How to Remove a Stuck Contact Lens from Your Eye

Many contact lens users face challenges when trying to remove them from their eyes at some point. This issue is especially common among first-time users. Contact lenses can become stuck due to dryness after hours of wear or by shifting out of their usual position. Whether you wear soft or hard lenses, the following steps will guide you in safely removing those stubborn lenses.

Wash Your Hands Thoroughly. Always make sure your hands are clean when handling your lenses, whether putting them in or taking them out. Our hands harbor thousands of bacteria from objects we touch daily. Wash your hands with soap and warm water before touching your eyes to prevent any infections.

• When dealing with a stuck contact lens, washing your hands is even more crucial, as you’ll be touching your eye for a prolonged period. The longer your fingers come into contact with your eye, the greater the risk of transferring germs to your eye.
• Avoid drying your palms or fingertips when getting ready to touch your eye. The fibers or lint from the towel could easily get into your eye.

Stay Calm. Panicking or becoming overly anxious will make it more difficult to remove your contact lenses. If you’re feeling nervous, take a moment to breathe deeply before proceeding.

• Don't worry! The contact lens won’t get stuck behind your eyeball. The conjunctiva, the mucous membrane at the front of your eye, and the muscles around your eyes, known as the ocular muscles, will prevent this from happening.
• A soft contact lens becoming stuck in your eye is not a serious health risk unless you leave it unresolved for a long period. While it may cause discomfort, it won’t damage your eyes. However, a hard contact lens can damage the cornea if it breaks and could lead to an infection.
• If you've tried several methods to remove the lens without success, take a break. Sit down and relax.

Locate the Contact Lens. In many cases, a contact lens gets stuck in the eye because it slips out of its usual position on the cornea. If this happens, you will need to reposition the lens before you can remove it. Close your eyes and relax your eyelids. You should be able to feel the lens's position. If not, gently touch your eyelids with your hand to see if you can locate it.

• If the lens has moved to the corner of your eye, you can find it by looking in a mirror.
• Try moving your eye in the opposite direction of the lens's position. For example, if the lens is stuck in the corner of your right eye, look to the left. Or, if the lens is stuck on the lower part of your eye, look upwards. You will be able to pinpoint the lens's location.
• If you can neither feel nor see the contact lens, it may have fallen out of your eye.
• Place your finger above your eyelid (close to your eyebrow) and gently pull your eyelid upwards to open your eye wide. This will make it easier for you to locate the lens. Remember, if you look down while pulling your eyelid upwards, your orbicularis oculi muscle will become paralyzed, and you won't be able to close your eye unless you look up.

Moisten the Contact Lens. A contact lens may become stuck in your eye because it has dried out. You can use saline solution to rehydrate the lens. If possible, drop a few drops of saline directly onto the lens. Wait for a few minutes for the lens to hydrate and soften.

• If the lens is stuck under your eyelid or in the corner of your eye, providing moisture may help it move back into position, making it easier for you to remove it from your eye.
• Moisturizing your contact lenses will allow you to remove them in the usual way. Blink several times or keep your eyes closed for a few seconds, and then you should be able to take the lens out of your eye.

Massage Your Eyelid. If the contact lens is still stuck or is clinging to the underside of your eyelid, close your eyes and gently massage your eyelid with your finger.

• If the lens is out of place, try pushing it toward the cornea.
• If the lens is stuck under your eyelid, looking down while massaging your eyelid may help.

Change Your Approach. If the lens is in the correct position but you still can’t remove it, try a different method to remove the contact lens. Most people typically squeeze the contact lens lightly to remove it, but you can also try placing one finger on each eyelid and applying gentle pressure while blinking to dislodge the lens.

• You can use your index or middle finger from each hand. Place one finger on the top eyelid and press gently down. At the same time, place a finger on the lower eyelid and gently push upward.
• The lens should come off easily, and you can remove it from your eye.

Lift Your Eyelid. If the contact lens is still stuck and you suspect it has shifted under your eyelid, gently lift your eyelid and pull it outward.

• To do this, you can use the tip of a cotton swab and press gently on the center of your eyelid while pulling the eyelashes away from your eye.
• Tilt your head slightly backward. You should easily be able to tell if the lens is trapped beneath your eyelid. Be careful when removing the lens from underneath your eyelid.
• You may need assistance from a friend or family member.

