If a colored contact lens feels stuck in your eye, the most important first step is to remain calm and avoid rubbing your eye aggressively. Usually, a stuck contact is simply dehydrated or displaced, and with gentle techniques, you can safely remove it yourself. This guide will walk you through the common reasons a contact gets stuck and provide safe, step-by-step instructions for removal. For more on this, see our guide to 5 Signs Your Colored Contacts Don't Fit Right.
Why Does a Contact Get Stuck?
A contact lens can feel stuck for several reasons, often related to dryness or displacement on the eye's surface. Understanding these causes can help you prevent the issue and address it more effectively when it happens.
- Dryness: This is the most common culprit. When your eyes are dry, the lens can lose its moisture and adhere more tightly to the cornea, making it difficult to move. This can happen due to environmental factors, prolonged screen time, insufficient blinking, or simply not rehydrating the lens often enough.
- Displacement: Sometimes, a contact lens can shift from its central position on the cornea and move under an eyelid. While it cannot actually get "behind" your eye, it can fold or stick to the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of your eye and lining your eyelids), making it feel lost or stuck.
- Sleeping in Lenses: Wearing contact lenses while sleeping, especially if they are not designed for extended wear, can cause them to dry out significantly and become extremely difficult to remove. This practice is strongly discouraged due to increased risk of infection and discomfort.
- Debris Under the Lens: A small foreign particle, like an eyelash or a speck of dust, can get trapped under the lens, causing irritation and making the lens adhere more firmly to the eye.
- Incorrect Fit: Lenses that are not properly fitted by an eye care professional can also cause issues. A lens that is too tight can feel suctioned to the eye, while one that is too loose might move around excessively and get displaced. Always ensure you have a proper prescription and fitting for any contact lenses, including colored ones from MyEyeColors.
Immediate Steps When a Contact Feels Stuck
Before attempting any removal techniques, take these crucial first steps to ensure safety and increase your chances of successfully removing the contact.
Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
This cannot be stressed enough. Your hands carry countless germs, and introducing them to your eye can lead to serious infections. Use antibacterial soap and warm water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds. Rinse well and dry with a lint-free towel.
Stay Calm and Don't Panic
It's natural to feel a bit anxious when you have a contact stuck in eye, but panicking can make the situation worse. Rubbing your eye aggressively can cause corneal abrasions or push the lens further under your eyelid. Take a deep breath and remember that the lens cannot get lost behind your eye. If you're weighing options, our roundup of Are Colored Contacts Safe to Wear is a good next read.
Locate the Lens
Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up. Then, pull up your upper eyelid and look down. Look left and right. Use a mirror if it helps. If you can see the edge of the lens, even if it's folded or displaced, it will make removal easier. Sometimes, the lens has simply fallen out without you noticing, especially if your eye was very dry. In this case, your eye might still feel irritated, but there won't be a lens to remove.
Techniques to Safely Remove a Stuck Contact
Once you've completed the immediate steps, you can try one or more of these gentle techniques to dislodge and remove the stuck lens.
Rehydrate Your Eye
If the lens is dry and adhering to your eye, rehydration is key. Instill several drops of rewetting drops (specifically designed for contact lenses) or sterile saline solution into your eye. Blink several times to help distribute the moisture under and around the lens. Wait a few moments (30 seconds to a minute) to allow the lens to rehydrate and loosen its grip. This is often the simplest and most effective solution for a dry contact stuck in eye.
Massage Your Eyelid
If the lens is displaced under your upper or lower eyelid, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid with your clean finger. Move your finger in a circular motion, or try to gently push the lens towards the center of your eye. This can help coax the lens back into a position where you can see and remove it.
The Blink Method
- After rehydrating your eye, look up and slowly blink several times.
- As you blink, try to gently push the lower lid upwards towards the lens with your finger, while simultaneously looking down.
- Then, look straight ahead and blink naturally, allowing your eyelids to glide over the lens. This can sometimes help the lens recenter itself or move to a position where it's easier to grasp.
The Finger Method
This is the standard method for contact lens removal, but it requires patience when a lens is stuck. You might also like our take on Are Halloween Contacts Safe to Wear.
- Ensure your hands are impeccably clean.
- Look up and gently pull down your lower eyelid with your middle finger.
- With the pad of your index finger, gently touch the bottom edge of the lens.
- Slide the lens down onto the white part of your eye (sclera).
- Once on the sclera, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and index finger, and lift it out.
- If the lens is under your upper eyelid, try looking down while gently lifting your upper eyelid with one hand. Use the other hand to try and gently slide the lens down towards the center of your eye. Once it's centered, proceed with pinching it out.
