How to Remove a Contact Stuck in Your Eye
Despite popular belief, it is not possible for a contact lens to get stuck behind the eye, but it is possible for one to get stuck under the eyelid. It’s important to realize that this can happen to anyone and not to panic. Never try to force a contact out and always be gentle. Be aware that there are a few ways this can happen and soft and gas permeable (GP) contact lenses need to be handled differently.
How to Remove a Soft Contact Stuck in Your Eye
- Wash your hands.
- Look in a well-lit mirror.
- Use rewetting drops to add moisture to your eye.
- Gently massage your upper and lower eyelid until you feel the contact dislodge.
- Try removing the contact lens as you normally would. Be sure to be gentle and not force it out.
- Keep adding rewetting drops and repeating this process until the lens can be easily removed. You can also try rinsing the eye out with a saline solution.
- Gently grab your upper eyelid and turn it inside out to look for any lens fragments. Carefully remove them then rinse your eye with saline solution.
How to Remove a GP Contact Stuck in Your Eye
- Wash your hands.
- Look in a well-lit mirror.
- Gently press on the outer edge of the lens with the pad of your fingertip to try and break the suction. (Don’t massage your eyelids.)
- If that doesn’t work, use a suction cup device or remover tool. Wash the tool with contact lens solution and moisten it with saline solution. Lightly press the end of the device onto the center of the lens, then gently pull the lens off of the surface of the eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can contacts get stuck in your eye?
A: The main reason contact lenses can get stuck in the eye is if they become too dry. Sleeping in contacts, wearing contacts for longer than instructed, and wearing contacts that don’t fit properly will all dry out contacts.
Q: Can a contact get lost behind your eye?
A: While it is possible to feel like a lens is stuck behind your eye, it's tehnically only under the eyelid. It is not possible for a contact lens to get stuck behind the eye. Eyelids connect to the eye and form a barrier so objects can’t go behind the eye.
Q: What if I can’t remove the contact from my eye?
A: If you still cannot remove your contact lens, contact your eye doctor immediately to have them remove it. Your eye may be irritated after removing the contact lens. If your eye doesn’t feel better after applying sterile saline or artificial tears, tell your doctor as this can be a sign of corneal abrasion (a scratched cornea).