A stuck contact lens can be frustrating and uncomfortable, but don’t panic. With the right techniques, you can remove it safely and prevent further irritation.
Whether you’re dealing with a soft contact lens or a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens, this guide will walk you through effective solutions.
Table of Contents
- First: Don’t Panic
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
- Tricks for Removing a Stuck Soft Contact Lens
- If the Contact Lens is a Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lens
- A Contact Lens Cannot Actually Go “Behind” Your Eye
- When to See a Doctor
- FAQ
First: Don’t Panic
If your contact lens feels stuck, it’s easy to worry—but try to stay calm. A stuck lens won’t disappear behind your eye, and in most cases, it can be removed without medical help.
Rubbing your eye aggressively or trying to dig out the lens with your fingers can make things worse. Instead, take a deep breath and follow these steps carefully.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Before touching your eye, wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This helps prevent infections and keeps your eye safe during the removal process.
Tricks for Removing a Stuck Soft Contact Lens
1. Look in the Opposite Direction
If the lens is stuck under your upper eyelid, look in the opposite direction while holding your eyelid up and blinking continuously. This movement can help slide the lens back into place.
2. Move Your Eye Around
Hold gentle pressure over your closed eye and move your eye in different directions. This can help shift the lens into a position where it’s easier to remove.
3. Move the Contact Lens
- Keep your eye closed and gently massage your eyelid with light pressure.
- This can guide the lens back to the front of your eye, making it easier to remove.
- Once it moves into place, open your eye and remove it as usual.
4. Pull Down the Eyelid
- Using your eyelashes, gently pull your lower eyelid downward.
- While doing this, blink and move your eyes side to side to help the lens reposition itself.
5. Use Saline Solution or Rewetting Drops
- Flood your eye with saline solution or rewetting drops while holding your eyelid open.
- Blink several times to help dislodge the lens.
6. Try Adding Another Contact Lens
This may sound counterintuitive, but inserting a new contact lens can help “attract” the stuck one, making it easier to remove.
If your eye is dry, try lubricating it first before attempting this method.
7. When in Doubt, Seek Help
If none of these methods work, visit an eye doctor to safely remove the lens and check for any irritation or damage.
If the Contact Lens is a Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lens
Although soft lenses are more commonly stuck, rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses can also become trapped. However, removing them requires a different approach.
Do not massage your closed eyelid, as rigid lenses are harder and can scratch your cornea. Instead:
How to Remove a Stuck RGP Contact Lens
- Use a Fingertip – Press gently on the edge of the lens to break the suction and release it.
- Use a Suction Cup Remover – Many RGP lenses come with a small suction cup for removal. If you don’t have one, they are available at pharmacies or from your eye care provider.
- Still Stuck? Seek Medical Help – If the lens remains stuck, an eye doctor can remove it safely without causing damage.
A Contact Lens Cannot Actually Go “Behind” Your Eye
Despite how it might feel, a contact lens cannot disappear behind your eye.
Your eye is protected by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva, which connects your eyelid to your eyeball and prevents anything from getting lost.
Why Does It Feel “Lost”?
- A contact lens may fold up or slide under your upper eyelid, making it seem like it disappeared.
- Think of your eye like a pocket with a sewn-in lining—just like nothing can slip through the bottom of a pocket, a contact lens cannot go beyond the conjunctiva.
- It may be frustrating, but with the right techniques, you’ll be able to remove it safely.
When to See a Doctor
Most stuck contact lenses can be removed at home with a little patience and technique. However, you should see an eye doctor if:
- You cannot remove the lens despite trying multiple methods.
- Your eye feels irritated or painful after removal.
- You suspect a torn piece of the lens is still in your eye.
An eye doctor can check for corneal abrasions and ensure no damage has occurred.
When it comes to your vision, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
FAQ: Stuck Contact Lens Questions Answered
Will a Stuck Contact Lens Eventually Come Out?
Yes, a stuck contact lens will come out with the right techniques, such as using rewetting drops and gently massaging your eyelid.
What Happens if a Contact Lens Stays Stuck in Your Eye for Days?
Leaving a stuck contact lens in for days significantly increases the risk of infection and vision damage.
According to the CDC, prolonged contact lens wear—even when not stuck—raises the risk of eye infections. If you cannot remove the lens, seek immediate medical attention to protect your eye health.
Is It Rare for Contact Lenses to Get Stuck?
While having multiple lenses stuck at once is unusual, a single contact lens getting temporarily stuck is common.
It can happen if:
- You forget to remove your lenses before bed.
- Your eye is too dry, causing the lens to adhere to the surface.
- You accidentally insert a second lens, thinking the first one wasn’t in.
The key is to stay calm and use the right techniques to remove it safely.
The Lens Will Come Out!
A stuck contact lens can be annoying, but you can remove it safely using the right approach.
- Stay calm
- Use lubricating drops
- Try different eye movements
- Seek medical help if needed
By following these steps, you can protect your eyes and prevent future stuck lens incidents.
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