Losing a contact lens can be frustrating, but the lens is rarely truly “lost.” The eye’s natural anatomy, specifically the conjunctiva (a thin membrane lining the inside of the eyelids and covering the white of the eye), prevents any object from slipping behind the eyeball. A dislodged lens is either still in your eye or has fallen out completely. Approaching the situation with a calm, systematic search technique offers the best chance of finding and safely recovering it.
Steps for Finding a Lens Stuck in the Eye
If you feel irritation or blurry vision, the lens has likely shifted off the cornea and is stuck under an eyelid. First, wash your hands thoroughly with a non-moisturizing soap to prevent introducing bacteria. Resist the impulse to rub the eye, as this can scratch the cornea or cause the lens to tear.
The next step is to re-lubricate the eye, which helps rehydrate the lens. Use rewetting drops approved for contact lenses or sterile saline solution to irrigate the eye for several seconds. After adding the drops, close your eye and gently massage your upper eyelid to help loosen the lens.
Look into a mirror under good lighting to locate the lens, which often has a slight tint. If it is not immediately visible, manipulate your eyelids gently by pulling the lower lid down while simultaneously lifting the upper lid. Try blinking repeatedly; this action can sometimes shift the lens back toward the center of the eye for safe removal. If the lens is still stuck, gently massage the eyelid to reposition it for careful pinch-removal using the flat pads of your fingers.
Strategies for Locating a Dropped Lens
When the lens has fallen out, minimize movement in the area where it landed to avoid crushing it. Remove your shoes before starting the search. Since a contact lens does not fall far, focus your initial search on the immediate vicinity, including your clothes and shoes.
The most effective tool for locating a dropped lens is a flashlight or a phone’s light. Darken the room and hold the light source nearly parallel to the floor or counter surface. The light will catch the edge of the lens, causing it to reflect or create a small shadow, making the translucent object visible.
If the lens is on a hard surface, like tile or a countertop, use a systematic grid search. For carpeted or fabric surfaces, cover the nozzle of a vacuum cleaner with a nylon stocking secured by a rubber band. Using the vacuum on its lowest setting, gently run the covered nozzle over the search area; the lens will be captured against the stocking. Once located, handle the lens with care, using only the pads of your fingers to lift it.
Essential Follow-Up Care and When to Seek Help
After successfully recovering a lens, it must be thoroughly inspected and disinfected before reinsertion. Hold the lens up to a bright light and check for any nicks, tears, or misshapen edges, as a damaged lens can scratch the cornea. If the lens was dropped outside the eye, it must be cleaned and disinfected with fresh solution according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you wear daily disposable lenses, it is safest to discard the dropped lens entirely and use a fresh one to minimize infection risk. If the eye is red, irritated, or feels gritty after the search, refrain from wearing the lens and switch to glasses to allow the tissue to heal.
You should contact an eye care professional immediately if you experience persistent pain, worsening blurred vision, extreme light sensitivity, or discharge from the eye. These symptoms can indicate a serious eye infection or a corneal abrasion that requires prompt medical attention.