How to Remove a Stuck Contact Lens: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are your prescription contacts stuck in your eye? This situation can feel scary, but by maintaining a calm demeanor and following a few simple steps, you can easily resolve the problem. This practical guide will walk you through the steps to safely and comfortably remove a stubborn lens. Gain insights into common reasons for stuck lenses and get tips to make the removal process smoother. By the end of this read, you'll have a toolkit of knowledge, ensuring minimal discomfort and potential eye irritation in such situations.
Steps to Safely Remove a Contact Lens Stuck in Eye
The way that you can tell that the contact lens is stuck in your eye is that the lens will feel out of place or uncomfortable. Your eyes may be too dry to remove the lens, or it may be inserted inside out. Try blinking the eye purposefully to get the contact to slide out. If you reach into your eye to slide the lens out along your fingertip, be sure your hands are completely clean and dry before attempting removal.
Stay Calm and Do Not Panic
If you should get a contact lens stuck in your eyes, it is important to not panic. The contact lens will eventually fall out. Follow the recommended steps to remove it, which include applying lubricating eye drops and gently manipulating the lens. Due to the way the eye is structured, a contact lens cannot disappear permanently behind the eye. So there are no worries there – the contact lens will eventually be removed.
Moisturize Your Eye
Hydration plays a significant role in facilitating contact lens removal, especially for soft contact lenses. When you insert a soft contact lens onto your eye, it conforms to the shape of your cornea and adheres to the eye's surface. Apply lubricating eye drops or saline solution to your eye before attempting to remove the lens. Blink a few times to distribute the drops evenly over the lens and your eye's surface. After applying the drops, wait a moment for the lens to absorb some moisture and soften. This can make the lens easier to remove.
Gentle Lens Manipulation
If you have a stuck contact lens, it's important to handle the situation carefully to avoid damaging your eye. Here are the steps to safely remove a stuck contact lens:
Wash Your Hands - Before touching your eye or contact lens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid introducing any foreign particles.
Use Lubricating Eye Drops - Apply lubricating eye drops or saline solution to your eye. This can help moisten the lens and make it easier to move. Blink a few times to spread the drops over your eye.
Look in a Mirror - Position yourself in front of a mirror to help you see what you're doing. It's important to have good lighting and a clear view of your eye.
Check the Lens Position - Gently pull down your lower eyelid with one hand while using your other hand to look for the lens. Use a mirror to see where the lens is located in your eye. Blink and Move Your Eye - Blink several times and move your eye in different directions to see if the lens shifts position. Sometimes, this can help the lens move away from the stuck position and back into the center of the eye.
Use the "Two-Finger" Method - If the lens is still stuck, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens. Start by pulling down your lower eyelid, then use your other hand to pinch the lens. Be very gentle and take your time. Your approach will depend on the type of contact lens you use.
- For soft lenses, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger and slide it down to the white part of your eye (the sclera). Then use your other hand to remove it.
- For rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, use a slightly different approach. Slide your lens down with your thumb while keeping your index finger on the side of the lens to prevent it from popping out.
Consult Your Eye Care Professional: If you're unable to remove the lens using the above steps, or if you experience persistent discomfort or any signs of eye damage, consult your eye care professional immediately for assistance. Do not attempt to force the lens out, as this can lead to injury.
Remember to remain calm and patient when attempting to remove a stuck contact lens. Rushing the process can increase the risk of damaging your eye or the lens. If this happens frequently, it's important to discuss the issue with your eye care provider to ensure your contact lens fit is appropriate and to receive guidance on proper lens removal techniques.
Why Contacts Get Stuck
Contact lenses are a convenient solution that reduces the need for glasses and allows for a more natural field of vision. Contact lenses sit on top of the cornea but what happens when that contact lens gets displaced? A stuck contact lens sounds like an unappealing scenario, but unfortunately, several reasons could lead to this occurring.
Dry Eyes - When your eyes become dry, the contact lens may not move smoothly on the surface of your eye. This can cause the lens to stick or adhere to the cornea, making it difficult to remove. Eye health professionals and doctors consider daily disposable contact lenses the best option for individuals who experience discomfort from dry eyes.
Leaving Contacts in While Sleeping - Sleeping in contact lenses that are not designed for extended or overnight wear can lead to dryness and adherence to the eye.
Swimming or Showering with Contacts - Exposing your contact lenses to water, especially while swimming or showering, can cause them to absorb water and swell, making them difficult to remove.
Incorrect fit - If the contact lens does not fit properly, it can get misaligned or suctioned to the eye's surface, causing it to stick. An ill-fitting lens may also irritate your eye, making it more challenging to remove.
Dehydration and Dry Eyes
Contact lenses can aggravate dry eye symptoms, and dry eyes can make wearing contact lenses less comfortable. Wearing contact lenses can sometimes exacerbate symptoms of dry eyes because the lenses can absorb some of the moisture from the eyes. Dry eyes can lead to increased protein and lipid deposits on contact lenses, which can make them less comfortable and affect vision. Artificial tears or lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dryness and discomfort when wearing contact lenses. Make sure to use drops designed for use with contact lenses.
Maintain good hygiene and follow your eye care professional's recommendations for cleaning and replacing your contact lenses. If you experience discomfort, take breaks from wearing your contact lenses and give your eyes time to rest. Schedule regular eye exams to monitor the health of your eyes and ensure your contact lenses are still a suitable option for you.
Incorrect Lens Placement
There are several simple practices you can do to prevent incorrect contact lens placement and associated issues that can arise. Regular cleaning of the contacts with contact lens solution is an important part of maintaining your contacts. Follow contact lens insertion instructions provided by an optometrist or other eye care professional. Maintaining good hygiene is strongly suggested so remember to always wash your hands before handling your lenses.
Incorrectly placed contact lenses can cause immediate discomfort. You may feel a foreign body sensation, burning, or itching in your eye. Poorly positioned lenses can result in blurry or distorted vision. This can make it difficult to see clearly and can be dangerous, especially while driving or performing tasks that require good vision. When lenses are not properly placed on the eye, they can trap debris, bacteria, or other contaminants between the lens and the eye's surface. This can increase the risk of eye infections, including bacterial or fungal keratitis.
If a contact lens is improperly placed or has a foreign body trapped underneath, it can scratch the cornea, causing a corneal abrasion. This can be extremely painful and may lead to infection if not treated promptly.
When to Seek Professional Help
To avoid contact lenses becoming stuck in your eye, make sure to follow proper hygiene and handling procedures. Maintain regular check-ups with your eye care professional to ensure the right fit. If you experience progressive eye pain, redness, runny eye, and discomfort that can be indicative of a serious eye condition like conjunctivitis (pink eye) or another eye infection. Seek help from your eye doctor or other medical professional.
Best Practices for Contact Lens Care
There are several simple practices that you can enlist to prevent your contact lenses from getting stuck frequently including regular, routine contact lens care and maintenance. Regular cleaning of the contacts with contact lens solution is an important part of maintaining your contacts and protecting your eyes’ health. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your contact lens. Remove your contacts before swimming or getting into a pool.
Never shower with your contacts in.
Do not sleep with your contacts in, unless they are explicitly intended for overnight use.
Keep your contacts in the contact case when not in use.
Do not rub your eyes when you feel any eye irritation while wearing your contacts. Remove the contact lenses and rinse them with an eye solution.
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