How to Safely Remove a Stuck Contact Lens After Eye Injury

Q: How to Safely Remove a Stuck Contact Lens After Eye Injury

Hello： The redness of the lower eyelid is caused by trauma. <br>In outpatient clinics, we often encounter patients who complain that they cannot remove their contact lenses. <br>Upon examination, it is found that in most cases, the contact lenses are no longer present; instead, t

Unable to remove contact lenses?

Hello Dr.
Wang, I sustained an impact to the area around my right eye while playing basketball.
After applying ice, I have the following symptoms: 1.
Swelling and redness of the lower eyelid, 2.
My contact lens has become dislodged and I cannot remove it, 3.
There are some blood vessels visible on the sclera, and there is some yellowish-white discharge resembling eye mucus or tears on the eyeball, 4.
My vision in both eyes is approximately 20/400, but the injured eye appears slightly more blurry than the other.
I am very concerned about the issue with the contact lens that I cannot retrieve.
I have flipped my eyelid but did not see it, although I do feel a slight foreign body sensation.
Is that discharge something related to the eyeball? Thank you for your response, doctor.

mckay, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/08/03

Dr. Wang Zhangji reply Ophthalmology

Hello: The redness of the lower eyelid is caused by trauma.
In outpatient clinics, we often encounter patients who complain that they cannot remove their contact lenses.
Upon examination, it is found that in most cases, the contact lenses are no longer present; instead, the cornea has been injured, leading to a foreign body sensation and blurred vision.
The discharge is likely caused by an infection, so it is best to seek examination and treatment at the outpatient clinic as soon as possible.
Sincerely, Dr.
Wang Zhang-ji, Ophthalmology.

Reply Date: 2005/08/03

More Info

When dealing with a stuck contact lens after an eye injury, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution to avoid further damage to the eye. Based on your description, it appears that you have sustained an injury to your right eye, which has resulted in swelling, redness, and some discharge. Here are steps to safely remove a stuck contact lens, along with additional considerations regarding your eye injury.

Steps to Safely Remove a Stuck Contact Lens:
1. Do Not Panic: It’s essential to stay calm. Stress can make the situation feel worse than it is.

2. Wash Your Hands: Before attempting to touch your eyes, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent any potential infection.

3. Assess the Situation: If you have a significant amount of discharge or if your eye is very red and swollen, it may be best to seek medical attention rather than attempting to remove the lens yourself.

4. Use Eye Drops: If you have artificial tears or saline solution, apply a few drops to your eye. This can help lubricate the lens and make it easier to remove.

5. Look in a Mirror: Find a well-lit area and look into a mirror. Try to locate the lens. If it is stuck, it may have moved under the eyelid.

6. Gently Massage the Eyelid: With your eyes closed, gently massage the eyelid where you feel the lens might be stuck. This can help dislodge the lens.

7. Eyelid Maneuver: If you can’t see the lens, try the following:
- Pull down your lower eyelid and look up.

- Pull up your upper eyelid and look down.

- This may help you locate the lens.

8. Avoid Using Tools: Do not use tweezers or any sharp objects to try to remove the lens, as this can cause serious injury to your eye.

9. Seek Professional Help: If you are unable to remove the lens after these attempts, or if you experience increased pain, vision changes, or persistent discharge, seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional. They have the tools and expertise to safely remove the lens without causing further harm.

Additional Considerations Regarding Your Eye Injury:
- Injury Assessment: Given that you experienced trauma to the eye, it’s essential to have a thorough examination by an eye care professional. The presence of blood vessels (redness) and discharge can indicate irritation or potential infection.

- Vision Changes: The fact that your vision is slightly blurred in the injured eye is concerning, especially since you have a history of significant myopia. This could be due to swelling, corneal abrasion, or other complications resulting from the injury.

- Discharge: The yellowish-white discharge you mentioned could be a sign of infection or irritation. It’s essential to monitor this symptom closely, as it may require antibiotic treatment.

- Follow-Up Care: After any eye injury, follow-up care is crucial. Ensure that you keep your appointments with your eye doctor to monitor healing and address any complications that may arise.

- Avoid Contact Lenses: Until your eye has healed completely, it is advisable to avoid wearing contact lenses. This will help reduce the risk of infection and allow your eye to recover.

In conclusion, while it can be distressing to deal with a stuck contact lens after an eye injury, following the appropriate steps can help ensure your safety. However, given the complexity of your situation, including the injury and symptoms you are experiencing, seeking professional medical assistance is the best course of action. Your eye health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications and promote healing.

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