Gina Heslop
On February 1, 2024, Hoda Kotb, the beloved anchor of the TODAY Show, encountered a frightening ordeal that unfolded live on air. Despite facing a daunting medical emergency, Kotb decided to soldier on and fulfill her duties at work. Little did viewers know, she was grappling with a distressing situation, a stuck contact lens in her eye.
For many, the plight of a stuck contact lens may seem trivial, but those who have endured it understand its excruciating pain and anxiety. Kotb, in her characteristic manner, downplayed the severity of the situation, but her co-host, Jenna Bush Hager, sensed her distress and expressed immediate concern. Hager’s inquiry about a potential medical emergency prompted Kotb to admit that she intended to seek help from an eye doctor but ran out of time.
During the live broadcast, Kotb courageously sought assistance from the audience, imploring them for advice on how to dislodge the obstinate contact lens. Despite her discomfort, Hager endeavored to maintain the show’s momentum. However, after a commercial break, she somberly announced that Kotb had lost vision in both eyes as her remaining contact lens had also dislodged—a trying moment for both hosts.
The viewers of the TODAY Show rallied to Kotb’s aid, offering a plethora of suggestions and techniques to remove the stubborn contact lens. With unwavering support from the audience, Kotb valiantly attempted various methods live on air, armed with a handheld mirror.
One viewer proposed a technique involving lifting the eyelid upward and looking downward to encourage the contact lens to slide down—a tactic Kotb eagerly tried amidst the live broadcast. Eventually, with the collective wisdom and encouragement of the viewers, Kotb succeeded in removing one of the contacts, a testament to the power of communal support in navigating unforeseen challenges.
As the episode concluded, viewers were invited to share their own experiences with stuck contact lenses and offer any insights or tips they may have for alleviating such predicaments—a testament to the enduring camaraderie fostered by shared experiences.
