A lost or stuck contact lens often triggers immediate anxiety, feeling like a sudden disappearance from the front of the eye. This common issue occurs when the soft lens folds, shifts off the central cornea, or migrates under an eyelid. While uncomfortable, this situation is manageable and rarely a medical emergency. Safe removal requires maintaining a calm approach and following gentle techniques to dislodge the lens without harming the eye’s surface.
Understanding Lens Location
Many wearers fear the lens has slipped entirely behind the eyeball, but this is anatomically impossible due to the eye’s physical structure. A thin, transparent membrane called the conjunctiva covers the white part of the eye (sclera) and folds back to line the inside of the eyelids. This continuous barrier forms a pouch that completely seals off the back of the eye socket. Therefore, a dislodged contact lens can only travel as far as the folds of this membrane, often getting trapped beneath the upper eyelid.
Techniques for Dislodging a Stuck Lens
Safely retrieving a displaced lens begins with preparation to prevent introducing bacteria or debris. Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water, avoiding oil-based soaps, and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. Work in a well-lit area with a mirror to help locate the lens and monitor the removal process.
Rehydrating the lens and eye surface is the next step, as dryness causes the lens to adhere to the cornea. Apply a steady stream of sterile saline solution, rewetting drops, or artificial tears approved for contact lenses directly into the affected eye. This lubrication moistens the lens material, making it flexible and less adherent. Never use tap water, as it is not sterile and risks infection.
To encourage movement, gently close your eye and blink repeatedly, using natural moisture and eyelid motion to shift the lens position. If the lens remains elusive, gently massage the closed eyelid with the flat pad of your fingertip. If the lens is under the upper lid, look down while massaging to guide it toward the center. If the lens is under the lower lid, look up during the gentle massage.
Once the lens is visible and centered, attempt direct removal using your standard technique. Gently pinch the lens between the pads of your thumb and index finger. Use the soft pad of the finger, not the fingernail, to prevent scratching the corneal tissue. If the lens is still stuck, repeat the rewetting and massaging steps; a dried-out lens may take up to fifteen minutes to loosen.
Recognizing When Medical Intervention is Necessary
While most stuck lenses are safely removed at home, certain symptoms require stopping self-removal efforts and seeking professional medical attention. Consult an eye care professional if you cannot locate or remove the lens after multiple, gentle attempts over a few hours. Continuing to rub or probe a stuck lens can lead to a corneal abrasion, requiring proper diagnosis and care.
Immediate attention is warranted if you experience persistent pain, or if the eye remains noticeably red or inflamed after the lens is out. Other signs to watch for include blurry or altered vision that does not clear up, an unusual amount of discharge, or an ongoing foreign body sensation that lasts for several hours. These symptoms may suggest a complication, such as a corneal scratch, a torn piece of the lens remaining in the eye, or the beginning of an infection.