How to Get a Contact Lens Out of Your Eye if Stuck (Safe Tips)
It’s not unusual for contact lenses to get stuck in the eye every once in a while. This happens for several reasons, including dryness, which causes the lens to stick to the eye's surface, making it challenging to reposition or remove.
If you're struggling to remove your contact lenses, don't worry. While a stuck contact lens can be uncomfortable, it's usually not a serious issue.
We offer simple steps to safely and easily remove it. You’ll only need a little patience to get through the process.
How to get a stuck contact out of your eye?
Here are some simple and quick remedies for removing a troublesome contact lens:
When the contact is fully centred on your cornea
When a contact lens stubbornly sticks to your cornea, follow these steps to remove it safely:
- Begin by washing your hands thoroughly.
- Look directly at the lens and, using a gentle touch, blink several times to encourage movement.
- If this doesn't work, try lubricating eye drops to moisten the lens.
- If available, use a suction cup specifically designed for contact lenses to lift the lens carefully.
- If all else fails, seek prompt assistance from an eye care professional.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously or attempting forceful removal to prevent injury or further irritation to the eye.
When the contact lens is off-centre
When the contact lens is off-centre in your eye:
- Start by washing your hands.
- Look in the direction opposite to where the lens has shifted.
- Gently slide your eye in that direction to reposition the lens over the cornea's centre.
- Blink softly or use lubricating eye drops to assist in moving the lens back.
- If the lens remains stuck, refrain from rubbing your eye vigorously.
- Instead, seek help from an eye care professional.
- Avoid forceful attempts at removal to prevent potential damage or discomfort to your eye.
When the contact is torn
The approach is slightly different when faced with a torn contact lens stuck in your eye.
- Start by washing your hands thoroughly.
- Gently attempt to flush your eye with sterile saline solution or artificial tears to loosen the torn pieces.
- If the torn lens parts are visible, use clean fingertips to remove them carefully.
- Avoid rubbing the eye excessively or using tweezers.
- If discomfort persists or you cannot remove the torn pieces safely, seek immediate help from an eye care professional.
- It's crucial to prioritise eye safety and avoid further irritation while dealing with a torn, stuck contact lens.
When removing a gas-permeable contact lens from your eye
Removing a gas-permeable contact lens when it's stuck involves a delicate approach.
- First, wash your hands thoroughly.
- Try blinking and using preservative-free lubricating eye drops to moisten the lens.
- Gently massage the upper eyelid to dislodge the lens, tilting your head back and looking down as you attempt removal.
- If it's still stuck, fill the eye with a saline solution or artificial tears to loosen it.
- Never force the lens out. Seeking help from an eye care professional is wise if you can't remove it comfortably. Patience and gentle techniques are crucial to avoid irritation and safely retrieve the lens.
Tips to prevent contact lenses from getting lost or stuck in your eye
Here are some tips to avoid contact lenses from getting lost or stuck in your eye:
Don’t sleep with contact lenses on
Sleeping with contact lenses restricts oxygen flow to the cornea, leading to potential complications like corneal ulcers, infections, and dryness.
During sleep, the eyes produce fewer tears, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive beneath the lens. Additionally, prolonged lens wear can cause the lenses to dry out and adhere to the eye, making removal difficult and increasing the risk of damage.
This habit heightens the likelihood of serious eye issues, emphasising the importance of proper lens hygiene and adhering to recommended wear schedules for overall eye health and comfort.
Don’t rub your eyes
Rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts increases the risk of dislodging or shifting the lenses. The pressure from rubbing can cause the lens to move or fold, making it uncomfortable or potentially dislodging it under the eyelid.
In addition, rubbing introduces dirt, oils, or debris, increasing the chances of irritation or infection. It's crucial to resist the urge to rub your eyes, especially with contacts in place, to prevent displacement or potential damage to the lenses and safeguard your eye health.
Get a prescription for your contacts
Obtaining a prescription for contact lenses ensures a proper fit, considering the curvature, size, and material suitable for your eyes. Ill-fitting lenses can move or become dislodged easily. This leads to discomfort, potential irritation, or even getting stuck under the eyelid.
An accurate prescription from an eye care professional accounts for your eye's unique characteristics, reducing the risk of lenses shifting or causing discomfort.
Additionally, regular eye exams monitor eye health, addressing any changes in prescription or underlying issues that could affect lens wear. This ensures comfort and optimal vision and minimises the likelihood of contacts getting lost or stuck in your eye.
Replace contact lenses as recommended
Replacing contact lenses according to the recommended schedule is crucial for eye health and preventing discomfort. Over time, contacts accumulate deposits and debris, impacting clarity, comfort, and oxygen permeability.
Ignoring replacement schedules heightens the risk of eye infections, irritation, and potential complications. Each lens type—daily, bi-weekly, or monthly—has a designated lifespan determined by material and wear patterns.
Adhering to these guidelines reduces the chances of lenses tearing, sticking to the eye, or causing discomfort. It's essential to prioritise eye safety by replacing lenses as prescribed, ensuring optimal vision and minimising the risk of contacts getting lost, stuck, or causing harm to your eyes.
When should you see a doctor for stuck contact lenses?
The following signs indicate potential complications or issues that necessitate immediate attention from an eye care specialist to ensure eye health and prevent further complications:
- Inability to remove: If you've tried safe removal methods but can't get the lens out.
- Discomfort or redness: Experience discomfort, redness, excessive tearing, or blurred vision.
- Torn lens or fragments: Suspect a torn lens with fragments stuck in the eye.
- Lens moved behind the eye: If you suspect the lens has moved behind the eye. However, this is unlikely to happen.
- Persistent sensation: You feel like something is still in the eye after removing the lens.
- Prolonged discomfort: Encounter prolonged discomfort or unusual symptoms after attempting removal.
FAQ
Will a lost contact lens eventually come out?
If a contact lens gets lost in your eye, it typically won't stay there indefinitely. Usually, your eye's natural mechanisms will work to move it out. The lens may move around the eye or get dislodged and eventually make its way to the surface where you can remove it.
However, if you can't find the lens or it causes discomfort, redness, or any vision changes, seeking help from an eye care professional is essential. They can examine your eye to ensure the lens hasn't caused any damage and assist in locating and removing it safely.
How do you know if your contact is still on your eye?
You might feel discomfort, dryness, or a sensation of something in your eye if the contact is still there. Check for blurred vision, irritation, or redness, indicating the lens might be in place.
Slowly pull down the lower eyelid and look around the eye's white part, ensuring the lens hasn't shifted under the lid. If unsure, try blinking or using rewetting drops to see if the discomfort lessens or the lens repositions. If concerns persist, seek professional assistance to confirm the lens's location.
Can a contact lens get stuck behind your eye?
No, a contact lens cannot get lost or stuck behind your eye. The structure of your eye prevents anything from getting trapped behind it. However, a contact lens can move under your eyelid or become dislodged and not immediately visible on the front surface of your eye.
If your contact is lost or missing, try flushing your eye with saline solution or gently pulling your upper eyelid over your lower one to check. If you cannot find the lens or experience discomfort, seeking prompt assistance from an eye care professional is crucial.
Conclusion
Handling stuck or misplaced contact lenses can be concerning, but remaining calm and following the recommended steps for safe removal is essential. Remember to prioritise hygiene by washing your hands before attempting any manoeuvre.
If you encounter difficulties or discomfort, seek professional assistance to prevent potential eye irritation or injury.
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