If you wear contact lenses, the fear of having one stuck in your eye is very real. For first-time contact lens users or even seasoned wearers, encountering a stuck lens can be unsettling. However, knowing how to remove a stuck contact lens from your eye calmly and correctly can prevent discomfort and potential eye damage. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the different methods for safely removing both hard and soft contact lenses when they get stuck.
The Importance of Staying Calm
Before we dive into techniques, it’s crucial to emphasize that panic often leads to more problems when dealing with a stuck contact lens. If you’re struggling, take a deep breath. Many injuries occur when we panic, rushing to remove the lens too quickly. In some cases, the lens may not even be in the eye anymore, but because our eye feels irritated, we assume it’s stuck. So, remain calm and follow these steps.
Removing a Stuck Soft Contact Lens
Soft contact lenses are more pliable and flexible than hard lenses, but they can still get stuck or shift out of place. Here’s how to safely handle the situation:
Lubricate Your Eye
The first step is to ensure your eye is well-lubricated. Use sterile saline solution or artificial tears to rehydrate your eye. When a contact lens becomes dry, it can stick to the surface of your eye, making it harder to remove. Lubricating your eye will make the lens easier to manipulate.
Dry Your Fingers
Once your eye is properly lubricated, make sure your fingers are dry. Wet fingers will make it difficult to grasp the lens. Using a lint-free cloth or air-drying your hands is ideal to prevent any fibers from transferring to your eye.
Center the Lens
If the lens has shifted, try to locate it. Look in a mirror and check the corners of your eye. Gently move your eye in different directions to bring the lens back to the center of your cornea.
Pinch and Remove
To remove the soft contact lens, use your thumb and index finger. Approach the lens from a wide angle, gently pinching the edges to create a fold. This fold will allow you to lift the lens off the surface of your eye easily. Think of it like gently pinching the skin on your knuckle—if you apply too much pressure, you may hurt yourself, but a gentle touch will do the trick.
Methods for Removing a Stuck Hard Contact Lens
Hard contact lenses, also known as rigid gas permeable lenses, are less flexible than soft lenses but can still become stuck. Here are a few techniques to safely remove a hard contact lens from your eye:
The Scissor Method
This method may sound daunting, but it’s simpler than it appears. Start by pulling the outer edge of your eyelid towards the temple. This movement helps create friction between your eyelid and the lens, which can help dislodge the stuck lens. Use your lower eyelid as a “shelf” to push the lens upward. Often, this is enough to pop the lens out of place.
The Contact Lens Plunger
Many optometrists provide their patients with a contact lens plunger, especially for hard lens wearers. This tool is incredibly useful when a lens is difficult to remove. The plunger works by placing it on the lower third of the lens and then pulling up in a gentle J motion to break the suction and release the lens from your eye. If you’re using a plunger for the first time, practice under the guidance of your eye care provider.
What to Do When the Lens is Difficult to Find
In some instances, the contact lens may shift to an area that’s hard to see, such as under the eyelid or in the corner of the eye. If this happens, follow these steps:
- Use Eye Drops: Lubricate your eye with eye drops or saline solution. This will help the lens move more freely.
- Check for the Lens: Sometimes, a lens may already be out of your eye, and you might not realize it. If your eye feels irritated, carefully check your surroundings for the lens.
- Gently Massage the Eyelid: If the lens has shifted under your eyelid, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid in a downward motion. This may help move the lens back into view for removal.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’ve tried all of the above methods and the contact lens is still stuck, or if your eye becomes increasingly red and irritated, it’s important to seek professional help. At Art of Optiks, we provide emergency care for contact lens removal and can help locate and remove the lens safely. We have specialized tools and magnification equipment to locate the lens and address any issues related to your eye’s health.
Conclusion
Removing a stuck contact lens from your eye can be stressful, but with the right techniques and a calm mindset, it’s usually a straightforward process. Whether you’re dealing with a soft or hard lens, lubrication, dry fingers, and gentle pressure are key components to successfully removing the lens without causing injury.
For those struggling or needing assistance, contact Art of Optiks today for expert care and guidance on proper contact lens removal and eye health.
