Wearing contact lenses is a convenient way to correct your vision. But lots of us deal with contact lens insertion and removal problems.  It’s no fun when your lens folds, sticks to your finger, or refuses to come out of your eye.  

Putting them in and taking them out doesn’t have to be stressful. It just takes a bit of practice, says Alicia Pecco, O.D., an optometrist at the America’s Best Eyecare + Eyewear in Wyncote, Pennsylvania. She tells her patients to call or stop in if they’re ever struggling to handle their contacts with ease, adding that the optical specialists are always ready to help. 

Read on for practical solutions to some of the biggest contact lens insertion and removal issues. 

Problem: The Lens Folds While You’re Inserting It 

Solution: Avoid the temptation to pull the lens apart. You could tear it. Instead, place a few drops of contact lens solution on the lens, and gently use your thumb and finger to massage it back into shape.  

The added moisture helps unfold the lens without damaging it. Then inspect the lens carefully to make sure there are no rips. Now you can try inserting it again. 

Did you know that contact lens prescriptions need to be renewed every year? Now’s the time to book a contact lens exam! 

Problem: The Lens Gets Stuck on Your Fingertip 

Solution: If the lens won’t release onto your eye, it’s usually because your fingertip is too wet. That’s because the chemical makeup of contacts allows them to stick better to wet surfaces (like your eye) than dry ones.  

Try these tricks: 

• After removing the lens from its case and rinsing it, give it a light “shake” to rid the lens of any solution droplets. 
• Before inserting, tap your fingertip on a towel or washcloth, so the lens will easily release from your finger.  

Problem: The Lens Won’t Stick to Your Eye 

Solution: This often happens because either the lens or your eye is too dry. Lean your head back and apply a few drops of rewetting solution to your eye to lubricate it. Then, moisten the lens with contact solution before attempting to place it on your finger again. 

If the lens still doesn’t stick, it could be inside out. A properly oriented lens will look like a smooth bowl, says Pecco. Hold your fingertip up and examine your lens up close. If the edges flare outward, it’s inside out. Flip the lens (you may need to add a drop of solution) and try reinserting it. 

Curious to learn more about contact lenses? Read our guide to contact lenses here, then browse contact lens options at America’s Best! 

Problem: You Can’t Stop Blinking During Insertion 

Solution: This tends to happen when you’re a contact lens newbie. Remember: It’s important to keep your eyelid still as you insert the lens. To do this, gently hold your upper eyelid open with one hand while using your other hand to insert the lens. 

Another option: Try looking upwards and place the lens on the white part of your eye, away from the cornea (the colored part of your eye). Once the lens is in, close your eyelid slowly and blink to center the lens over your cornea. 

Problem: The Lens Feels Stuck in Your Eye 

Solution: This often happens when your eye is very dry, causing the lens to adhere to the cornea. Or sometimes it disappears under your eyelid. 

Step 1 is to add moisture. Apply a few drops of rewetting solution to your eye, close your eyelid, and gently massage the eyelid to loosen the lens. Once the lens moves freely, use a gentle pinching motion to remove it. 

If the lens is still stuck, pull your upper eyelid forward and flip it backward to locate the lens. Once found, use a rewetting drop to lubricate the lens and gently move it back to the center of your eye. 

Never try to pull or drag the lens off, which could damage both the lens and your eye.  

Problem: The Lens Rips 

Solution: Soft contact lenses are delicate and can rip easily. Always handle your lenses with clean, dry hands, and avoid using your fingernails.  

If a lens folds or dries out, don’t force it open. Use contact lens solution to soften it. When a lens tears, throw it away. You definitely torn don’t want to wear a torn lens, which can irritate your eye. 

Tired of dealing with ripped lenses? Think about switching to daily disposable lenses. Or talk to your optometrist about other, more durable lens options. 

 

Problem: You Have Difficulty Removing the Lens 

Solution: If you’re having trouble removing the lens, it’s usually because your eyes or the lens itself are too dry. Apply rewetting drops to your eyes, then wait a few moments before trying to take out the lens.  

Close your eyes, massage your eyelids gently, and use the “pinch” method to remove the lens by gently grasping it between your thumb and index finger. 

If the lens still won’t budge, follow the same steps as when the lens feels stuck in your eye: apply more moisture, massage your eyelid, and then carefully attempt removal. 

Bottom Line 

With some practice, you’ll get the hang of inserting and removing your contact lenses. And if you’re still having trouble, talk to your eye doctor. They can check that your lenses fit correctly and show you some tips for handling them correctly. 

Press play to watch and learn from an America’s Best pro: 

Medically reviewed by: John Bankowski, O.D.

See our sources: 
Contact lens wear: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  
Putting in contact lenses: American Academy of Ophthalmology  
Contact lens complications: National Library of Medicine 
Contact lens care: American Academy of Ophthalmology