Contact lens wearers often experience the unsettling feeling that a lens might be stuck or lost within the eye. This sensation can cause confusion about whether the lens is truly present or if discomfort stems from another issue. Understanding specific signs and symptoms helps determine if a contact lens is stuck, guiding appropriate action.
Common Sensations
When a contact lens is stuck, a person experiences a foreign body sensation, as if something is persistently in the eye. This feeling can manifest as irritation, scratchiness, or grittiness, which may not always be painful but is uncomfortable. The irritation stems from the lens shifting off the central cornea, the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye. This can lead to a persistent awareness of the lens. Discomfort might also feel like a sharp, scratching pain or a burning sensation, especially if the lens has dried out or folded.
Visual Clues
Beyond physical sensations, observable signs indicate a dislodged or stuck contact lens. Redness of the eye, which signifies irritation or inflammation, is a common visual cue. Excessive tearing is another frequent response, as the eye attempts to flush out the perceived foreign object. The contact lens might be visible, appearing as a slight tint or edge near the iris, or it could be folded or displaced under an eyelid. Checking in a mirror under bright light, while gently pulling down the lower eyelid or lifting the upper eyelid, can help locate the lens if it has shifted to these areas.
Differentiating from Other Eye Issues
Distinguishing a stuck contact lens from other eye irritations requires careful observation. The persistent foreign body sensation of a stuck lens differs from a stray eyelash or dust particle, which often flush out with blinking or tearing quickly. Unlike general eye dryness, a stuck contact lens often presents with localized discomfort. A corneal scratch, or abrasion, might also cause pain, redness, and sensitivity to light, but these symptoms often worsen after lens removal, indicating surface damage. If discomfort lessens or disappears after attempting to remove a suspected lens, it suggests the sensation was due to dryness or another temporary irritant.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many instances of a stuck contact lens can be resolved at home, certain circumstances warrant professional attention. If the lens cannot be located or removed after several gentle attempts, or if pain becomes severe or worsens, seek help. Vision changes, such as persistent blurriness or double vision, or excessive discharge from the eye, could indicate a serious underlying issue like an infection. If the eye remains red, irritated, or painful even after a presumed successful lens removal, it suggests potential damage to the eye’s surface, such as a corneal abrasion, requiring medical evaluation.