A common concern among contact lens wearers is the fear of a lens becoming lost behind the eye. A contact lens cannot get trapped behind the eyeball. The eye’s natural anatomy, a membrane called the conjunctiva, prevents this. While a lens can feel displaced, it remains on the front surface of the eye, typically under an eyelid. This sensation often arises from the lens folding or shifting from its proper position.
Understanding Contact Lens Misplacement
When a contact lens shifts, it moves from its central position on the cornea, often lodging under an eyelid. This displacement can occur for several reasons, including vigorous eye rubbing, which can fold or dislodge the lens. Dry eyes also contribute, as a dry lens may not move smoothly and can stick. Improper insertion or removal, or external factors like a foreign object, can also cause a lens to shift.
Steps to Locate and Remove a Displaced Lens
When a contact lens feels displaced, remain calm. First, wash your hands to prevent introducing bacteria. Use a mirror under good lighting to examine your eye. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look for the lens, then lift your upper eyelid and glance downwards.
If the lens is not immediately visible, apply a few rewetting drops or sterile saline solution to lubricate your eye and help the lens move. Blink repeatedly to encourage the lens to reposition. With your eye closed, gently massage your eyelid to guide it back towards the center. Looking downward can help bring a lens under the upper eyelid into view.
Once the lens becomes visible or moves to an accessible area, pinch it to remove. If folded, soaking it in solution can help restore its shape. This may take several attempts.
When to Seek Professional Help
While most displaced lenses can be removed at home, certain situations warrant consulting an eye care professional. Seek help if you experience persistent irritation, pain, or redness even after the lens has been removed. Blurry vision that continues despite the lens’s removal is another indicator that professional attention is needed.
Signs such as unusual discharge from the eye, increased sensitivity to light, or a gritty sensation could suggest an infection or corneal abrasion. If you are unable to locate or retrieve the lens after multiple attempts, or if your eye remains bothersome, an optometrist can safely retrieve the lens and assess for any potential damage. Leaving a lens in too long or attempting improper removal can increase the risk of scratching the cornea or causing an infection.
Preventing Lens Misplacement
Taking proactive steps can reduce the chances of contact lens misplacement. Ensure your hands are clean before handling lenses to avoid introducing contaminants or affecting lens grip. Proper insertion and removal techniques are fundamental; following your eye care professional’s instructions for these steps helps maintain the lens’s position. Avoiding vigorous eye rubbing is important, as this can dislodge a lens.
Using rewetting drops or artificial tears throughout the day can help maintain adequate eye moisture, preventing the lens from drying out and sticking to the eye’s surface. Additionally, ensuring you have the correct lens fit is crucial; a lens that is too flat or too steep can move excessively on the eye. Regular eye exams allow your eye care professional to confirm the optimal lens parameters for your eyes and address any fit issues.