Contact lens problems

Contact Lens Problems

Removing a contact lens that is stuck

Wash your hands before you try to take out a lens that is stuck in your eye.

To remove a stuck contact lens, you can try one or more of the following tips.

  • Put sterile saline or contact-lens eyedrops in your eye.

    This can help float the lens back over the cornea.

  • Look in a mirror to see if you can find an edge of the lens.

    If you can see the edge, use a finger to slide the lens back over the cornea.

  • If you can't see the lens and you think it is under your upper eyelid, relax your eyelid.

    Try to feel the lens through your eyelid. If you can feel the lens, try to move it back over the cornea.

  • Look downward as far as possible.

    See if the lens moves out from under the eyelid back over the cornea.

  • Gently massage your eyelid.

    Start at the top of the eye, and massage downward to see if you can move the lens down.

  • Try to lift the upper eyelid.

    See if you can see the lens and take it out.

If you can't remove a contact lens, call an eye professional for an appointment.

©2011-2025 Healthwise, Incorporated

The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.

Trusted vision correction therapies

Find an eye care center

Cosmetic and reconstructive eye surgery

Find an eye specialist

Caring for age-related eye diseases

Find an ophthalmologist