Contact lens wearers often experience the sensation of a lens becoming stuck in their eye. While this sensation can be unsettling, lenses rarely get truly lost or lodged behind the eye due to the eye’s natural anatomy. The conjunctiva, a thin membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelids and covering the white part of the eyeball, prevents objects from traveling behind the eye. This article guides you through recognizing the signs of a misplaced contact lens and the steps to take if you suspect one is still in your eye.
Common Sensations and Indicators
A stuck or misplaced contact lens can cause various sensations. Many report a persistent feeling of irritation, similar to having a foreign object in the eye. This can manifest as a gritty, scratchy, or even sharp, burning pain. Such discomfort often persists even after blinking or attempting to flush the eye.
Increased redness, mild or pronounced, is another reaction. This redness often signals irritation or inflammation caused by the misplaced lens. Blurred vision is a common indicator if the lens shifts off the cornea or folds, disrupting clear sight. Excessive tearing or unusual dryness can also occur, both responses to eye irritation.
Visual Inspection Techniques
To locate a stuck contact lens, perform a careful visual inspection. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria or debris. Dry your hands with a lint-free towel to avoid leaving fibers behind.
Stand in front of a well-lit mirror for a clear view of your eye. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look upwards, examining the lower part of your eye for any sign of the lens. Next, lift your upper eyelid and look downwards, checking the area beneath the upper lid where a lens might become tucked. Contact lenses often have a slight tint, even clear ones, which helps in spotting them.
If the lens isn’t immediately visible, blink repeatedly; this can help dislodge or reposition it. You can also gently massage your closed eyelid to encourage the lens to move back towards the center. Apply a few drops of saline solution or rewetting drops approved for contact lenses to moisten the lens, making it more flexible and easier to move or remove.
When to Seek Professional Care
While many stuck contact lens issues resolve at home, some circumstances warrant professional medical attention. If you experience persistent pain, significant redness, or discomfort that does not improve after attempting to remove or locate the lens, consult an eye care professional. These symptoms could indicate a scratched cornea or other irritation requiring assessment.
Changes in vision, such as increased blurriness, light sensitivity, or halos around objects, particularly if they worsen or do not resolve, should prompt a visit to an eye doctor. These signs, along with any unusual eye discharge or eyelid swelling, could be symptoms of an eye infection requiring prompt treatment.
If you cannot locate or remove the lens despite careful inspection techniques, or suspect the lens has torn and pieces remain, seek professional help. Avoid aggressive removal attempts, as this can cause further injury. An eye care professional has the tools and expertise to safely remove the lens and address any underlying issues.