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Writer's pictureDr. Caitlin Morrison

What To Do When Contact Lenses Feel "Stuck" : Tips for Easy Removal

Do you often find your contact lenses stubbornly clinging to your eyes after a long day of wear?


Whether you sport soft, gas permeable, prosthetic, or scleral lenses, you're not alone in facing this frustrating dilemma. The culprit behind this discomfort? Dryness.


Our eyes undergo a natural process of drying out throughout the day, causing contact lenses to lose moisture and adhere more tightly to the surface of the eye. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to make the end-of-day lens removal process smoother and more comfortable.


The Dryness Dilemma


One common scenario is wearing your contact lenses for extended periods, say 10 to 12 hours or more, and feeling a sense of resistance when attempting to take them out. This is a common experience among lens wearers of different types. The phenomenon is particularly prevalent with scleral lenses, which can sometimes feel like they're "stuck" due to the larger lens diameter and their interaction with the eye's surface.


Combatting the Dryness Factor


The secret to overcoming this annoyance lies in combating the dryness that contributes to lenses adhering more firmly to the eye. Before you even attempt to remove your lenses at the end of the day, consider integrating a simple yet effective step into your routine.

  1. Artificial Tear Solution: Invest in a high-quality, preservative-free artificial tear solution. A few excellent options are iVizia, Refresh Relieva PF, and Biotrue PF. Just before removing your lenses, instill 3-5 drops of the artificial tear solution into each eye. This act helps to reintroduce moisture and alleviate the dryness that can contribute to lenses sticking.

  2. Scleral Lens Wearers' Tip: If you are a scleral lens wearer, you have an extra trick up your sleeve. Before attempting to remove your lenses, consider lubricating your eyes with your chosen filling saline. Popular options include Modudose and Nutrifill. This additional step can enhance the ease of lens removal.

The Moisturizing Process


Once you've applied the artificial tear solution or your chosen saline, close your eyes gently and move them around underneath your eyelids. This simple action aids in distributing the moisture evenly across the eye's surface, providing relief from dryness and ensuring that your contact lenses detach more effortlessly.


Gentle Removal Technique

Now comes the moment you've been waiting for – removing those lenses. Whether you wear standard or scleral lenses, it's crucial to exercise patience and gentleness. Slowly and delicately, ease the lens away from your eye, allowing the added moisture to facilitate the process.


A Visual Refresher


For those who wear scleral lenses and need a quick refresher on the removal technique, we've prepared a helpful YouTube Short video. Check it out to reinforce your knowledge and ensure a comfortable lens removal experience.


Give It a Try!


If you've been grappling with the annoyance of lenses that feel "stuck" at the end of a long day, why not give these steps a shot? By incorporating preservative-free artificial tears or saline, moisturizing your eyes, and adopting a gentle removal technique, you could bid farewell to the discomfort and welcome a more effortless lens removal process.


Share your experiences with us! We'd love to hear whether these tips have made a difference for you. Feel free to drop a comment below and let us know how these strategies have transformed your lens-wearing routine.


Remember, a little moisture goes a long way in ensuring your lens-wearing experience remains comfortable and hassle-free.



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