How to Remove a Stuck Contact Lens

SAN ANSELMO — Eye care professionals often receive calls from patients who are unable to remove contact lenses that are stuck in their eyes. By following a simple series of steps, you can deal with this problem yourself.

Given the transparent, barely perceptible nature of contact lenses, the first thing you should do is determine whether or not the lens is really still in your eye. An easy way to tell is by covering your other eye—if you can see clearly, as you should expect to see with the contact in, it probably is, but if your vision is blurry (as it is without the lens), it probably isn’t.

If you determine that the lens is still in, the next step is to put a lubricating drop in your eye. Wait a minute to let the drop do its work, then pinch the lens through your eyelid (with your eyes shut) to break the adhesion between the lens and the eye before attempting to remove the lens as normal. You may need to repeat this step two or three times.

If you’re still unable to get the lens out, the next step is to attempt removal while wearing a latex glove, which will adhere to the lens upon contact. Powder-free is best, but if you only have powdered, simply rinse the glove with clean water before using.

If you’re still unable to get the lens out, call your eye care professional as soon as possible.