Medically reviewed by Dr. Shira Kresch, OD, MS, FAAO — optometrist specializing in keratoconus, scleral lens fitting, and ocular surface disease
A scleral lens that feels stuck is suctioned, not actually stuck — and breaking the suction is the whole trick. Don’t pull harder, and don’t panic: wet the eye, press gently on the white of the eye at the lens edge to let fluid in, and the lens releases. Here’s the calm, step-by-step version.
Why scleral lenses get “stuck”
Scleral lenses seal a fluid reservoir against the eye. Over a long day — especially as the lens settles — that seal can tighten into genuine suction. A dry eye surface makes it worse, and pulling straight off against full suction is both difficult and uncomfortable. The fix is always the same: break the seal first.
Step-by-step: removing a suctioned scleral lens
1. Rewet. Put several preservative-free saline or lubricating drops around the lens edge and blink a few times. A minute of moisture alone often loosens things.
2. Break the seal. Look up slightly. With a clean fingertip, press gently on the white of your eye just below the lens edge — you’re indenting the tissue next to the lens so a little fluid or air slips under the rim. You may feel or see the lens release.
3. Now use the plunger — on the lower third. Moisten your small removal plunger, place it on the lower third of the lens (never dead center — that strengthens the suction), and rock gently while pulling. With the seal broken, it comes off easily. Full technique in our insertion and removal guide.
4. If it’s still on, rest and repeat. Wait a few minutes with more drops and try again. Lenses come off; rushed, frustrated attempts are what cause irritation.
When to call us instead
If the lens won’t release after several calm attempts, if there’s significant pain or redness, or if this is happening regularly — stop and call (248) 545-2800. A lens that suctions tight by evening every day isn’t a removal-skill problem; it’s a landing-zone fit problem, and a small design adjustment usually ends it for good. That’s a routine refinement at your follow-up, not a crisis.
How do you remove a scleral lens that is stuck?
Rewet the eye with preservative-free drops, press gently on the white of the eye at the lens edge to break the suction seal, then remove with the plunger placed on the lower third of the lens. Never pull against full suction.
Why does my scleral lens get stuck at the end of the day?
The lens settles and the seal tightens over hours of wear, especially on a dry eye surface. If it happens daily, the lens landing zone likely needs a small fit adjustment — mention it to your specialist.
Can a scleral lens get lost behind my eye?
No — it’s anatomically impossible. A membrane connects the eyelids to the eyeball, so a lens can’t go behind the eye. Worst case it slides off-center, where drops and gentle massage bring it back.
A well-fit scleral lens should come off easily every night. If yours fights you, let’s fix the fit — Dr. Shira Kresch sees patients from across Metro Detroit at our Southfield office, and your first specialty consultation is free. Book online or call (248) 545-2800.
