For stuck lenses, washing your hands is even more important, because you’ll likely be touching your eye area for a longer period of time. The more time your fingers spend in contact with your eyes, the more likely you are to spread contamination. Do not dry the palm or fingertips of the hand that is going to touch your eye. Otherwise, you might get towel fibers or lint in your eye.
Don’t worry! Your contact lens cannot get stuck behind your eyeball. The conjunctiva, a mucous membrane in front of your eye, and muscles around your eye called the rectus muscles make this impossible. Getting a soft contact lens stuck in your eye is not a serious health risk, unless you leave it for a long period of time. While it may be irritating, it is unlikely to damage your eye. However, a rigid lens can cause a cornea abrasion if it is broken and that can lead to an infection. If you’ve made several unsuccessful attempts to remove the lens, take a break from trying for a bit. Sit down for a while and relax.
If the lens has moved to the corner of your eye, you may be able find it just by looking in the mirror. [5] X Research source Try looking in the opposite direction of the lens. For example, if the lens feels like it’s in the right corner of your eye, look left. Or, if the lens feels like it’s stuck in the bottom part of your eye, look up. The lens may become visible. [6] X Research source If you can’t feel or see the lens, it is possible it has fallen out of your eye. [7] X Research source Put your finger at the top of your eyelid (near your eyebrow) and pull up to hold your eyelid open. This may help you see the contact lens better. Keep in mind that if you look down with your eyes while pulling up on the eyelid, it paralyzes the orbicularis oculi muscle and you can’t squeeze it shut until you look up again.
If the lens is stuck under your eyelid or in the corner of your eye, the added moisture may help it float back into its proper place, where it will be easier to remove. Often, moistening the lens will allow you to remove it through conventional methods. Blink several times or close your eyes for a few seconds, then try to remove the lens again. [9] X Research source
If the lens is still out of place, try to push it over the cornea. If your lens is stuck under your eyelid, it may help to look down while massaging the eyelid. [11] X Research source
You can use either the index finger or the middle finger of each hand. With the finger on your upper lid, press straight down. With the finger on your lower lid, press straight up. The lens should pull away from the eye and be easy to remove.
To do this, use a cotton tip and press down on the middle of the eyelid while pulling the eyelashes forward away from the eye. Tip your head backward. You should be able to see the contact lens if it is stuck under the lid. Carefully pull it out from underneath your eyelid. You may need the help of a friend or family member to do this.
If you believe you have scratched or otherwise damaged your eye in attempting to remove the lens, contact your eye doctor immediately. You should see a doctor about possible damage whether you have successfully removed the lens or not. [13] X Research source
Thorough washing is especially important if you are touching your eye for a longer period of time, such as when trying to remove a stuck lens.
Your contact lens cannot get stuck behind your eyeball. The conjunctiva, a mucous membrane in front of your eye, and muscles around your eye called the rectus muscles make this impossible. Getting a contact lens stuck in your eye is not a serious health risk, unless you leave it for a long period of time. While it may be irritating, it is unlikely to damage your eye. If the contact lens is broken it may be painful.
Close your eyes and relax your eyelids. You should be able to feel the lens in your eye. If you can’t feel it under your eyelid, gently touch the lid with your fingers and see if you can locate it. [15] X Research source If the lens has moved to the corner of your eye, you may be able locate it just by looking in the mirror. [16] X Research source Try looking in the opposite direction of the lens. For example, if the lens feels like it’s in the right corner of your eye, look left. Or, if the lens feels like it’s stuck in the bottom part of your eye, look up. The lens may become visible. [17] X Research source If you can’t see or feel where the lens has gone, it is possible it has fallen out of your eye. [18] X Research source
Do not massage the eyeball as you would with soft lenses. This may cause the edge of the lens to scratch the surface of your eye as it moves. [20] X Research source
First, wash the suction cup with contact lens cleaner. Moisten the suction cup with saline solution. [22] X Research source Use your thumb and forefinger to separate your eyelids. Apply the suction cup to the center of the lens and pull it out, being careful not to touch your eye with the suction cup. The lens can be removed from the suction cup by sliding it gently sideways. [23] X Research source Consider seeing a medical professional before choosing this method. Using a suction cup device to remove rigid lenses on your own can cause trauma to your eye. [24] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
If you believe you have scratched or otherwise damaged your eye in attempting to remove the lens, contact your eye doctor immediately. You should seek medical assistance whether you have successfully removed the lens or not. [26] X Research source
If you touch your eyes with dirty fingers and hands, you could cause eye infections or scratches.
If you develop itchiness or redness after using drops, try to find a product marked “preservative-free. ”
Replace your lens case every three months. Even with daily cleaning, bacteria and other nasty stuff will eventually get into your case.
Use only commercially prepared solutions, eye drops, and cleaners to reduce your risk of infection.
Do not sleep with lenses in unless you’ve been prescribed “extended wear” contact lenses. Even then, professionals don’t recommend sleeping in these lenses, as it can increase your risk of eye infections. [32] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
The recommended daily intake for men is at least 13 cups (3 liters) a day. The recommended intake for women is at least 9 cups (2. 2 liters) a day. [34] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source If you routinely have dry eyes, try to stay away from alcohol and excessive caffeine when possible. These substances dehydrate your body. Water is best for you, but other good options include fruit juices, milk, and unsweetened, non-caffeinated teas like Rooibos and many herbal teas.
Even passive (second-hand) exposure to cigarette smoke can cause issues for contact-lens wearers. [36] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source
Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, collards, kale, and other greens are excellent for eye health. Salmon, tuna, and other fatty fish contain omega-3 fatty acids that can help prevent some eye issues. Studies have shown that people who exercise regularly have better eye health overall. They are also less likely to develop serious eye diseases such as glaucoma. [38] X Research source If you don’t get enough sleep, it can have effects on your eyesight. The most common side effect is dry eyes. You might also experience eye twitches or spasms. [39] X Research source Try to reduce eye strain when you can. You can do this by reducing glare from your electronics, setting up an ergonomically correct workstation, and taking frequent breaks from working that involves your eyes.
If you have existing eye issues or you are in your late 30s, you should see an eye doctor yearly. Adults between the age of 20-30 should have an eye exam at least every two years. [41] X Research source
See a doctor immediately if you have any of the following symptoms: Sudden loss of vision Blurred vision Flashes of light or “halos” (bright fields around objects) Eye pain, irritation, swelling, or redness
