Experiencing difficulty removing your contact lenses can be a frustrating and sometimes even alarming situation. It’s a common concern for contact lens wearers, and understanding the potential causes and solutions is crucial for maintaining good eye health and a comfortable lens-wearing experience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the various reasons why you might be struggling to remove your lenses, offering practical advice and preventative measures.
Common Culprits Behind Stubborn Lenses
Several factors can contribute to your inability to remove a contact lens. Often, it’s a combination of these issues. Let’s explore the most frequent culprits.
Dry Eyes: The Sticky Situation
Dry eyes are perhaps the most common reason for difficulty in removing contact lenses. When your eyes aren’t producing enough tears, or the tear film isn’t adequately lubricating your eye’s surface, the contact lens can adhere more firmly to the cornea.
- How dry eyes affect lens removal: Tears act as a lubricant, allowing the lens to glide smoothly over the eye. When this lubrication is insufficient, the lens can become “stuck,” making it feel like it’s clinging to your eye. This can also lead to discomfort, blurred vision, and a gritty sensation.
- Contributing factors to dry eyes: Many things can exacerbate dry eyes, including environmental factors like dry or windy conditions, prolonged computer use (which reduces blinking frequency), certain medications (antihistamines, decongestants), and even the natural aging process. The type of contact lens material can also play a role; some materials are more prone to drying out.
Lens Position: The Elusive Lens
Sometimes, the lens simply isn’t where you expect it to be. It can move from its central position on the cornea to a less accessible area of the eye.
- Lens displacement: Your contact lens can slide under your upper eyelid. This is particularly common if you’re rushing your removal or if your eyelids are slightly irritated. The soft, flexible nature of the lens allows it to fold or move, making it difficult to pinch and remove.
- Feeling the lens without seeing it: You might feel the lens on your eye, but when you look in the mirror, it’s not visible on the cornea. This is a strong indicator that it has moved under the eyelid.
Irritation and Inflammation: A Sensitive Surface
An irritated or inflamed eye surface can make the removal process more challenging and uncomfortable.
- Allergic reactions: Allergies can cause your eyes to water excessively, itch, and swell, making the contact lens feel uncomfortable and harder to grasp.
- Eye infections or abrasions: While less common, if you have an underlying eye infection or a small scratch on your cornea (abrasion), your eye will be more sensitive, and attempting to remove a lens could be painful and difficult. It’s crucial to never force a lens if your eye is painful or red.
Improper Technique: The Grip Problem
The way you try to remove the lens can also be a significant factor.
- Not enough lubrication: Trying to remove a lens when your eyes are dry or when you haven’t used enough saline solution can make it difficult to get a proper grip.
- Using fingernails: Attempting to pinch the lens with fingernails instead of the soft pads of your fingers can cause discomfort and potentially damage the lens or your eye.
- Lack of practice: For new contact lens wearers, the technique might still be a learning curve. It takes practice to develop the dexterity and confidence needed for smooth removal.
Troubleshooting Steps: What to Do When You Can’t Remove Your Lens
If you find yourself in this predicament, don’t panic. Follow these steps systematically to resolve the issue.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
Panicking can increase your heart rate and make your hands tremble, making the removal process even harder. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm.
Step 2: Lubricate Generously
This is the most critical step, especially if dryness is suspected.
- Use approved artificial tears: Ensure you have sterile, preservative-free artificial tears specifically designed for contact lens wearers. Many regular eye drops contain preservatives that can irritate lenses and eyes.
- Apply liberally: Tilt your head back and administer several drops of artificial tears into the affected eye. Close your eye and gently roll it around to help distribute the lubricating drops over the lens.
- Wait for lubrication: Give the artificial tears a minute or two to work. You should feel your eye becoming more comfortable and the lens loosening.
Step 3: Gentle Re-wetting and Removal Attempt
After adequate lubrication, try the removal process again.
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly: This is paramount to prevent introducing bacteria into your eye.
- Look upwards or sideways: Some people find it easier to locate and grasp the lens if they look upwards and slightly to the side.
- Use the pads of your fingers: Gently pinch the lens between the pad of your thumb and index finger. Avoid using your fingernails.
- Pinch and pull: With a gentle but firm grip, slide the lens downwards or towards the white of your eye and then pinch it off.
Step 4: If the Lens is Under the Eyelid
This is a common scenario.
- Wash your hands again.
- Look downwards: Tilt your head back and look down.
- Gently pull your lower eyelid down: Use your index finger to gently pull down your lower eyelid.
- Try to blink: Sometimes, a forceful blink can dislodge the lens.
