What steps should be taken if a lens feels dry and sticky on the eye?

What steps should be taken if a lens feels dry and sticky on the eye?

• A. Remove lens, rinse with sterile saline if available, reinsert or replace with a fresh lens; contact clinician if uncomfortable
• B. Blink rapidly and reinsert
• C. Continue wearing until end of day
• D. Switch to glasses temporarily

Answer: (A)

When a lens feels dry and sticky, the surface isn’t being adequately lubricated and debris or deposits may be affecting comfort. The safest approach is to remove the lens to protect the cornea, rinse it with sterile saline to remove buildup and rehydrate the lens, and then reinsert it if it feels comfortable or replace it with a fresh lens. This helps restore lubrication, reduces irritation, and lowers the risk of rubbing or damage to the eye. If discomfort or vision changes persist after reinsertion, contact your eye care professional promptly. For the moment, avoid wearing a lens that remains uncomfortable, and consider switching to glasses until the issue is resolved.