See a Doctor. If all attempts fail, or if your eye becomes red or irritated, visit a doctor, optometrist, or hospital. They can safely assist you in removing the contact lens without harming your eyes.

• If you suspect that you have scratched or damaged your eye while trying to remove the lens, seek medical attention immediately. Regardless of whether you successfully remove the lens, you should have your eyes checked to prevent any future complications.

Wash Your Hands. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Avoid drying the fingers you will use to touch your eyes with a towel, as it may leave lint that can irritate your eyes. Always wash your hands before and after removing your contact lenses.

• Proper handwashing is especially important if you need to touch your eyes for an extended period, such as when trying to remove a stuck contact lens.

Stay Calm. A contact lens stuck in your eye is not an emergency, and panicking will only make it more difficult to locate and remove it.

• The contact lens will not get stuck behind your eyeball. The conjunctiva, the mucous membrane at the front of your eye, and the ocular muscles surrounding your eyes will prevent this from happening.
• A stuck contact lens is not a serious health risk unless you delay addressing the issue for an extended period. While it may be uncomfortable, it will not damage your eye. However, if the lens breaks, it may cause considerable pain.

Locate the Contact Lens. In many cases, a hard contact lens gets stuck because it has shifted from its usual position on the cornea. If this happens, you will need to locate the lens on your eye before you can remove it.

• Close your eyes and relax your eyelids. You should be able to feel where the lens is. If not, gently touch your eyelid with your fingers and check if you can find the lens.
• If the contact lens has moved to the corner of your eye, you can spot it by looking in the mirror.
• Try looking in the opposite direction of where the lens is located. For example, if the lens is stuck in the right corner of your eye, look to the left. Or if the lens is stuck in the bottom of your eye, look up. This should help you identify where the lens is.
• If you cannot feel or see the lens, it may have fallen out of your eye.

Break the Suction. If the contact lens has moved to the white part of your eye, you can remove it by breaking the suction between the lens and the eyeball. To do this, use your finger to apply light pressure on the edge of the lens.

• Do not massage the eyeball as you would with soft lenses. Doing so may scratch the surface of your eye with the edge of the lens.

Use a Suction Cup. If the lens is still stuck, you can purchase a contact lens suction cup from a pharmacy. This tool will help you remove the lens from your eye. Ideally, you should consult with an optometrist about this technique before they prescribe lenses for you.

• First, clean the suction cup with contact lens solution. Moisten the cup with saline solution.
• Use your thumb and index finger to gently pull apart your eyelids.
• Place the suction cup between the lens and gently pull it out. Be careful not to let the cup touch your eye.
• You can remove the contact lens from the suction cup by gently sliding it sideways.
• Consider seeing an eye doctor before using this method. Attempting to remove hard contact lenses with a suction cup on your own may cause injury to your eye.

See a Doctor if Necessary. If you cannot remove the lens, visit a doctor, optometrist, or hospital for assistance in safely removing the contact lens from your eye. You should also seek medical help if your eye becomes red or uncomfortable.

• If you suspect you have scratched or harmed your eye while trying to remove the lens, seek immediate medical attention. Whether or not you successfully remove the contact lens, you should consult a medical professional.

Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands. Your hands carry a multitude of germs from the objects you touch throughout the day. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water before touching your eyes.

• If you touch your eyes with dirty hands, you could risk infections or scratches on your eyes.

Lubricate your eyes. Use eye drops or contact lens lubricant to keep your eyes moisturized throughout the day. This method helps prevent your contact lenses from getting stuck in your eyes.

• If your eyes become itchy or red after using eye drops, look for products labeled 'preservative-free.'

Maintain cleanliness of your contact lens case. You should clean your contact lens case every day. After wearing your contact lenses, rinse the case with saline or hot water (distilled water is better) and soap. Avoid letting tap water collect in the case as it can lead to fungal or bacterial infections. Allow the contact lenses to air dry.

• Replace your lenses every three months. Even if you clean the lenses daily, bacteria and other substances can build up in the case.

Change the solution in your contact lens case daily. After cleaning and drying your lens case, add fresh, clean contact lens solution. The solution loses its effectiveness over time, so replacing it daily will disinfect your lenses and keep them clean.

Follow the cleaning and disinfecting guidelines for your specific contact lenses. Different types of contact lenses require different care products. Be sure to use the cleaning solution recommended for your lens type. Follow the eye care expert's advice on cleaning and disinfecting your lenses.

