Ask anyone who has ever worn contact lenses — it can be quite alarming to discover that the lens you thought was in your eye has gone missing, or is stuck. Usually, it’s easy to work out with a little clever maneuvering and eye rubbing, but what should you do when the lens seems caught in your eye for good? Don’t worry; you can get it out — here’s what to do if your contact lens is stuck.

A Guide to Coping With Stuck Contact Lenses

1. Remain Calm

The first step is to relax. It can be nerve-wracking to discover that you can’t find your contact lens — remember that this is not an emergency. It may take a little bit of effort, but it’s not impossible to remove an errant lens. Take a deep breath before getting started.

2. Moisten Your Eye

Wash your hands thoroughly before you tackle the problem. You may inadvertently touch your eye, and don’t want to risk getting an infection. Take a close look and see if you can spot the lens. Sometimes it’s right there on the cornea where it should be, but it’s not easy to remove. If that’s the problem, your eye is probably dry and needs some moisture. Put in a few drops and try again.

3. Find the Missing Lens

Sometimes contact lenses migrate to an area that you can’t see in the mirror. This can occur if you rub your eye too vigorously, or if some water in the shower causes it to shift. Usually, the lens folds onto itself and moves behind the eyelid. To resolve this, try looking in the opposite direction of the area where the lens is stuck, and blink rapidly. You can add some drops if your eye feels irritated. Above all, be patient. This process may take some time.

4. Wear Eye Glasses

Once you remove the stuck contact, your eye may feel a bit irritated or appear red. Give your eyes a break and wear glasses for the rest of the day. If the discomfort doesn’t resolve within a reasonable period, schedule an eye doctor appointment for a professional opinion.

Eyewear Express is the leading eye care provider in Rhinelander, WI. Whether you need to schedule a basic eye doctor appointment or  need an eye exam for new eyeglasses or contact lenses, you can trust these skilled, experienced professionals to assist you every step of the way. Your health is their primary concern, and they’ll go the extra mile to protect your eyes and your vision. Visit them online to learn more about how they can help, or call (715) 365-1515 to schedule your appointment.