Contact lenses are thin, curved devices placed directly on the surface of the eye to correct vision impairments. They float on the tear film that covers the cornea, providing an alternative to eyeglasses for millions of people. While generally safe and convenient, a common concern is the feeling that a contact lens has become stuck in the eye. This sensation is frequent and can often be resolved with simple steps.
Common Indicators
A displaced or stuck contact lens causes noticeable sensations and symptoms. You might experience persistent discomfort, often described as a foreign body sensation, or a feeling like something is scratching the eye. The eye may become red and irritated, sometimes with a burning sensation or difficulty opening the eye without pain. Vision can also be affected, appearing blurry or foggy, as if looking through a cloudy window. Other signs include excessive tearing, increased sensitivity to light (photophobia), or a gritty feeling.
Self-Examination Methods
If you suspect a contact lens is stuck, a systematic self-examination can help locate it. First, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing any foreign particles or germs to your eye. Stand in front of a brightly lit mirror. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to inspect the white part of your eye and the surrounding area, and pull up your upper eyelid to check underneath the top lid. Moving your eyeball in different directions can also help expose the lens, which usually has a slight tint around its edges.
Immediate Actions
Once a displaced contact lens is located, several actions can facilitate its safe removal. If the lens feels dry and stuck, apply contact lens rewetting drops, sterile saline solution, or multipurpose solution to your eye, then blink repeatedly to rehydrate and encourage movement. Gently massaging your closed upper eyelid can also help dislodge the lens and move it towards the center. For soft lenses, once rehydrated and movable, remove it by gently pinching it between your thumb and index finger. If off-center, look in the opposite direction while gently massaging your eyelid to guide it back to the center.
For rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, the removal approach differs. Avoid massaging the eyelid vigorously, as the harder material could potentially scratch the cornea. Instead, if the RGP lens is stuck on the white of your eye, gently press your eye with the pad of your finger just outside the edge of the lens to break the suction. Suction cups, available at drugstores, can also be used by pressing the concave end onto the center of the stuck RGP lens to remove it. If a soft contact lens has torn, larger pieces can be guided to the corner of the eye with a finger for removal, while smaller fragments might be flushed out with saline solution.
When to Consult a Professional
While many instances of a stuck contact lens can be resolved at home, some situations necessitate professional medical attention. If you experience persistent pain, worsening redness, or increased irritation even after removing the lens, or if you are unable to remove the lens yourself after several attempts, contact an eye doctor. Other signs that warrant a visit include significant changes in vision, discharge from the eye, or if your eye feels scratched or injured. These symptoms could indicate a corneal abrasion or an infection, such as keratitis, which can be serious if left untreated. Timely consultation can help prevent complications and preserve eye health.