The Suction Method (Caution)
While lens removers (small suction cups) are available, they are generally not recommended for routine use and should be used with extreme caution, if at all, especially when a lens is stuck. Improper use can cause corneal damage. If you choose to use one, ensure it is clean and only apply very gentle suction directly to the lens, never to the eye itself. It's usually better to exhaust other methods or consult an eye care professional first.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most stuck contact lens situations can be resolved at home, there are times when it's crucial to contact an eye care professional immediately. Do not delay seeking help if you experience any of the following:
- Persistent Pain: If you continue to experience significant pain, stinging, or a foreign body sensation after the lens has been removed (or if you suspect it's still in there).
- Redness or Inflammation: If your eye becomes excessively red, inflamed, or swollen.
- Blurred or Decreased Vision: Any sudden changes in your vision, including blurriness or a decrease in acuity.
- Discharge: If your eye produces any unusual discharge (pus, excessive tearing, etc.).
- Light Sensitivity: Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Inability to Remove the Lens: If you have tried all the gentle techniques and still cannot remove the lens after several attempts.
- Suspected Damage: If you suspect you may have scratched your eye while attempting removal.
These symptoms could indicate an eye infection, corneal abrasion, or other serious complications that require immediate medical attention from an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Always prioritize your eye health.
Preventing Stuck Contacts in the Future
Prevention is always better than cure. By following good hygiene practices and proper lens care, you can significantly reduce the chances of a contact stuck in eye.
Always Wash Your Hands
Before touching your lenses or eyes, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel. This is the golden rule for all contact lens wearers. We break this down further in Colored Contacts and Allergies.
Use Fresh Solution
Never reuse old contact lens solution. Always use fresh, sterile solution to rinse and store your lenses. Using expired or contaminated solution can lead to dryness and infections.
Don't Sleep in Lenses
Unless your eye care professional has specifically prescribed extended wear lenses and advised you to sleep in them, always remove your contacts before bed. Sleeping in non-extended wear lenses is a major cause of dryness and can make lenses stick firmly to your eyes.
Proper Insertion and Removal
Ensure you're inserting and removing your lenses correctly. Always make sure your hands are clean and the lens is not inside out before insertion. When removing, moisten your eyes first if they feel dry.
Keep Your Eyes Hydrated
If you work in dry environments, spend a lot of time on screens, or naturally have dry eyes, use rewetting drops throughout the day to keep your lenses moist and comfortable. Staying hydrated by drinking enough water can also help. It pairs well with what we cover in Do Colored Contacts Damage Your Eyes.
Regular Eye Exams
Regular check-ups with your eye care professional are essential. They ensure your prescription is current, your lenses fit properly, and your eyes are healthy enough for contact lens wear. If you're interested in colored contacts, remember that even plano (non-prescription) lenses from MyEyeColors are medical devices and require a valid prescription and fitting from an eye doctor.
Choose Quality Lenses
High-quality colored contact lenses, like those offered by MyEyeColors, are designed for comfort and breathability. While even the best lenses can sometimes get stuck due to user error or environmental factors, starting with a quality product can contribute to a better wearing experience. Explore the vibrant range of options at browse our colored contacts after consulting with your eye care professional.
Key Takeaways
- Stay calm and avoid rubbing your eye if a contact feels stuck.
- Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eyes or lenses.
- Rehydrate your eye with rewetting drops or saline solution to loosen a dry lens.
- Gently massage your eyelid or use the blink/finger method to dislodge and remove the lens.
- Seek immediate professional help if you experience persistent pain, redness, discharge, or cannot remove the lens.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a contact lens get lost behind my eye?
No, it's physically impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eye. A membrane called the conjunctiva covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids, creating a barrier that prevents anything, including a contact lens, from going behind your eyeball.
What if my eye feels irritated even after I remove the stuck contact?
If your eye still feels irritated, scratchy, or painful after successfully removing the lens, it could be due to a corneal abrasion (a scratch on the surface of your eye) or lingering dryness. Apply some rewetting drops. If the irritation persists for more than a few hours, or if you experience pain, redness, or blurred vision, contact your eye care professional immediately.
Is it safe to use water to rehydrate my eye if a contact is stuck?
No, never use tap water or bottled water to rinse your contact lenses or rehydrate your eye. Water contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections (like Acanthamoeba keratitis). Always use sterile saline solution or approved rewetting drops specifically designed for contact lenses.
How can I prevent my colored contacts from drying out and getting stuck?
To prevent your MyEyeColors lenses from drying out, ensure you blink regularly, especially when using digital screens. Use rewetting drops as needed throughout the day. Always remove your lenses before sleeping (unless prescribed for extended wear), and store them in fresh, clean solution. Ensure you're wearing lenses prescribed for your specific eye health and fit.
Should I try to remove a stuck contact if my eyes are already red or painful?
If your eyes are already red, painful, or showing signs of infection (like discharge) before the lens even feels stuck, it's best to avoid trying to remove it yourself. Contact your eye care professional immediately. They can safely remove the lens and diagnose any underlying issues, providing appropriate treatment.
0 comments