- Gentle massage: If you can feel the lens under your upper eyelid, you can try to gently massage your eyelid from the outside, attempting to coax the lens downwards. Be very careful not to press too hard.
- Use a clean, wet finger: You can try to gently coax the lens downwards with a clean, moist finger by sliding it over the eyelid from the outside.
Step 5: When to Seek Professional Help
There are times when home remedies aren’t sufficient, and professional intervention is necessary.
- Persistent pain or redness: If your eye is red, painful, or sensitive to light after attempting removal, do not force it.
- Inability to locate the lens: If you’ve tried for a significant amount of time and still can’t feel or locate the lens, it might be deeply embedded or still under the eyelid.
- Vision changes: If your vision is significantly blurred or altered, it’s a sign something is wrong.
- Suspected abrasion or infection: If you have any concerns about your eye health, consult an eye care professional immediately.
Preventative Measures: Avoiding Future Lens Removal Woes
The best approach is to prevent these situations from occurring in the first place.
Maintain Good Eye Hydration
- Use lubricating eye drops regularly: If you are prone to dry eyes, use preservative-free artificial tears throughout the day, even when not wearing your lenses.
- Blink consciously: When working on computers or reading, make a conscious effort to blink fully and more frequently.
- Use a humidifier: In dry environments, a humidifier can help keep the air moist, benefiting your eyes.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water is essential for overall body hydration, including tear production.
Proper Lens Care and Handling
- Follow your eye doctor’s instructions: Adhere strictly to the recommended wear schedule and replacement frequency for your contact lenses.
- Use fresh solution: Always use fresh, approved contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your lenses. Never reuse old solution.
- Clean lenses properly: Ensure you are cleaning your lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions each time you remove them.
Regular Eye Check-ups
- Schedule annual exams: Visit your eye doctor regularly for comprehensive eye exams. They can monitor your eye health, assess your tear film, and ensure your contact lenses are still a suitable option for you.
- Discuss any discomfort: Don’t hesitate to discuss any difficulties or discomfort you experience with your contact lenses with your eye care professional. They can offer personalized advice and solutions.
Choosing the Right Lenses
- Discuss lens material with your doctor: Different contact lens materials have varying breathability and moisture retention properties. If you struggle with dryness, your eye doctor might recommend silicone hydrogel lenses, which allow more oxygen to reach the cornea and can feel more comfortable for longer periods.
- Consider daily disposables: For some individuals, daily disposable lenses can be an excellent option, as they eliminate the need for cleaning and storage, reducing the risk of protein buildup and dryness.
Understanding Different Lens Types and Removal Techniques
While the general principles of removal apply to most soft contact lenses, there are subtle differences based on lens material and design.
Soft Contact Lenses
The majority of contact lens wearers use soft lenses, typically made from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel. These are generally easier to remove than rigid lenses. The standard pinch-and-remove technique is usually effective. However, the flexibility that makes them comfortable can also contribute to them sliding under the eyelid.
Rigid Gas Permeable (RGP) Lenses
While less common now, some people still wear RGP lenses. These are firmer and less flexible than soft lenses. Removal typically involves a slightly different technique, often using a small suction cup device designed for RGP lens removal, or a specific pinching method that leverages the lens’s rigidity. If you wear RGPs and are having trouble, it’s essential to master the specific removal technique recommended by your eye doctor for these lenses.
Daily Disposables
As mentioned, daily disposables offer convenience. Their thinness can sometimes make them feel less substantial, and if very dry, they can adhere slightly. The lubrication steps are especially important for these lenses.
The Importance of Proper Hygiene
It cannot be stressed enough: impeccable hygiene is crucial when handling contact lenses.
- Wash your hands before touching your eyes or lenses. Use mild, fragrance-free soap.
- Dry your hands with a lint-free towel. Fabric fibers can stick to lenses and cause irritation.
- Never use tap water, saliva, or homemade solutions to clean or store your lenses. These can harbor harmful microorganisms that can lead to serious eye infections.
When a Lens Might Be Damaged
While rare, it’s possible a contact lens could tear or become damaged during wear or attempted removal.
- Signs of damage: If you feel a sharp or gritty sensation even after lubricating, or if you suspect the lens has torn, cease removal attempts.
- Seek professional help: If you believe your lens is damaged, it’s best to have an eye care professional examine your eye to ensure no fragments remain and to check for any corneal damage.
