What to do when you can’t remove your contact lenses

Contact lens feel stuck on your eye? Learn why they might seem stuck in the first place, tips for removing them safely, and how to help prevent them from feeling stuck again.

Why might contact lenses seem stuck to your eye?

Contact lenses are typically safe and comfortable as long as you’re following the wear and care instructions provided by your eye doctor, but they can occasionally cause some frustration. One of the most common issues, especially among new wearers, is that they can become “stuck” on your eye, meaning difficult to remove. So, why does this happen?

Dryness

When your eyes feel dry or the contact lenses lose moisture, they can cling to your eye. It’s very important to follow the wear and care instructions of the brand of contact lens you’re wearing, because improper wear can contribute to the feeling of dryness. If you’re wearing daily disposables, only wear them for a day. If you’re wearing two-week lenses, only wear them for up to two weeks (removing and cleaning them daily).

Improper fit

If your contact lenses don’t fit well, specifically if they’re too tight, they might not sit properly on your eye. This can increase the likelihood that they will stick when you try to remove them. If you experience discomfort or persistent issues, contact your eye doctor. They can help ensure your lenses are the right fit for your specific eye shape.

Wearing your contact lenses for too long

Contact lenses have a specific wear length—for example, daily, two-week, or monthly. You should always follow this wear length, because wearing contact lenses for longer than they’re recommended can not only increase the chance of them sticking, but also increase the risk of serious eye complications. This also applies to how long you wear your lenses any given day. Most people can comfortably wear their lenses for 10+ hours but depending on your eyes, allergies, or other factors, they may become more uncomfortable as the day winds down.

What to do if your contact lenses get stuck on your eye

Sometimes, even despite our best efforts, lenses can be uncooperative and refuse to come off. If you find yourself in this situation, don’t panic. Here are some techniques on how to remove a stuck contact lens safely. Remember to follow the instructions provided by your eye doctor for your specific brand of contact lenses, and if nothing works, immediately contact your eye doctor for help.

Blink, and keep blinking

Dry eye is common these days, especially since so many people spend hours in front of digital screens. When you stare at screens, you blink a lot less, which may dry your eyes out and increase the likelihood that your contacts will stick. Blinking can help re-moisturize your eye, and the natural lubrication from blinking may help ease the lens off your eye. Additionally, looking in different directions—up, down, left, and right—can help dislodge the lens. Remember, stay calm and take your time during this process.

Try sterile saline or eye drops made for contact lenses

If your eye doctor approves the use of sterile saline or contact lens rewetting drops, these may help loosen a lens that’s stuck. Position your head back, and let a few drops flow into your eye before blinking to distribute the solution. After allowing some time for the drops to work, try removing the lens again to see if it comes out easily. It’s often recommended to allow a few minutes for the drops to take effect and provide some lubrication.

Gently massage your eye

With hands you’ve washed thoroughly with soap and water and dried with a lint-free towel, try massaging the area around your eye and eyelid. This technique helps the lens shift into a position where you can easily grasp it without applying too much force. Be very gentle, as you don’t want to cause any injury to your eyes or eyelids during this process.

Make sure your hands are dry

You should always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses, but if they aren’t dry enough, or if your fingers get wet from contact lens solution or handling a lens, it can be difficult to get ahold of them on your eye. Always make sure your hands are dry when you try to remove your contacts, even if it means continuously drying them as you attempt to remove your lenses.

How to help keep contact lenses from sticking

Prevention is the best way to handle lenses getting stuck in your eyes. By taking the proper precautions, you can help reduce the chances of your contacts getting stuck on your eye.

Follow your contact lens use instructions

This includes the wear schedule, cleaning and storing routine, and anything else your eye doctor advises. They know best.

Stay hydrated

Much like the rest of your body, your eyes need water to stay healthy. Water is a main component of your tears, which help keep your eyes moist, and in turn, help keep your contact lenses from sticking.

Don’t forget to blink

You blink far less when you’re looking at digital devices, and blinking helps your eye stay moist. It may sound weird, but you may have to remind yourself to blink.

Keep eye drops or sterile saline made for use with contacts on hand

Dry eye is common and can make your lenses stick, so be prepared. Having eye drops approved for use with contacts or sterile saline ready can help you stay calm if your contact lenses won’t budge.

Contact your eye doctor with any questions or concerns

If you find yourself consistently having trouble getting your contact lens off your eye, it’s probably time to visit your eye care professional. There is no shame in asking for help when it comes to your vision. A quick appointment can help identify the underlying cause of the issue, whether it be dryness, irritation, or an ill-fitting lens that may need adjustment.

You should also reach out to your eye care professional if you simply cannot remove your lens. It’s better they remove it than you try something that may damage your eye—they typically have specialized tools to safely remove the lens. Beyond helping with the removal, your eye care professional can also examine your eyes to ensure there isn’t any damage or irritation from your lens-wearing habits.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a contact lens remover tool?

Soft contact lens removal should generally be done without the use of tools, because a contact lens may need to be removed quickly in certain situations, like contamination or chemical exposure. Relying on a tool could be problematic in those situations if a tool is not available and you are not good at removing your contact lenses with your fingers. In certain situations your eye doctor may recommend a remover tool, like if you have limited use of your fingers, but always defer to the instructions and recommendations of your eye doctor.

What if I can’t get my contact lens out no matter what I do?

Sometimes, lenses just don’t want to cooperate. If you’ve applied a few drops of the recommended lubricating or rewetting solution directly to the eye and the lens still doesn’t move after a few minutes, contact your eye doctor immediately.

What should I do if my contact lens tears in my eye?

If a lens tears, gently try to slide the pieces to the corner of your eye for safe removal. You can also use sterile saline to help flush away any remaining bits. If you are unable to do this successfully, see your doctor immediately for help.

How to correctly take out contact lenses?

Follow the instructions provided to you by your eye doctor. We also offer video tutorials on our LensAssist page.