Contact lenses are a simpler option than glasses and can provide clear vision without the bulk of frames. However, a lot of contact lens users have had an unpleasant experience: the feeling that a contact lens is caught in the eye.
Dr. Joy Lam, an optometrist from Palo Alto, says, “Sometimes a contact lens might feel like it’s stuck because of dryness or if it’s not sitting right. But don’t worry—it can’t get permanently lost behind your eye. Staying hydrated and blinking gently should help it move back into place. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t worry! Though a lens can get dislocated or stuck, it can’t just disappear behind your eye.
In this guide, we’ll explain a contact lenses can feel stuck in your eyes and how to safely get them out.
Can a contact lens actually get stuck in your eye?
Yes, but not how you might imagine. If a contact lens shifts from its place and dries out or rotates, or folds under your eyelid, it can become stuck and difficult to remove. But the anatomy of the eye makes it impossible for a lens to become permanently lost behind the eyeball. A thin layer barrier called the conjunctiva prevents anything from going behind the eye.
Why Does a Contact Lens Feel Stuck?
A contact lens might seem stuck in your eye for a number of reasons:
Dryness: A dry eye can cause the lens to stick more tenaciously to the cornea, which can make it more difficult to remove.
Lens Dislocation: A lens can shift under the upper eyelid or be displaced off-center on the cornea, making it highly difficult to find.
Tearing or Folding: Soft contact lenses are also prone to folding, especially when they dry out. A folded lens could get caught under the eyelid.
Wrong Insertion or Removal: If a lens is put in improperly, or if you rub your eyes too hard, the lens can move into an uncomfortable spot.
How to Know If a Contact Lens Is Still Stuck in Your Eye
It can be hard to know whether a lens remains in your eye or has fallen out. Here are some signs to check:
Blurred vision in one eye: If you experience blurred vision in just one eye, it is possible that the lens was knocked out of place during surgery after its placement.
Foreign body sensation: If you feel a sensation of discomfort, scratching, or irritation, the lens may still be in your eye.
Search for the lens: Stand in front of a mirror, pull your lower eyelid down, and carefully look in all directions. If you can’t see the lens, it may have shifted under your upper eyelid.
If you’re not sure what to do when a contact lens gets stuck in your eye, a Palo Alto optometry clinic can diagnose the situation and assist you in removing it.
How to Remove a Contact Lens if it Gets Stuck
If your contact lens is stuck, the following steps will safely get it out:
- Stay Calm and Avoid Rubbing
If the lens moves even further or becomes irritated or torn, rubbing your eye can exacerbate the problem. Instead, let your eyes relax and follow the steps below.
- Blink and Hydrate Your Eyes
Try blinking very quickly several times to help shift the lens back into place. If your eyes are drying up, put a few drops of sterile saline solution or artificial tears to get your lenses hydrated. This can help to wiggle it free from the eye’s surface.
- Locate the Lens
If the lens is stuck on the cornea but not too firmly, put a few drops of saline solution in it and gently rub the eyelid to move it.
Look downward and blink if the lens has moved under your upper eyelid so it can shift back into place. Gently pulling the upper eyelid outward and looking down can help dislodge it, too.
- Remove the Lens With Clean Hands
Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water before you touch your eye. If you see the lens, gently pinch it between your thumb and forefinger. If needed, use a suction cup lens remover for rigid gas-permeable lenses.
- Saline Solution: Flush Your Eye
If the lens remains hard to pop out, tip your head back and wash out your eye with saline solution as you blink, blink, blink. This can help loosen the lens without force.
If You Are Still Unable to Get the Lens Out
If you are unable to remove the contact lens despite trying these methods, you should go to the eye doctor in Palo Alto to seek their help. A trained optometrist can safely find and extract the lens using specialized tools and without harming your eye.
How to Prevent a Stuck Contact Lens in the Future
Follow these best practices to minimize the risk of having a stuck contact lens:
- Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
Dry eyes make it easier for a lens to stick to the surface of the eye. If dryness is a common problem for you, use lubricating eye drops.
- Remove Lenses Before Sleeping
Sleeping in them (except extended wear contacts) can cause dryness, and removal will be more difficult.
- Use the Right Solution
Always make sure to clean and store your lenses in an appropriate contact lens solution. Excessive tap water can introduce harmful bacteria, so avoid it.
- Use a Proper Removal Approach
Be gentle if a lens feels dry or hard to remove; apply several drops of saline solution before trying to take out the lens.
- Have Regular Eye Exams
Booking an optometrist in Palo Alto eye exam at regular intervals will keep your eyes healthy and allow you to find the best contact lenses for your eyes.
When to See an Eye Doctor
Although a stuck contact lens is typically a nuisance, there are situations when you will want to see a professional. If you experience:
- Constant soreness or pain.
- Redness and irritation that persist for more than a few hours.
- Misplacing the lens after multiple uses.
Dr. Joy Lam, an eye doctor in Palo Alto, advises:
“If you’re struggling to get your contact lens out or it’s feeling uncomfortable, don’t wait around—see a professional. Getting help quickly can prevent further more complicated issues.”
Conclusion
A contact lens that is stuck can be painful, but rarely a significant concern. With the help of the right removal technique and a collected mindset, you can actually safely remove a dislodged lens without coming to any harm. If you cannot take out the lens or suffer from long-lasting discomfort, make sure to go to a Palo Alto optometry clinic for proper treatment.
For persistent issues, consult an optometrist to ensure your eye health is not at risk.