Hoda Kotb, the popular anchor of the TODAY Show, had a scary moment on February 1, 2024. Despite experiencing a “medical emergency,” she bravely chose to go to work. During the live broadcast, she revealed that she had a contact lens stuck in her eye. This may not seem like a big deal to some, but anyone who has experienced it knows how painful and frightening it can be.

Kotb downplayed the seriousness of the situation, but her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, immediately expressed concern. She asked if it was a medical emergency, to which Kotb responded that she was planning to visit the eye doctor but ran out of time. In a plea to viewers, Kotb asked for their advice on how to remove the stuck contact lens.

Despite her discomfort, Hager tried to continue with the show as scheduled. However, after a commercial break, she announced that Kotb had lost all eyesight because her other contact lens had fallen out. It was a challenging moment for both of them.

Thankfully, the viewers of TODAY came to Kotb’s aid. They started offering tips and tricks on how to remove a stuck contact lens. Kotb even tried some of the advice live during the show, with a handheld mirror in hand.

One viewer suggested lifting the eyelid all the way up and looking all the way down to make the contact lens slide down. Kotb gamely tried this suggestion, which you can watch in the video below.

Despite the initial scare, Kotb was eventually able to remove one of the contacts with the help of the viewers. It was a reminder of the power of community and how we can all come together to support each other, even in unexpected situations.

Have you ever experienced a contact lens getting stuck in your eye? If so, share your story and any tips you have for removing it.