Contact lenses are a convenient and popular alternative to glasses, offering clear vision without the hassle of frames. However, as beneficial as they are, contact lenses can sometimes become stuck in your eye—a situation that can be both uncomfortable and concerning. Whether due to dryness, improper handling, or extended wear, a stuck lens can cause panic if you’re unsure of what to do.
How to Safely Remove a Stuck Contact From Your Eye?
Having a contact lens stuck in your eye can be an alarming experience, but it is usually not a medical emergency. With the right approach and a bit of patience, you can safely remove it without causing any harm to your eye. Here are step-by-step instructions:
1. Stay Calm and Avoid Rubbing Your Eye
Rubbing your eye can push the lens further into the eye or even cause scratches to your cornea. Take a deep breath and remember that contact lenses, even when stuck, rarely cause permanent damage if handled properly.
2. Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
Before touching your eye, wash your hands with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria. Use a lint-free towel to dry them.
3. Blink Several Times
Blinking can help rehydrate your lens and bring it back to the center of your eye. If it’s stuck to your upper or lower eyelid, blinking might dislodge it naturally.
4. Use Rewetting Drops
Apply lubricating or rewetting drops to your eye. These drops can hydrate the lens, making it easier to remove. Gently close your eyes and move them around to spread the drops evenly.
5. Locate the Lens
Look in a mirror and locate the lens. If it’s stuck on the white part of your eye or under the eyelid, gently pull your eyelid upward or downward to expose it.
6. Use the Pinch Method
Once you locate the lens, use your clean fingers to gently pinch it and remove it. If it’s too slippery, try drying your fingers slightly before attempting again.
7. Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If you cannot remove the lens after multiple attempts, contact an eye care professional. Trying to force it out can lead to complications.
How to Care for Your Eye After Removing a Stuck Contact?
Even if you’ve successfully removed the lens, your eye may feel irritated or dry. Proper care is crucial to prevent infections or further discomfort.
1. Rinse Your Eye with Saline Solution
After removing the lens, use a sterile saline solution to rinse your eye. Avoid using tap water as it may contain harmful microorganisms.
2. Apply a Cold Compress
If your eye feels sore, apply a clean, cold compress to reduce redness and swelling.
3. Use Artificial Tears
Dryness and irritation are common after a stuck lens. Apply artificial tears to rehydrate and soothe your eye.
4. Avoid Wearing Contacts Temporarily
Give your eye a break for at least 24 hours after removing a stuck lens. Use your glasses instead to avoid further irritation.
5. Watch for Signs of Infection
Look out for symptoms such as redness, pain, blurred vision, or discharge. If you notice any of these, consult an eye care specialist immediately.
Why Contact Lenses Get Stuck in Your Eyes
Understanding why lenses get stuck can help you prevent this issue in the future. Common causes include:
1. Dryness
A dry lens can adhere to the surface of your eye. This often happens due to insufficient blinking, especially during prolonged screen use.
2. Sleeping with Contacts
Sleeping in contact lenses can cause them to dry out and stick to your eye. According to the CDC, sleeping in lenses increases the risk of infection by 6 to 8 times.
3. Torn or Damaged Lens
A damaged lens is more likely to get stuck or break apart in your eye. Always inspect your lenses for tears before wearing them.
4. Improper Lens Placement
If a lens is not properly centered, it can migrate to the corner of your eye or under the eyelid, making it difficult to remove.
5. Extended Wear Beyond Recommended Time
Wearing lenses longer than advised can cause them to lose moisture and adhere to your eye.
How You Can Prevent Contact Lenses From Getting Stuck
Prevention is key when it comes to avoiding the discomfort and potential risks of a stuck contact lens. Here are some practical tips:
1. Keep Your Lenses Moist
Always use rewetting drops if your eyes feel dry, especially in air-conditioned or heated environments.
2. Follow Recommended Wear Times
Stick to the recommended duration for wearing your lenses. Daily lenses should be disposed of after one use, while extended-wear lenses have their specific timelines.
3. Remove Lenses Before Sleeping
Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight use, always remove them before going to bed.
4. Check Your Lenses Before Use
Inspect your lenses for tears or debris before putting them in your eyes.
5. Maintain Proper Hygiene
Clean your lenses and case daily using an appropriate contact lens solution. Replace your case every three months.
Best Practices for Contact Lens Care
Proper contact lens care is essential to prevent discomfort, infections, and complications like a stuck lens. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, nearly 1 in 5 contact lens-related eye infections result from poor hygiene.
1. Use Fresh Solution Daily
Never reuse old solution. Discard it after each use and replace it with fresh solution to disinfect your lenses properly.
2. Avoid Water Exposure
Never rinse or store your lenses in tap water. Use only sterile solutions.
3. Replace Lenses as Directed
Follow the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care provider, whether daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.
4. Keep Hands Clean
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
5. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Visit your eye doctor annually or as recommended to ensure your eyes remain healthy and your prescription is up to date.
FAQs
What should I do if I can’t locate the stuck contact lens?
If you cannot see the lens in your eye, it may be stuck under your eyelid or have fallen out without your noticing. Use a mirror to carefully inspect your eye. Try gently pulling your upper and lower eyelids to check for the lens. If you still can’t find it, apply lubricating drops to hydrate the eye and consult an eye care professional for assistance.
Can a stuck contact lens damage my eye permanently?
In most cases, a stuck contact lens does not cause permanent damage if removed properly. However, prolonged irritation or improper removal can scratch the cornea, leading to infections or more severe complications. Always handle stuck lenses with care, and seek professional help if you experience pain, redness, or blurred vision after removal.
How do I know if my eye is infected after removing a stuck lens?
Signs of an eye infection include persistent redness, pain, swelling, blurred vision, and yellow or green discharge. If you notice any of these symptoms after removing a stuck contact lens, contact your eye doctor immediately. Early treatment with prescribed medication can prevent further complications and protect your vision.
