Contact Stuck for Days? Here’s What to Do When a Lens Won’t Budge

A woman in a blue plaid shirt touches her eye, which appears irritated, possibly because her contact lens is stuck.

A contact lens stuck in your eye can be uncomfortable, alarming, and—if left for too long—potentially harmful to your vision. While contacts are designed for easy removal, dryness, shifting, or even sleeping in them can sometimes cause them to get stuck. If you’ve been struggling with a lens that won’t budge, you’re not alone. Many contact wearers encounter this issue at some point, but taking the right steps is essential to prevent irritation, infection, or damage. In this article, we’ll walk you through safe removal techniques, explain the risks of leaving a lens in for extended periods, and guide you on when it’s time to consult an eye doctor. If a lens has been stuck in your eye for days, it’s best to seek professional help from the experts at Eye Pros to protect your vision and ensure a quick, safe solution. Understanding Stuck Contact Lenses A contact lens can sometimes get stuck in the eye, causing discomfort and concern. Understanding the reasons and signs can help you address the issue safely. Causes of a stuck contact lens include: Why Contacts Get Stuck?: Contacts can get stuck if the eye becomes dry, if the lens shifts due to improper fit, or if the contact is worn beyond its recommended time. Sleeping in contacts or using them in a dry environment can also increase the risk of a stuck lens. Symptoms of a Stuck Lens: When a contact is stuck, you may experience eye irritation, a gritty sensation, blurry vision, or redness. In some cases, the lens may not be easily visible but can still cause discomfort. Can It Get Lost in the Eye?: It’s common to worry that a contact might “disappear” behind the eye, but this isn’t possible due to the eye’s anatomy. A stuck contact may shift, but it can’t move beyond the front of the eye, making it retrievable with proper techniques. Understanding these causes and symptoms can prepare you to safely remove a stuck lens. For assistance, consulting an eye doctor at Eye Pros can ensure your eyes remain safe and comfortable. Safe Steps to Remove a Stuck Contact Lens If you find yourself dealing with a contact lens that just won’t come out, there are safe ways to attempt removal without risking eye damage. Here are some steps to follow: Hydrate the Eye: Use saline solution or rewetting drops to lubricate the eye, which can help loosen the lens and make it easier to remove. Avoid using plain water, as it isn’t sterile and can introduce bacteria. Blink and Gently Massage: Blink several times to help reposition the lens naturally. You can also try gently massaging your closed eyelid in circular motions, which may encourage the lens to shift into a more accessible position. Use Clean Hands and Be Patient: Always wash your hands thoroughly before attempting to remove the lens. Be gentle, as excessive rubbing or pressure can scratch the cornea. It’s essential to remain calm and avoid panicking, as this can cause more discomfort. Avoid Tweezers or Sharp Tools: Never use tweezers, sharp objects, or nails to attempt removal, as this can seriously damage your eye. Stick to clean fingers or tools recommended by your eye doctor. If these steps don’t help, or if the lens has been stuck for an extended period, it’s time to consult an eye doctor at Eye Pros. They can safely remove the lens and assess any potential irritation or damage. Risks of Leaving a Contact Lens Stuck Leaving a contact lens stuck in your eye for extended periods can lead to several health risks, ranging from mild irritation to more serious conditions. Potential risks to be aware of: Eye Infections: Contacts that remain in the eye for too long, especially if they’re stuck, can become a breeding ground for bacteria. This can lead to infections such as conjunctivitis or keratitis, which require prompt treatment. Corneal Abrasions and Damage: A stuck lens can rub against the cornea, causing tiny scratches or abrasions. These abrasions can be painful and may lead to further complications if bacteria enter the wound. Increased Irritation and Redness: Over time, a stuck lens can cause the eye to become increasingly red, itchy, and sensitive. This irritation is often a sign that the eye is reacting to the prolonged presence of the lens. Risk of Ulcers and Scarring: In severe cases, prolonged contact lens wear without removal can lead to corneal ulcers, which are open sores on the cornea. These ulcers can result in scarring that impacts vision permanently. To prevent these risks, don’t delay addressing a stuck lens. If it won’t come out, seek help from an eye doctor. The team at Eye Pros is equipped to remove lenses safely and treat any resulting complications, helping you protect your vision. When to Seek Help from an Eye Doctor? If you’ve tried to remove a stuck contact lens without success, it may be time to consult an eye doctor. Signs professional assistance is needed: Persistent Discomfort or Pain: If you experience ongoing pain, redness, or discomfort even after attempting safe removal techniques, an eye doctor can evaluate the situation and remove the lens without risking further irritation. Blurred Vision or Sensitivity to Light: If your vision becomes blurry or you notice an increased sensitivity to light, these could be signs of a potential corneal abrasion or infection caused by the stuck lens. Excessive Redness or Discharge: Redness, swelling, or unusual discharge from the eye may indicate an infection. An eye doctor can diagnose the issue and prescribe any necessary treatment to protect your eye health. Difficulty Locating the Lens: Sometimes, a contact lens may shift, making it hard to find on your own. An eye doctor at Eye Pros can use specialized tools to locate and safely remove the lens. Seeking timely help from an eye doctor can prevent complications and relieve discomfort. The experts at Eye Pros can ensure your eye health is preserved, offering effective solutions to restore comfort and clarity. Preventing

Meet Logan’s Leading Eye Specialists: Commitment to Community Eye Health

A young boy sits in an eye examination chair at Logan's Eye Specialists, wearing trial frames and pointing forward, with ophthalmology equipment neatly arranged in the background.

