What to do if a contact lens is stuck in your eye
What to Do If a Contact Lens Is Stuck in Your Eye
Contact lens beginners are often a little nervous about touching their eyes, and removing lenses can feel intimidating at first. But even experienced wearers occasionally encounter a lens that feels stuck.
A contact lens may seem “stuck” if:
- It has dried out on the cornea and won’t move easily
- It has shifted under the eyelid, causing a foreign body sensation
The good news is that a stuck soft contact lens is usually manageable with a calm, gentle approach.
Quick Answer: How Do You Remove a Stuck Contact Lens?
If a contact lens is stuck in your eye, stay calm, wash and dry your hands, and use lubricating eye drops to rehydrate the lens. If the lens is under your eyelid, gently massage it back toward the centre of your eye before removing it with a careful pinch. If you cannot remove it or feel pain, contact an eye care professional.
Key takeaways:
- Use wetting drops to loosen a dry lens
- Never force or repeatedly pinch the eye
- A lens cannot go behind your eye
- Seek professional help if discomfort persists
Tips for Removing a Stuck Soft Contact Lens
Before trying to remove any lens, always:
- Wash your hands thoroughly
- Dry them with a lint-free towel (to avoid fibres)
The first step is locating where the lens is sitting.
If the Lens Is Still Centred on the Cornea
If the lens is still in the correct position and providing vision correction, but doesn’t move when you try to remove it, it may have become too dry and stiff.
What to do
- Apply a few drops of contact lens-safe lubricating eye drops
- Close your eye gently
- Massage the eyelid softly to distribute moisture
- Wait a moment for the lens to regain elasticity
- Remove the lens carefully as normal
Rehydration is often enough to allow the lens to come off easily.
If the Lens Has Moved Under the Eyelid
If the lens is off-centre or feels like it has disappeared, it may have folded or moved under your upper eyelid.
What to do
- Close your eye
- Gently massage the lens back toward the centre of the cornea
- Use eye drops to help flush and lubricate the eye
- Once centred, remove the lens with clean fingers
Flushing the eye with drops can help dislodge the lens safely.
Stay Calm During the Process
It’s important not to panic. A stuck lens can cause irritation, but in most cases it can be removed safely with patience.
If you cannot remove it yourself, an optician or eye care professional can help quickly.
When to Consult a Professional
A stuck lens is not usually an emergency if it can be removed within 24 hours, but you should seek help if:
- You feel significant pain
- Your eye becomes very red or swollen
- You’ve tried several times without success
- Your vision becomes blurred after removal
Pain or Discomfort After Multiple Attempts
If you’ve been trying repeatedly, your eye may feel sore or irritated.
In this situation:
- Stop and take a break
- Apply lubricating drops
- Avoid scratching the front surface of the eye
If the lens still won’t come out, contact your optician.
Can a Contact Lens Get Lost Behind the Eye?
No — contact lenses cannot move behind the eye.
The conjunctival membrane and surrounding structures prevent anything from passing behind the eyeball.
The lens may shift under the eyelid, but it can always be retrieved safely.
Tips to Prevent Lenses Getting Stuck Again
Avoid Sleeping in Lenses
Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear, sleeping in them can cause them to dry out and stick more firmly to the cornea.
If you fall asleep in your lenses:
- Don’t remove them immediately
- Rehydrate first by blinking and using lubricating drops
- Drink water and allow your eyes to regain moisture
Keep Your Eyes Lubricated During the Day
Dry eyes are one of the most common causes of lenses sticking.
Carrying single-use lubricating eye drops can help prevent dryness and discomfort throughout the day.
Always ask your optician which drops are safe with contact lenses.
Only Wear Lenses Prescribed for Your Eyes
Contact lenses are not one-size-fits-all.
Wearing lenses that fit too tightly can increase the likelihood of difficulty removing them.
Never trial new lenses without professional guidance.
Avoid Rubbing Your Eyes
Rubbing your eyes can:
- Move bacteria around
- Push the lens off-centre
- Cause it to fold under the eyelid
If your eyes feel itchy or dry, use drops instead.
Why Contact Lenses Can Be Difficult to Remove
In most cases, removal issues are caused by:
- Dry eyes
- Dehydrated lenses
- Adjusting to a new lens type
- Wearing lenses longer than recommended
Eyes rely on a natural tear film to stay lubricated and protected. Dry air, screen use, and incomplete eyelid closure during sleep can all contribute to dryness.
If dryness is persistent, it may be a sign of chronic dry eye and should be assessed by an optometrist.
What If Your Lenses Keep Popping Out?
If lenses move around too much or fall out, possible causes include:
- Rubbing your eyes
- Strong wind or excessive head movement
- Inserting the lens inside-out
- Poor lens fit
If you notice lenses shifting frequently, speak to your optician so they can check your prescription and fit.
When to Book an Eye Appointment
If you experience ongoing discomfort, dryness, or lens fit issues, it’s best to book an appointment with your optometrist to ensure your lenses are still suitable.
Lenstore customers in the UK may also be eligible for free eye appointments through partner opticians Vision Express. Book a free eye check up here.
Once your prescription is up to date, you can explore Lenstore’s full range of contact lenses, including coloured contact lenses and specialist options.