• Only use cleaning solutions, eye drops, and disinfectants available at pharmacies to minimize the risk of infections.

Wear glasses as instructed by your optometrist. Your optometrist will advise you on how long you can wear glasses each day. It's important to follow their instructions when using contact lenses.

• Never wear contact lenses while sleeping unless they are the 'one-week use' type (which can be worn continuously, even while sleeping, for up to a week). Even with these lenses, the optometrist still discourages wearing them while sleeping due to the risk of eye infections.

Remove contact lenses after exposure to water. If you go swimming, take a shower, or immerse yourself in hot tubs, make sure to remove your lenses beforehand. This will help minimize the risk of eye infections.

Hydrate your eyes. Your lenses might stick to your eyes when they dry out. One way to prevent this is by drinking plenty of water daily. Adequate hydration will help maintain moisture in your eyes.

• Men should aim to drink at least 3 liters (13 cups) of water daily. Women should aim for at least 2 liters (9 cups) of water each day.
• If you frequently experience dry eyes, try to avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine intake. These can dehydrate your body. It’s best to drink plain water, but juices, milk, and unsweetened, caffeine-free teas such as Lipton green tea and other herbal teas are also good choices.

Do not smoke. Studies show that smoking can worsen dry eye symptoms. 'Dry eye' can cause your contact lenses to get stuck in your eyes. People who smoke regularly tend to have more problems with their lenses than non-smokers.

• Passive smoking (breathing in someone else's tobacco smoke) can also cause issues for contact lens wearers.

Take care of your overall health. You can prevent eye problems by maintaining a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and reducing eye strain.

• Leafy greens, such as spinach, kale, and other greens, are excellent for your eyes. Fish like salmon, tuna, and other omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish can help prevent many eye conditions.
• Scientific studies have shown that people who exercise regularly tend to have healthier eyes. They are also less likely to develop serious eye conditions like glaucoma.
• Lack of sleep can affect your vision. The most common side effect of this is dry eyes. You might also experience eye twitching or 'eye spasms.'
• Try to minimize eye strain whenever possible. You can do this by dimming the lights on your devices, setting up your work area properly, and taking regular breaks from tasks that require long periods of intense focus.

Get regular eye check-ups. Visiting your optometrist regularly can prevent many potential eye problems. Regular eye exams can help detect eye conditions like glaucoma.

• If you're experiencing eye issues and are in your late 30s, it's essential to have an eye exam every year. Adults between the ages of 20-30 should have their eyes checked at least once every two years.

Consult your doctor about any issues you're facing. If your contact lenses keep getting stuck in your eyes, it's a sign you should see your optometrist. You may be dealing with a more serious issue. You can also ask your doctor for preventive advice.

• Visit your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
  • Sudden loss of vision
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing halos or 'glow' around objects
  • Pain, discomfort, swelling, or redness in your eyes

• It's essential to apply saline drops to moisten your eyes before removing soft contact lenses. Once moist, let your fingers dry naturally before gently removing the lenses from your eyes. This method provides enough friction to safely remove the lens.
• Many regions offer online directories of optometrists. For example, in Vietnam, you can check doctor listings on websites like danhba.bacsi or vicare.
• Makeup should only be applied after putting on contact lenses. Remove your lenses before taking off makeup to prevent cosmetics from getting on the lenses.
• To remove a stuck lens, close your eyes tightly (if necessary, gently press your finger on the eyelid) and rotate your eyes counterclockwise for about 3 minutes. This motion will help the lens slide out of place, making it easier to remove.

• Always remember to maintain hygiene with your hands, contact lens case, towels, and anything else that comes into contact with your eyes. Failing to do so can lead to eye infections.
• Never use saliva to moisten your contact lenses. Human saliva is full of bacteria, and using it on your lenses can transfer those germs directly to your eyes.
• Carefully read the instructions on any eye drop products before applying them to your eyes. While saline solution is generally safe for contact lenses, some types contain cleaning agents that can cause a burning sensation if applied directly to the eyes.
• Avoid using decorative contact lenses (the brightly colored or patterned ones) or any lenses that can be purchased without a prescription. These products can cause scratches, pain, infections, and even permanent vision loss.
• If your eyes remain red and uncomfortable after removing your contact lenses, it's important to consult an eye doctor. This could be a sign that your cornea has been scratched.