vision remains blurry or cloudy even after successfully removing the lens, consult an eye care professional right away.
If you have made multiple attempts to locate or dislodge the lens using lubrication and still cannot find or retrieve it, professional help is warranted. The doctor has specialized instruments to locate a displaced lens and safely remove it without causing trauma. Any unusual discharge from the eye should also prompt a visit, as this could be a sign of a developing infection.