Having a stuck contact lens is hardly an uncommon situation. However, a stuck lens can cause all kinds of problems, so it’s important to remove the lens quickly. But how can you tell if a contact lens is still in your eye? Do you need to visit your optometrist?
If this sounds familiar, don’t worry—you’re not alone. You can recognize a stuck contact lens by irritation, discomfort, and gritty sensations. It’s important to stay calm when trying to remove a stubborn contact lens, or else you put yourself at risk of worse problems. So what do you do?
How to Tell if a Contact Is Stuck in Eye
A contact lens stuck in your eye isn’t always easy to identify. You’ll likely notice some clues that something isn’t quite right. Watch out for any unusual symptoms, such as:
- Persistent discomfort or irritation in the eye
- A feeling of something gritty or foreign in the eye
- Blurriness or impaired vision
- Redness or swelling around the eye
If discomfort persists or your eye looks red, it’s time to slow down and be careful. Don’t start poking around, as this can worsen the situation. Instead, take a break and breathe.
How to Look for a Stubborn Contact Lens
If you think a contact lens is stuck in your eye, your next step is to find it. Start by washing your hands—you don’t want to transmit bacteria to your eyes. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel, then examine the inside of your eyelid.
Gently pull your upper or lower lid away from the eye and use a mirror to look for the lens. This may take a moment, as it could stick to the eyelids or fold into a hard-to-see spot. If needed, it helps to have somebody nearby give you some support.
If you’re struggling to find it, it helps to:
- Move your eyes in all directions (up, down, and side to side) to help shift the lens into view.
- Use bright lighting or a flashlight to spot the lens more easily.
- Gently examine your eyelid’s edges using a mirror to detect if the lens is folded or stuck.
If you can’t locate the lens, apply sterile solution or re-wetting eye drops to rinse away debris and nudge the lens. Then, try again to remove it.
How to Safely Take Out a Stuck Contact Lens
Once you’ve found the lens, it’s important to stay calm. A steady, relaxed approach is crucial. If you rush or act too roughly, you’ll cause further irritation—or even push the lens into a trickier position to remove.
If the lens is sitting on the surface of your eye, use your fingers to slide it toward the edge or center where it can be removed. Avoid applying too much pressure, as this may irritate your eyes more.
It helps to:
- Blink frequently to lubricate your eye and loosen the lens.
- Use rewetting drops to help the lens regain its shape if it feels stuck.
- Press gently below your lower lid with one finger while pinching the lens softly with the other.
Once the lens is removed, inspect it for any scratches or tears. If it looks damaged, discard it—a damaged lens can scratch your eyes and harm your vision. Afterwards, give your eyes a break, and let any irritation subside before putting in a new lens.
What Happens if a Contact Lens Gets Stuck in Your Eye?
If a lens is stuck, don’t try to force it out. Never use sharp tools or too much pressure, as this can damage your eyes and cause long-term problems.
A contact lens that’s stuck in your eye can cause:
- Irritation and redness in the eye.
- Scratches on the surface of the eye.
- Increased risk of infection, such as conjunctivitis or keratitis.
- Persistent discomfort and difficulty seeing clearly.
- Potential long-term eye damage if not addressed promptly.
You might notice swelling in the eyelids or a persistent gritty feeling, and these can make the situation much worse. Don’t ignore the signs of something wrong—instead, if a contact lens is stuck in your eye, visit your optometrist.
When to Trust an Eye Care Professional
Your eyes are important, so they should always be a priority. A stuck contact lens isn’t uncommon—it happens all the time. Just make sure to stay calm, and never put your vision at risk. A level head makes all the difference and keeps your eyes safe.
If you’re dealing with a stuck contact lens, or any other unusual eye problem, contact our team here at Insight Vision Care. We’re here to help you feel comfortable, and your vision and eye health are our top priorities. Contact us today and schedule your appointment—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
