What To Do If Contact Lens Is Stuck In Your Eye?

Have you ever gone to remove your contact lens only to realise you can’t see it? We know this can be stressful but staying calm and following these tips can get a contact lens unstuck. 

In this guide, I’ll cover how to tell if a contact lens is still in your eye and what to do if contact lens is stuck in your eye 

Key Takeaways: 

• Look for the tinted edge of the contact lens to help tell if your contact lens is still in your eye 
• Try to moisturise the eye to see if that helps remove a stuck contact lens
• Be especially gentle and careful if you are try to remove a rigid contact lens
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye 
• If you cannot find your contact lens or get it unstuck, contact an eye care professional for help
• A contact lens removal tool can be effective but it requires disinfection and caution to use it safely
• Cleaning your contact lenses and attending regular eye exams can help prevent contact lens complications

How to Tell If Contact Lens Is Stuck In Your Eye

If you can’t find your contact lens, it may be due to the lens drying out or the lens shifting from rubbing your eye. There is also a chance the contact lens fell out completely, so always check the floor, around your eye, tables, and your clothes first. 

If your contact lens is stuck in your eye, you may not necessarily feel it. Irritation or redness may indicate your contact lens is stuck in your eye. 

To see if your contact lens is still in your eye, try looking where the white part and coloured part of your eye meet. 

If you still can’t find your contact lens, try using a mirror to examine your eye under bright lights. 

You May Also Like: Wearing Contact Lenses: What You Need To Know

Do’s & Don’ts: Contacts Stuck In Your Eye

If you locate your contact lens but are having trouble removing it, here are some tips for getting a stuck contact lens out of your eye. 

Here are the Dos and Don’ts of removing a contact lens stuck in eye: 

• Do not panic. Remember that a contact lens cannot get lost in your eye and you will manage to get it out 
• Always wash your hands thoroughly before touching your eye 
• Do not forcefully try to remove the contact lens as you could scratch or damage your cornea 
• Moisturise your eye to help the contact lens come out easier (I recommend artificial tears or rewetting drops to help lubricate the eye and make the removal process more comfortable)
• Once the eye is moisturised, try blinking a few times to see if the contact lens comes out
• Do not use tap water when trying to remove a stuck contact lens
• If the contact lens has folded over, try blinking several times before gently rubbing your upper eyelid with clean fingers 
• If you can’t see the lens, try gently pulling on your upper and lower eyelid with clean hands to see if the contact lens is tucked away in one of these spots 
• If you wear rigid contact lenses, be especially careful and avoid sliding them across your eye as it can scratch the cornea
• To remove a stuck rigid contact lens, carefully press down on the outer edge of the lens to raise it slightly and try to carefully lift it out 
• If you cannot find your contact lens or if it is still stuck, contact an eye care professional

Cleaning the Contact Lens 

Cleaning your contact lenses is an important way to prevent your contact lens from getting stuck and preventing complications. 

Here are steps on how to clean contact lens:

• Use a contact lens solution to regularly clean and disinfect your contact lenses
• Visit your optometrist for regular eye exams
• Do not wear contact lenses for longer than the recommended time
• Do not sleep with your contact lens in (unless approved by your optometrist)
• Only use approved eye drops or eye medications

Learn more about contact lens care in our post here: The Ultimate Guide on Caring for Your Contact Lenses.

Do Contact Lens Removal Tools Work?

My patients often ask me about the effectiveness of a contact lens removal tool. While using a finger can work just as well, some individuals find a contact lens removal tool easier to work with. 

As with your hands, it is crucial to disinfect and clean a contact lens removal tool before use. It is also recommended to have your optometrist show you how to use a contact lens removal tool correctly before you try it. 

Are There Health Concerns To Be Aware Of? 

My patients often ask me, “Can I lose my contact lens in my eye?”. The good news is that it isn’t possible to lose a contact lens in your eye.

The eye’s structure creates a barrier between the front and back of the eye, preventing a contact lens from being able to get lost in the eye. A contact lens can only move around between the eyelid and the space in front of your eye. 

Still, forcefully trying to remove a stuck contact lens may scratch or damage the surface of your eye. Always be gentle when trying to remove a stuck contact lens. Dirty hands can introduce bacteria into the eye, making clean hands a necessity for contact lens removal. 

When To See a Doctor for a Stuck Contact Lens

If you cannot locate your contact lens or get it unstuck from your eye, it is recommended to stop and contact an eye care professional. Your optometrist can assist you in safely locating and removing the contact lens. 

If you are experiencing redness, or irritation, or if you are worried you damaged or scratched your eye, it is also recommended to seek care from a medical professional.  

Need Contact Lens Help? 

A stuck contact lens is rarely dangerous but we know how frustrating and worrisome it can be.  

If you are dealing with eye irritation, discomfort, or a stuck contact lens, please contact our team to Book Your Contact Lens Consultation. 

Whether you need assistance with a stuck contact lens or are curious if contact lenses are a good solution for you, we offer a comprehensive range of contact lens services. 

Get in touch with our team with questions or to schedule your appointment.