The sensation of a contact lens slipping away and feeling lost somewhere in the back of the eye can be alarming. While discomfort and temporary vision disturbance are real concerns, a displaced lens is a common occurrence and can be retrieved safely using the correct techniques. Remaining calm is the first step toward successful removal.
Understanding Where the Lens Cannot Go
The fear that a contact lens has migrated to the back of the eye socket is understandable, but it is anatomically impossible. This is due to the conjunctiva, a protective mucous membrane. This transparent tissue covers the white part of the eyeball (sclera) and folds back to line the inside of the eyelids.
This continuous lining forms a natural barrier, creating a closed pocket that prevents foreign objects from traveling behind the eye. The lens can only travel as far as the crease where the conjunctiva folds back, known as the conjunctival fornix. When a lens is “lost,” it is merely displaced, usually folded beneath the upper eyelid, and remains accessible from the front of the eye.
Preparation Steps Before Attempting Removal
Before attempting to manipulate the displaced lens, complete certain safety steps to prevent infection or injury. Begin by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, and then drying them with a clean, lint-free towel. This hygiene protocol minimizes the risk of introducing bacteria or debris into the eye.
The next step involves rehydrating the lens and the eye’s surface, as a dry lens is often a stuck lens. Apply several drops of sterile saline solution, contact lens rewetting drops, or artificial tears approved for use with contacts. This fluid helps moisturize the lens material, making it softer, more flexible, and easier to slide across the ocular surface. It is helpful to wait a minute or two after application to allow the lens to fully absorb the moisture before proceeding.
Finally, position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror to ensure a clear view of the eye’s surface and any visible edge of the lens. Use your non-dominant hand to gently hold the eyelids open for better inspection and access during the retrieval process.
Step-by-Step Techniques for Dislodging the Lens
The Blinking Method
Once the eye is adequately lubricated, the gentlest method to encourage the lens to return to the center is the Blinking Method. Close your eye and then blink repeatedly and purposefully, aiming for a full closure with each blink. This natural muscle action can sometimes generate enough movement to shift a folded or displaced lens back over the cornea where it can be seen and removed.
Eyelid Massage Technique
If blinking alone does not work, the Eyelid Massage Technique can be used to manually guide the lens. Determine the general location of the lens by gently feeling through the closed eyelid or by inspecting the upper and lower sacs of the eye. If the lens is suspected to be under the upper lid, look down as far as possible while gently massaging the closed upper eyelid in a downward motion toward the center of the eye.
The massage should be very light, using the pad of a clean finger to avoid scratching the cornea beneath the eyelid. If the lens is under the lower lid, look up while gently massaging the lower lid upwards. The goal is to maneuver the lens from the conjunctival fold back onto the central cornea or the lower white part of the eye.
Direct Removal
The lens will often unfold and become visible in a more accessible position after a few attempts of blinking and massaging. Once the lens is visible, use the Direct Removal method, which involves gently pinching the lens between the pads of your index finger and thumb. If the lens is on the white of the eye, slide it down to the lower part of the eye before pinching it off to avoid irritating the sensitive cornea.
When to Stop and Contact a Doctor
While most displaced lenses can be removed at home, recognize when to cease attempts and seek professional help. If the lens cannot be located or retrieved after two to three gentle attempts, or if you feel persistent, sharp pain, stop immediately. Continued forceful manipulation increases the risk of damaging the corneal epithelium, the outermost layer of the eye.
Specific symptoms signal that a visit to an eye care professional is necessary, even if the lens has been successfully removed. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Persistent eye pain or severe redness that does not subside.
- Unusual eye discharge, which can be a sign of infection.
- Significant sensitivity to light or blurred vision after the lens is out.
- The lingering sensation that a foreign object is still present.
These symptoms may indicate a corneal abrasion, which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment.