Wearing contact lenses should be comfortable and convenient, but occasionally a lens becomes dry or shifts out of place and stubbornly resists removal. Few things are as alarming as feeling a lens stuck to your eye and worrying it might never come out. Rest assured that a contact lens cannot disappear behind your eye; the conjunctiva forms a barrier that prevents lenses from entering the back of the eye. Most stuck lenses can be coaxed out with patience, proper technique, and a few simple tools.
This complete guide walks you through why lenses get stuck, what to do (and not do), and how to prevent it from happening again. Whether you use daily contact lenses, soft contacts, or lenses for astigmatism, these practical tips will help you keep calm, protect your eyes, and get back to clear, comfortable vision.
Why Do Contact Lenses Get Stuck?
A lens becomes stuck when it dries out or shifts off the cornea. The most common causes include:
|
Reason |
Explanation |
|
Dry eyes or dehydration |
Low humidity, air-conditioning, or indoor heating can cause your tear film to evaporate. Falling asleep in lenses or blinking less while staring at screens can dry them out, making them adhere to your cornea. |
|
Sleeping in contacts |
Overnight wear leads to dryness and protein buildup. Even “extended wear” lenses need breaks to let oxygen reach the eye. |
|
Water exposure or swimming |
Water can warp a lens or trap debris underneath it. Swimming or showering with lenses on often makes removal harder. |
|
Improper fit or torn lens |
A lens that’s inside-out, torn, or too loose may shift under your eyelid and cling to the conjunctiva. |
|
Rubbing your eyes |
Rubbing can push a lens out of position. If your eyes itch, use rewetting drops instead of your fingers. |
Understanding why it happens helps you choose the safest removal method and avoid repeat incidents. If dryness is a recurring issue, talk to your optometrist about switching to moisture-rich materials like soft contact lenses or daily disposables that start fresh each morning.
For long-wear comfort and better moisture retention, check out our Soft Contact Lenses collection made from breathable materials.
Don’t Panic.. First Steps You Can Try Right Away
When you realize your contact lens won’t come out, your first instinct might be to rub or grab at your eye, but resist it. Calmness and clean hands make all the difference.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Oils or bacteria can easily transfer from your fingers to your eyes, so use mild soap and a lint-free towel.
- Locate the lens. Look in the mirror: is it centered on the cornea or off to the side? A centered lens is likely dry; a displaced one may be tucked under your lid.
- Blink and hydrate. Blink repeatedly to trigger tears, then apply sterile saline or rewetting drops. A few drops usually rehydrate the lens enough to loosen it.
- Massage gently. Close your eyes and softly massage your upper eyelid in circular motions. This helps redistribute moisture and move the lens toward the center.
- Repeat as needed. Reapply drops every minute or two. It can take several minutes for a dried lens to regain flexibility.
If you can feel the lens but can’t see it, it’s likely under your upper eyelid. Look down, then gently massage downward to coax it back into place. Avoid using fingernails, let tears and gentle pressure do the work.
Use Lubricating Drops to Loosen the Lens
Dryness is the biggest culprit behind a stuck lens. Artificial tears or rewetting drops are your best friend here. Choose preservative-free options made for contact lenses, tilt your head back, pull down your lower lid, and add a few drops. Close your eye, roll it gently, and blink several times to spread the moisture.
If it still feels stuck, wait a few minutes and try again. Sometimes it takes two or three rounds of lubrication and blinking to loosen the lens completely. Persistent dryness may signal it’s time to switch to more breathable lenses, such as silicone hydrogel or moisture-locking dailies.
If dryness is something you face regularly, consider investing in a room humidifier and drinking plenty of water throughout the day. You’ll notice not only easier lens removal but also more all-day comfort.
Gentle Techniques to Dislodge the Lens
Once your lens is rehydrated, it should glide back into place naturally. Here’s how to handle different lens types safely:
Removing a Stuck Soft Lens
Soft lenses are flexible and respond well to moisture and gentle motion.
- Add saline or rewetting drops, blink several times, and lightly massage your upper lid.
- Look in the opposite direction of where you think the lens is hiding (up if it’s under the lower lid, down if it’s above).
- Once centered again, pinch it between your thumb and forefinger in one smooth motion.
If the lens still won’t come off, rinse again and repeat the process slowly. Patience beats pressure, as forcing it off can tear the lens or scratch your cornea.
Removing a Stuck Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lens
RGP lenses are rigid and require more care. Never massage your eyelid with one finger in place; it could scrape your eye. Instead:
- Use a small suction cup tool designed for RGP lenses to gently lift it.
- Alternatively, press a clean fingertip on the white part of your eye just outside the lens edge to break suction.
- The lens should pop off easily once the vacuum seal releases.
Know the Difference Between a Displaced and vs. Torn Lens
A displaced lens will usually move smoothly when you blink or roll your eyes. A torn lens, however, feels scratchy or irritating and may even cause redness or watery eyes.
If you suspect tearing:
- Flush your eye with sterile saline or artificial tears.
- Examine the removed pieces to make sure you have the full lens.
- If part of it seems missing or your eye still feels gritty, stop and call your optometrist.
Don’t worry, a lens cannot slip behind your eye. Even if a small fragment remains, professional removal is quick and painless.
When to Stop and Seek Professional Help
Most of the time, you’ll manage to get a stuck lens out safely. But if your eye becomes red, swollen, or painful, or if you’ve tried multiple times without success, it’s time to stop. Continuing could cause a corneal abrasion.
Seek immediate help if you experience:
- Sharp pain or persistent irritation
- Blurred vision
- Discharge or unusual tearing
- Sensitivity to light
If that happens, remove the other lens as well and switch to your eyeglasses until your eye doctor clears you for contact use again. Remember: contact lenses are medical devices, and it’s better to be cautious than risk your sight.
Preventing Stuck Contact Lenses
A few simple habits can prevent future “stuck lens” mornings:
- Follow your replacement schedule. Don’t over-wear your lenses. Daily disposables minimize buildup and reduce dryness.
- Maintain proper hygiene. Wash your hands before touching your eyes, clean your case regularly, and never rinse lenses in tap water.
- Keep eyes hydrated. Use rewetting drops during long screen hours or flights, and blink often to refresh your tear film.
- Choose the right lens type. For chronic dryness, explore breathable silicone hydrogel or daily lenses for maximum comfort.
- Give your eyes breaks. Alternate with glasses once in a while to let your eyes rest and recover.
If you struggle with lens movement or rotation, explore our Contacts for Astigmatism, designed to stay stable and secure.
Conclusion
Getting a stuck contact lens out doesn’t have to be scary. With calm, clean hands and a little patience, most lenses come free in minutes. Hydrate the eye, blink often, and use gentle motion; never force it.
By understanding why lenses get stuck and following these simple steps, you’ll protect your vision and make contact wear easier every day. And if you ever feel unsure, take the safe route, switch to your glasses, and call your eye-care provider.
With smart care habits and high-quality lenses from Fresh Lens, clear, comfortable sight is always within reach.
Prefer the convenience of a new pair every day? Explore our Daily Contact Lenses designed for lasting hydration.