Clear vision isn’t just about seeing well—it’s about living well. Whether you’re working, learning, or enjoying the outdoors in beautiful Logan, Utah, healthy eyes play a vital role in your everyday life. That’s why having a trusted eye doctor who understands your needs—and your community—is essential. At Eye Pros Logan, our leading eye specialists are dedicated to providing personalized, comprehensive care to patients of all ages. From routine eye exams to advanced vision therapy, we focus on improving your eye health and quality of life. Our commitment extends beyond the clinic doors, with a mission to support Logan’s community eye health through education, prevention, and early intervention. If you’re looking for experienced Logan eye doctors who put your vision first, you’re in the right place. Let’s take a closer look at why Eye Pros are Logan’s go-to team for trusted, compassionate, and comprehensive eye care. Why Logan’s Leading Eye Specialists Stand Out When it comes to your vision, you need more than just an annual check-up—you need a team that’s dedicated to your lifelong eye health. At Eye Pros Logan, our leading eye specialists combine expertise, advanced technology, and compassionate care to deliver a higher standard of service. Why so many Logan residents trust our eye doctors: Experienced Eye Doctors You Can Trust Our optometrists bring years of experience in diagnosing and treating a wide range of vision conditions. Whether you need a comprehensive eye exam, contact lenses, or vision therapy in Logan, you’ll work with professionals who are passionate about protecting your sight. Comprehensive Eye Care for All Ages From kids to seniors, we offer personalized care for every stage of life. Whether your child needs their first vision screening or you’re looking for help managing age-related conditions like cataracts or glaucoma, our team is here to help. Advanced Diagnostic Technology We use state-of-the-art equipment like retinal imaging and OCT scans to detect problems early and provide precise treatment plans. This technology allows us to deliver accurate diagnoses and monitor your eye health over time. Commitment to Logan’s Community Eye Health As part of the Logan community, we’re committed to making quality eye care accessible. We educate families about vision health and offer flexible appointment options for busy lives. At Eye Pros Logan, we take pride in being the leading eye specialists in the area—because your vision deserves nothing less. Comprehensive Eye Care Services in Logan At Eye Pros Logan, we offer a wide range of services designed to meet your unique vision needs. Whether you need a routine eye exam, treatment for a specific condition, or customized vision therapy, our eye doctors are here to help you achieve and maintain optimal eye health. Explore our comprehensive eye care services in Logan: Comprehensive Eye Exams Our thorough eye exams go beyond vision correction. We screen for early signs of glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and other serious conditions. Regular eye exams with our Logan eye doctors help ensure long-term vision health. Pediatric Eye Care Children’s vision is critical to their development and learning. Our pediatric services include early eye exams, lazy eye (amblyopia) treatment, and vision therapy to address focusing issues, eye teaming problems, and more. Vision Therapy in Logan For patients with conditions like eye strain, convergence insufficiency, or lazy eye, our customized vision therapy programs can help. These tailored exercises train the eyes and brain to work together more efficiently—improving both vision and comfort. Diabetic Eye Exams Diabetes can affect your eyes before you notice symptoms. Our diabetic eye exams detect early signs of diabetic retinopathy and other complications, helping you stay ahead of vision-threatening conditions. Dry Eye Treatment Logan’s dry climate can lead to chronic dry eye symptoms. We offer advanced dry eye treatments, including specialized drops and therapies to relieve discomfort and protect your vision. Emergency Eye Care Accidents happen. Whether you have an eye infection, sudden vision changes, or a foreign object in your eye, our Logan eye doctors provide prompt, expert care. Eyewear: Glasses and Sunglasses We offer a wide selection of stylish and functional eyewear, including prescription glasses and sunglasses. Our team helps you find the perfect fit and look to match your lifestyle. At Eye Pros Logan, we deliver comprehensive eye care tailored to your needs—whether you’re seeking preventive care or advanced treatment. Vision Therapy in Logan: Helping Eyes Work Better Together If you or your child struggles with eye strain, difficulty focusing, or visual coordination problems, vision therapy might be the solution you’ve been searching for. At Eye Pros Logan, our leading eye specialists offer personalized vision therapy programs designed to improve how your eyes and brain work together—resulting in clearer, more comfortable vision. What Is Vision Therapy? Vision therapy is a non-surgical treatment program that involves guided eye exercises, activities, and specialized equipment to strengthen the connection between the eyes and brain. Unlike glasses or contact lenses, which correct refractive errors, vision therapy focuses on improving the functional skills that allow your eyes to work as a team. Who Can Benefit from Vision Therapy? Our Logan eye doctors recommend vision therapy for all ages with: Difficulty with eye tracking (often affecting reading skills) Convergence insufficiency (trouble focusing on close-up tasks) Eye strain or headaches from prolonged computer use Lazy eye (amblyopia) Double vision Sports-related vision problems (hand-eye coordination, reaction time) Customized Vision Therapy at Eye Pros Logan We tailor each vision therapy program to the individual. Whether it’s helping a child who struggles in school due to focusing issues or an adult experiencing eye strain from digital devices, our eye doctors develop a plan that works for you. Sessions may include: Eye movement and focusing exercises Visual-motor integration activities Hand-eye coordination tasks At-home reinforcement programs If you’re interested in vision therapy in Logan, Eye Pros offers consultations to determine if it’s right for you or your child. Our goal is to help patients experience improved comfort, performance, and overall eye health. Eye Pros’ Commitment to Community Eye Health At Eye Pros Logan, our mission goes beyond providing outstanding in-office