It is a common experience for contact lens wearers to occasionally wonder if a lens remains in the eye. This uncertainty can arise from various situations, such as rubbing the eye, discomfort, or forgetting if it was removed. Understanding the indicators and appropriate steps can help address this concern.
Signs Your Contact Lens is Present
Several sensations and visual cues can indicate that a contact lens might still be in your eye. You might feel a persistent irritation or a gritty sensation, as if something is lodged in your eye. This discomfort often stems from the lens shifting from its central position over the cornea.
Visible redness in the eye, ranging from mild to pronounced, can also suggest the presence of a misplaced lens. Blurred or distorted vision in one eye, appearing as if you are looking through a foggy window, may signal a misplaced lens. Additionally, some individuals experience excessive tearing or a sudden sensitivity to light, as the eye attempts to dislodge the foreign object.
How to Physically Locate a Contact Lens
If you suspect a contact lens is still in your eye, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. Stand in front of a mirror under bright lighting to clearly examine your eye. Gently pull down your lower eyelid to inspect the white part of your eye and the area beneath the lid.
Next, lift your upper eyelid and carefully check underneath it, as lenses can sometimes fold and tuck into these areas. Look in different directions, such as up, down, left, and right, to encourage any misplaced lens to move into a more visible position. Contact lenses often have a slight tint, which can make their edges visible near your iris or on the white of your eye if they have shifted. Applying a few lubricating eye drops approved for contact lenses can also help moisten the eye and make the lens easier to spot and move.
Next Steps After Finding or Not Finding It
Once you have physically checked for the contact lens, your next actions depend on whether you located it. If the lens is found and appears intact, you can proceed with safe removal. Gently pinch the lens with the pads of your index finger and thumb, or slide it to the white of your eye and then off. After removal, dispose of a daily disposable lens, or clean and store reusable lenses according to their care regimen.
If the lens is not immediately found but discomfort persists, it may have shifted or fallen out unnoticed. Re-check your eye, focusing on corners or under eyelids. Gently massaging your closed upper eyelid can help dislodge a shifted lens.
Flushing your eye with sterile saline solution or rewetting drops can also help to rehydrate a dried lens and encourage it to move into a removable position. Avoid using tap water, as it is not sterile and can introduce microorganisms that may lead to eye infections, especially for contact lens wearers. If the lens is confirmed to be out, you can insert a fresh one if needed, ensuring your hands are clean.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
Consult an eye care professional if you cannot locate the contact lens despite self-checks or if discomfort persists. Signs warranting a visit include persistent pain, redness, or discharge. Extreme light sensitivity or sudden vision changes also require professional evaluation.
If the lens feels stuck and you cannot remove it after several hours, or if you suspect a torn piece remains, consult an eye doctor. Forceful removal or prolonged irritation can harm the eye’s surface. An eye care professional can safely remove the lens and assess for corneal abrasions or other issues.