{"id":1558,"date":"2023-03-29T15:12:15","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T19:12:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.warbyparker.com\/learn\/?p=1558"},"modified":"2026-04-02T03:12:34","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T07:12:34","slug":"contact-stuck-in-eye","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.stage.warby.io\/learn\/contact-stuck-in-eye","title":{"rendered":"How To Remove a Contact Lens That\u2019s Stuck in Your Eye"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Having trouble taking out your contacts? Don\u2019t panic\u2014even though a stuck contact lens is far from comfortable, most of the time it isn\u2019t cause for concern. You can easily remove it\u2014all it takes is a little bit of patience while following a few simple steps you\u2019ll find in this guide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Disclaimer: This guide represents the opinion of its authors and is for educational or informational purposes only; it should not be used as a substitution for advice provided by an ophthalmologist or optometrist. Readers with immediate need for assistance should contact their eye doctor or visit the emergency room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How To Get a Stuck Contact Lens Out of Your Eye<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

To remove a stuck contact lens, consider the type of contacts<\/a> you\u2019re using (i.e., soft versus hard contacts) and where<\/em> the contact lens is stuck in your eye. Here are some of the common issues you may face and steps you can take to safely remove your contacts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Stuck Soft Contact Lens Is Centered on the Eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The most common reason for a soft contact lens getting stuck is that it simply has dried out. The lack of moisture can cause the lens to stick to the center of your eye. This might occur if you sleep with your contacts in<\/a>. (Please don\u2019t do that!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If a soft contact lens is stuck to the center of your eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Wash your hands thoroughly.<\/strong> Unclean hands can transfer natural oils, germs, and dirt to your lens and eye. This can increase your risk for eye infection<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Rinse your stuck contact lens and eye.<\/strong> Allow a steady stream of saline solution<\/a>, rewetting drops, or sterile eye wash to flow over your contact lens and eye for a few seconds. Do not<\/em> use your contact solution as an eye wash<\/a>. Some lubricating eye drops<\/a> could work as an alternative, but only if they\u2019re approved for use with contacts<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Blink. A lot.<\/strong> Blinking after you rinse helps to not only moisturize the contact lens (with natural tear production) but also gently dislodge the lens.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Gently massage your closed upper eyelid. <\/strong>You should be able to feel when your lens loosens and moves.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Repeat as needed.<\/strong> It might take several tries before your contact lens loosens up. It\u2019s important to stay patient and not attempt to remove your contact lens while it\u2019s still stuck to your eye. Sometimes, it can take 10 to 15 minutes to dislodge a stuck contact lens.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Once you feel the lens loosen up and move, you can go ahead and safely remove your contact<\/a> lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Soft Contact Lens Is Stuck Off-Center<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n\n

    When your stuck contact lens is off-center, it\u2019s understandably a bit more unsettling\u2014you might feel the lens but not see it, and you likely have blurry vision in that eye. As frustrating as that may be, the key is to remain calm. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    As always, begin by thoroughly washing your hands. If your contact lens is stuck under an eyelid or has moved off-center to the corner of your eye, first try looking in the opposite direction of where it\u2019s stuck. For instance, if the contact lens is stuck under your upper eyelid, look down. If it\u2019s stuck to the left side of your eye, look to the right. This may help dislodge the lens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If the lens doesn\u2019t budge, follow the steps listed above for stuck contacts: Rinse your eye with saline solution, blink repeatedly, and gently massage your closed upper eyelid where the contact lens is. Repeat as needed until the contact lens loosens up and you can safely remove it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A Torn Piece of a Soft Contact Lens Is Stuck in the Eye<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    It happens sometimes\u2014a soft contact lens might rip or tear slightly when you remove or put in your contacts<\/a>. And sometimes, a piece may remain in your eye when you remove the torn lens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    If a torn piece of your contact lens is stuck in your eye, you\u2019ll want to guide it to the outside corner of your eye. Again, always begin with thoroughly washed hands and lubricated eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For larger pieces, slide the lens piece to the corner of your eye with your finger. Once it\u2019s there, you can easily remove it. If you\u2019re having difficulty moving the torn piece to the corner of your eye, try rinsing your eye with saline and blinking repeatedly, as outlined in the steps above. Sometimes, this will help the torn piece work its way to the corner of your eye. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

    For smaller pieces, you can try flushing your eye with saline solution or sterile eye wash. You can read our guide on How to Get Something Out of Your Eye<\/a> for more thorough details on eye irrigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Consider these additional tips if you\u2019re dealing with a stuck piece (or pieces) of contact lens in your eye:<\/p>\n\n\n\n