stuck contact lens

how do i get a stuck contact lens out of my eye. i left them in overnite by mistake and now they won't budge. i've tried rewetting and going underneath with my nail, but it hurts my eye, because it pulls too much. should i just keep trying or go to emergency care. can i do permanant damage if i keep trying to pull them off? help!!!!                                                                                                thanks jh

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

Stop and cover one eye then the other. Are things clear? If so you may still have the contact in your eye but if its blurry its likely the contact has come off outside your eye or its misplaced up under your lid or off the side. If things are not clear don't try taking the contact lens off or you may injury your cornea.

If these are extended wear contacts you probably will do okay but you not seems to indicate these are daily wear contacts.

I would call the "eye doctor" that fit you and ask for their advise. Often they will arrange to see you in their office to take the contacts out.  Failing this you probably will end up going to the Emergency Room.

JCH III MD

[JodieJ]

Yes, it's the weekend.  Places like Lenscrafter, Pearle Vision, and Sears Optical usually have Sunday hours, and they generally have an optometrist on site--at least where I live.  You might try calling them before heading over the Emergency Room.

[John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO]

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