A lens can feel stuck when the eye is dry, after sleeping in it, or when the surface feels irritated. Stay calm and do not dig at the eye, pinch hard, or use fingernails. Wash and dry your hands first. Blink gently and allow time for the eye to become comfortable. If your eye care professional has recommended a compatible rewetting product, use it only as directed. Never use tap water, saliva, or household products to loosen a lens.
Once the lens moves freely, remove it using the technique you were taught. If it remains difficult to move or removal causes pain, stop trying and contact an eye care professional for guidance. Do not keep tugging at the eyelid or repeatedly attempt removal, as that may irritate the eye. Afterward, wear glasses and do not reinsert the lens until you have advice, particularly if it is damaged, contaminated, or associated with ongoing discomfort.
Seek prompt professional care if you have significant pain, marked redness, light sensitivity, discharge, a persistent foreign-body feeling, or blurry vision. These symptoms need more than a home handling fix. Tell the practitioner what type of lens you wear, how long it has been in, and whether you slept or showered in it. If a lens is truly lost or you cannot tell whether it remains in the eye, avoid further manipulation and let a professional examine you.