A misplaced contact lens can be alarming, often leading to the sensation that the lens has vanished entirely within the eye. A lens cannot physically get “lost” behind the eye because the conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and lining the inner eyelid, forms a continuous barrier. A lens that feels lost is merely dislodged, typically tucked up under an eyelid or folded onto itself at the side of the eye. This situation is uncomfortable but manageable, and with the right approach, safe removal is possible.
Immediate Preparation and Location Strategies
Before attempting removal, proper preparation is necessary to maintain eye health and prevent infection. Start by thoroughly washing your hands with a non-lotion, non-fragranced soap, and dry them with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring debris or oils to your eye. If the lens feels dry, apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or contact lens-safe rewetting drops. This lubrication helps rehydrate the lens, allowing it to regain flexibility and move more freely.
Once your hands are clean and the eye is lubricated, use a mirror and bright lighting to visually inspect the eye. If the lens is not immediately visible, gently look up, down, left, and right while keeping your eyelids open. This movement can encourage the lens to slide back toward the center of the eye where it is easily accessible. If the lens is suspected to be under the upper lid, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid in a downward motion to guide the lens toward the lower part of the eye.
Step-by-Step Removal Techniques
The most common technique for a misplaced soft lens is the gentle slide method, which moves the lens from an inaccessible area to the white part of the eye. Use the pad of your index finger to press lightly on your eyelid over the suspected location. Gently guide the lens toward the lower, exposed part of the eye; once the lens is on the sclera, it is much easier to remove.
If the lens is stuck on the center of the eye, applying a steady, gentle stream of sterile saline solution can help float the lens off the cornea. After flushing, close your eye and blink rapidly and gently to help reposition the lens or prompt it to move toward the lower lid. This technique is useful for lenses that have dried out and are adhering tightly to the eye’s surface.
Removing Soft Lenses
For final removal of a soft lens, the pinch method is most effective once the lens is within reach. Use the pads of your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the edge of the lens, causing it to fold slightly and lift away from the eye. Avoid using your fingernails, which can scratch the cornea or tear the lens.
Removing Rigid Lenses
Rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses require a different approach. Gently pressing the eyelid just outside the lens edge can break the suction holding it to the eye, or a small specialized suction tool may be needed.
Post-Removal Care and Warning Signs
After successfully removing the misplaced lens, flush the eye again with sterile saline or lubricating drops to wash away any residual material and soothe the eye surface. Do not immediately reinsert a contact lens into the affected eye, as the cornea may be irritated and needs time to recover. Wearing glasses for the rest of the day allows the eye to heal and reduces the risk of further irritation.
Monitor your eye for signs of continued discomfort, which may indicate a corneal abrasion or that a small piece of a torn lens remains. Seek professional medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following warning signs:
- Persistent or severe pain.
- Redness that does not improve after an hour.
- Noticeable, blurry vision that does not resolve.
- Extreme sensitivity to light.
- The persistent feeling that a foreign object is still present.