Conclusion: A Clearer Vision for Lens Removal
Difficulty in removing contact lenses is usually a manageable issue, often stemming from dryness, lens displacement, or technique. By understanding the underlying causes and following the recommended troubleshooting steps, most wearers can safely and effectively remove their lenses. Prioritizing eye health through good hygiene, regular check-ups, and open communication with your eye care professional is key to a comfortable and problem-free contact lens experience. Remember, if you ever experience persistent pain, redness, or are unable to remove your lens, seeking professional medical advice is always the safest course of action.
What if my contact lens feels stuck to my eye?
If your contact lens feels stuck, it’s usually because your eye is too dry. This can happen if you haven’t blinked enough, if you’re in a dry environment, or if the lens has been in for too long. Resist the urge to force it out, as this can cause irritation or damage to your cornea.
To safely remove a stuck lens, first, wash your hands thoroughly. Then, use a few drops of lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution to rehydrate your eye and the lens. Gently blink a few times to help the lens move. If it still feels stuck, try to gently massage the eyelid with the lens on it. If you still can’t remove it, seek help from an eye care professional immediately.
Why might my contact lens be difficult to grip?
A contact lens can be difficult to grip if it’s inside out, which causes its edges to flare outwards instead of curling inwards. Another common reason is dry hands or fingernails, which prevent a good seal and grip on the smooth surface of the lens. Ensure your hands are completely dry before attempting to remove the lens.
To fix this, check if the lens is inside out by looking at its shape on your fingertip. If the edges flare outwards like a bowl with a rim, it’s inside out – flip it over. If your hands are dry, try applying a small amount of lens solution to your fingertip or re-moisten your hands. For very stubborn lenses, you might try using the pad of your index finger and thumb to gently pinch the lens from the sides.
Can wearing contact lenses for too long cause them to get stuck?
Yes, absolutely. Wearing contact lenses beyond the recommended daily wear time or sleeping in lenses not approved for overnight wear can lead to dryness and adhesion to the eye’s surface. When lenses are worn for extended periods, they can absorb moisture from the cornea, making them less pliable and more prone to sticking.
If you suspect your lenses are stuck due to prolonged wear, the best course of action is to instill preservative-free lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution. Allow the moisture to rehydrate the lens and your eye. After a few minutes of blinking, try gently removing the lens as you normally would. If you experience persistent discomfort or cannot remove it, consult an eye care professional.
What should I do if I can’t locate the contact lens on my eye?
If you can’t find your contact lens, it’s possible it has dislodged and moved to a different part of your eye, perhaps under your upper eyelid. Don’t panic. Start by thoroughly washing and drying your hands.
Gently close your eye and try to massage your eyelid towards the inner corner of your eye. You can also try looking in the mirror and moving your eye in different directions (up, down, left, right) to help coax the lens into a more accessible position. If you still can’t find or remove it, use lubricating eye drops, and then try to locate it again. If you are unable to find or remove it after these steps, it’s best to contact an eye doctor.
Is it possible to accidentally injure my eye while trying to remove a stuck contact lens?
Yes, there is a risk of eye injury if you try to remove a stuck contact lens with excessive force or with sharp fingernails. This can lead to corneal abrasions, which are scratches on the surface of your eye, causing pain, redness, and light sensitivity. Attempting to pry the lens off with non-sterile objects can also introduce infection.
Always use clean hands and gentle techniques. If a lens is truly stuck and resistant to removal, it’s safer to err on the side of caution and seek professional help from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. They have the specialized tools and knowledge to remove the lens safely without causing further damage.
What if my contact lens is torn or folded and won’t come out?
A torn or folded contact lens can be very difficult to grip and remove. The edges might feel sharp or irregular, and attempting to pinch it could cause it to break further or scratch your eye. It’s important to remain calm and avoid any forceful manipulation.
Begin by instilling a generous amount of lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution to rehydrate and potentially unfold the lens. Close your eye and gently massage your eyelid. If the lens is still torn or folded and you can’t get a good grip, or if you feel any sharp sensation, do not attempt to force it. Contact your eye care professional immediately for assistance in safe removal.
Can my eye medication cause my contact lens to stick?
Certain eye medications, particularly those containing preservatives or if used excessively, can sometimes interact with contact lenses and make them adhere more firmly to the eye. Some medications can alter the tear film composition or the lens surface, leading to increased friction and difficulty in removal.
If you are using eye drops for a medical condition and notice your contact lenses are becoming harder to remove, it’s crucial to discuss this with your eye care provider. They can advise on the best practices for wearing contact lenses with your specific medication, potentially suggesting a different type of lens, a modified wear schedule, or alternative medication formulations that are more compatible.