How to get a broken contact lens out of your eye

In the unlikely event that a contact lens tears or splits while you are putting it in, you may experienceredness, irritation, watery eyes or the that something is stuck in your eye. A torn contact lens stuck in your eye may not come out as easily as a whole lens, so it is important to remove it gently and with care. Make sure not to panic or rub your eye, as it can make the irritation worse. If you cannot remove the lens or experience persistent or significant discomfort, redness, light sensitivity or blurred or reduced vision, you should seek prompt help from an optometrist or eye care professional.

• Steps to remove a broken contact lens from your eye
• What not to do while removing the broken lens?
• When should you see an optometrist?
• How to prevent your contact lens from breaking?
• Frequently asked questions

Steps to remove a broken contact lens from your eye

Follow these steps to remove the broken lens safelyfrom your eye:

1. Wash and dry your hands

Wash your hands with soap and water and pat them dry with a clean towel before touching your eye. Keep your fingernails away from your eye, as they can scratch the eye surface.

2. Find the broken lens

Stand in front of a mirror in a well-lit room and look closely into your eye to spot the broken piece of contact lens. If you cannot see it, gently move your eyes up and down, then from side to side, to help you find it. If you think the lens may be tucked under your eyelid, avoid rubbing or massaging your eye, as this could cause further irritation.

3. Blink a few times

If you cannot spot the lens, blink several times gently to produce tears so the broken lens piece moves across the surface, making it easier to find. If your eye feels dry, you can use lubricating eye drops compatible with contact lenses.

4. Move the lens to the white part of your eye

If you can see a loose piece of contact lens, look upwards and gently pull your lower eyelid down. If the piece is on the white part of your eye and is easy to reach, use the pad of your clean index finger to gently remove it.

5. Gently remove the lens piece

Once the piece is on the white part of your eye, using the pads of your thumb and index finger carefully remove it.

6. Stop if you cannot remove it

If you cannot see the broken piece, cannot remove it easily or still feel something in your eye, stop trying to remove it yourself. Visit your opticianor an eye care professional so they can examine your eye and check whether any part of the lens is still present.

What not to do while removing the broken lens?

When removing a broken contact lens, avoid anything that could further irritate or harm your eye.

• Do not use tweezers or other tools to remove a broken lens, as it can damage the eye.
• Do not rinse your eye with tap water or use saliva. Tap water is not sterile and can contain microorganisms that could cause serious eye infections. Saliva can also transfer germs to the eye.
• Do not rub or massage your eye while trying to find the broken lens, as it can make the irritation worse.
• Do not sleep with the broken lens in your eye because sleeping in contact lenses can increase the risk of eye irritation and infection.
• Do not put another contact lens in if you suspect there is something in your eye or while your eye is sore or red.

When should you seek advice?

You should seek urgent help from an eye care professional if you experience:

• severe or unbearable eye pain that keeps getting worse
• redness in the eye
• blurry or hazy vision
• gritty sensation
• sensitivity to light
• ongoing discomfort or watery eyes

Please note: Pain, redness and changes in vision can sometimes be signs of an eye infection or another underlying eye problem. Contact lens wearers with these symptoms should seek immediate medical assistance.

How to prevent your contact lens from breaking?

• Handle your contact lenses as per the instructions from your optician .
• If you use reusable lenses, check for tears, cracks or damaged edges before putting them in your eyes.
• If the lens is damaged, make sure to discard it and not wear it.
• Follow the recommended replacement schedule for your reusable lenses and never wear them past it.
• Attend regular contact lens check-ups so your optician can test your vision, check how your lenses fit, see if they are suitable for your eyes and examine the health of your eyes.

Frequently asked questions

Can a broken contact lens get stuck behind my eye?

No, a contact lens cannot move behind your eye. However, a broken piece can move under your eyelid, which can make it difficult to find. If you think you have a contact lens stuck inside your eye and cannot find it, consult an optician or eye care professional.

What should I do if I cannot remove a broken contact lens?

If you can’t remove a broken contact lens, don’t keep trying to remove it yourself. Visit an optician or eye care professional so they can check your eye and remove the broken lens safely. This is especially important when you constantly feel like something is stuck in your eye.

Can I wear another contact lens after removing a broken one?

If your eye feels completely comfortable after removing the broken lens, you can wear a new one, but only after speaking to your optician. If your eye is still painful, red or irritated, do not wear another lens.

Can a broken contact lens scratch your eye?

A broken lens can cause discomfort and may irritate or scratch the eye’s surface. Rubbing the eye can make this worse. If you develop pain, redness or changes in your vision, seek prompt professional help.

How do I get a contact lens out if it is stuck to my eyeball?

Wash and dry your hands before attempting to remove the lens. Blink gently and, if needed, use suitable lubricating eye drops after reading the label. If you can see the lens, gently move it towards the white part of your eye before removing it with your index fingertip. Do not use your fingernails or any tools. If the contact lens is stuck to your eyeball and you cannot remove it easily, stop and speak to an eye care professional.

Can a contact lens split in half in my eye?

Yes, a soft contact lens can tear or split while you are wearing it. If you think your contact lens has split in half, look carefully for both pieces and remove them gently if they are easy to see and remove. If you cannot find or remove the piece, stop trying and seek help from an optician or eye care professional.

Can a contact lens get lost in my eye?

A contact lens cannot get permanently lost in your eye or move behind your eye. However, it can move under your upper or lower eyelid, making it difficult to find. If you cannot find your lens, consult an eye care professional.