Quick Answer
If your colored contact lens feels stuck, stop rubbing your eye. Wash your hands, rinse the eye with sterile saline or contact lens solution, and gently blink or massage your eyelid to dislodge it. If it won't move or you feel pain, remove it with a clean finger or seek medical help immediately.
A colored contact lens that feels stuck can trigger instant panic, but it's a common issue that usually has a simple fix. The key is to stay calm and follow a safe removal process to avoid scratching your cornea or pushing the lens deeper.
This guide walks you through the step-by-step actions to take when your lens won't budge, explains why it happens, and tells you exactly when you should stop and see an eye care professional.
Why Does a Colored Contact Lens Get Stuck?
Most stuck lenses happen because the lens has dried out on the eye. This can occur after long wear, in dry environments, or if you forgot to blink enough while staring at screens. When the moisture evaporates, the lens adheres to the cornea or tucks under the eyelid.
Another common cause is a lens that has folded or flipped inside the eye. This is more likely with soft lenses that have a high water content or are not properly placed. In rare cases, a torn lens edge can catch on the eyelid, making it feel stuck.
- Always keep your eyes lubricated with rewetting drops approved for contact lenses.
Step-by-Step: How to Remove a Stuck Lens
First, wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Then, apply a few drops of sterile saline or contact lens rewetting solution directly into the eye. Blink several times to help rehydrate the lens. If it's still stuck, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid in a circular motion with a clean finger.
If the lens is still not moving, try the 'look away' technique: look in the opposite direction of the lens location, then use your fingertip to gently slide the lens toward the white of your eye before pinching it off. Never use tweezers or any sharp object.
If the lens is folded, you may need to slide it onto the white of the eye, then carefully press it flat before removing. If you cannot remove it after several attempts, or if you experience sharp pain, stop and seek professional help.
What Not to Do
Do not rub your eye aggressively. This can scratch the cornea or cause the lens to tear. Avoid using tap water or saliva to wet the lens – these can introduce harmful microorganisms. Also, never leave the lens in overnight if it feels stuck, as this increases the risk of infection.
If you wear decorative lenses like Innovision FX Solid White or Lilmoon 1-Day Water Water Blue-Grey, remember they are medical devices. Treat them with the same care as prescription lenses, even if you don't need vision correction.
Innovision FX Solid White
When to See an Eye Doctor
You should stop trying to remove the lens and contact an eye care professional if you experience severe pain, persistent redness, blurred vision, or if the lens remains stuck after multiple attempts. These could be signs of a corneal abrasion or infection.
If you manage to remove the lens but your eye remains red, painful, or sensitive to light for more than a few hours, seek medical attention. Prompt treatment can prevent complications.
Diagnosis: Is It Stuck or Something Worse?
- Symptom: Lens feels dry and stuck: The lens is likely dehydrated and adhering to the cornea. It may feel like a foreign body. Apply rewetting drops and blink. If it moves freely, you're fine.
- Symptom: Sharp pain or persistent redness: This could indicate a corneal abrasion or infection, not just a stuck lens. Stop all removal attempts and see an eye doctor immediately.
- Symptom: Lens folded under eyelid: You may feel a sharp edge under the lid. The lens is likely folded or flipped. Try to slide it to the white of the eye and flatten it. If unsuccessful, seek help.
Lens Options That May Affect Removal
- Lilmoon 1-Day Water Water Blue-Grey (10pk): These are daily disposable lenses with a high water content design for comfort. Daily disposables like this are less likely to dry out because you wear them for a single day, but they can still stick if you wear them too long or in dry conditions. Having a fresh pair on hand ensures you can replace a lens after a stuck incident.
- Innovision FX Solid White: These Halloween contact lenses are available with corrective power, not just plano, so you don't have to sacrifice vision for the look. If you wear these for events, remember they are thicker and may have a different fit than daily lenses, which could increase the chance of them feeling stuck. Always follow the recommended wear time and have solution nearby.
A stuck colored contact lens is rarely an emergency, but it demands careful handling. By staying calm, using the right solutions, and knowing when to stop, you can protect your eye and get back to enjoying your lenses safely. If in doubt, always consult an eye care professional.
