How to Remove a Stuck Contact Lens from an Irritated Eye
Immediate Hand Hygiene and Removal
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, dry them completely with a lint-free method, then gently remove the lens using your standard removal technique without any water or saliva—seek urgent ophthalmologic evaluation before any reinsertion. 1
Never wet your fingers or the lens with tap water, bottled water, saliva, or any non-sterile fluid during removal. 1 Tap water exposure is a cardinal risk factor for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a vision-threatening infection. 2
Use the standard removal method you were taught when the lens was prescribed. 1 Avoid forceful manipulation—gentle patience with lubrication is safer than aggressive pulling. 1
If the Lens Won't Come Out Easily
Apply sterile saline or rewetting drops (never tap water) to lubricate the eye, blink several times, then attempt gentle removal again. This helps mobilize a lens that has adhered to the corneal surface.
If the lens remains stuck after lubrication attempts, do not continue aggressive manipulation—proceed immediately to an eye care professional or emergency department for safe removal under slit-lamp visualization.
Critical Post-Removal Actions
Discontinue all contact lens wear immediately and do not re-insert the lens until an eye care professional confirms complete corneal recovery. 1 This applies regardless of how quickly your symptoms improve.
Do not patch the eye after lens removal, as patching markedly raises the risk of bacterial keratitis. 1
Never rinse the removed lens with tap water, bottled water, or homemade saline; only sterile commercial contact lens solution may be used. 1
Do not reuse the lens until cleared by an eye care professional, even if symptoms appear resolved. 1
Warning Signs Requiring Same-Day Ophthalmology Evaluation
Redness of the eye, tearing or watery discharge, photophobia, blurry vision, and eyelid swelling are indicators that should prompt same-day assessment. 1
Moderate to severe ocular pain suggests possible bacterial or Acanthamoeba keratitis and warrants immediate evaluation. 1
Purulent (pus-like) discharge is a red flag for infectious keratitis. 1
Recent exposure to water (e.g., swimming, showering, hot tubs) while wearing contacts raises suspicion for Acanthamoeba keratitis. 1 Swimming with contact lenses has been specifically associated with development of this serious infection. 3
Unilateral pain is more concerning for infectious keratitis than bilateral irritation. 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Waiting for symptoms to improve without professional care can allow rapid progression to permanent vision loss. 1 Contact lens-related corneal infections can threaten vision. 3
Handling lenses with contaminated hands or using any water introduces additional pathogens and increases infection risk. 1 Environmental risk factors and hygiene practices, including exposure to tap water, are emerging as major risk factors for serious infections. 3
Resuming lens wear after redness resolves without a professional corneal examination can lead to recurrence and chronic complications. 1
Avoid topical corticosteroid drops unless prescribed by an ophthalmologist, because they can exacerbate infections. 1
If Future Lens Use is Approved
Rub and rinse the removed lens with fresh disinfecting solution before storage. 1 Not rubbing when cleaning is ineffective in removing loosely-bound deposits. 4
Store lenses in a clean case filled with fresh solution; never "top off" old solution with new. 1
Replace the lens case at least every three months. 1 Contact lens cases can be a source of lens contamination. 3
If an infection is diagnosed, discard both lenses and case entirely. 1