Navigating the moment when you are unsure if your contact lens is still in your eye can be a very anxious experience for wearers. Because contact lenses are designed to be thin and conform perfectly to the eye’s surface, a displaced lens can sometimes be difficult to feel or see immediately. The key to resolving this situation is to remain calm, as rushing or excessive rubbing can lead to irritation or even a corneal abrasion. Understanding the subtle clues your eye provides helps determine if the lens has simply fallen out or if it is still present but out of its proper position.
Recognizing the Telltale Symptoms
A contact lens that has shifted will typically cause a distinct set of physical sensations. The most common sign is a sharp or persistent foreign body sensation, which is the feeling that something scratchy is directly on the eye’s surface or under the eyelid. If the lens is folded or tucked, this irritation may shift when you blink or look in different directions, indicating mobility.
Another strong indication of a misplaced lens is a sudden, localized blurriness in one eye, where the vision appears foggy or distorted. This occurs because the lens is no longer centered over the cornea to correct your vision effectively. If the lens has completely fallen out, the initial scratchy feeling usually fades quickly, leaving only the familiar blur of uncorrected vision. If a lens is present but dry, it may adhere to the eye, causing discomfort and a lack of movement until it is rehydrated.
Practical Steps for Finding the Contact
Before beginning any search, thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the eye. Once your hands are clean, use a brightly lit mirror to visually inspect the eye. The slight tint of most soft contact lenses means you can often spot the edge of the lens against the white part of your eye, the sclera.
If a visual check does not immediately reveal the lens, use gentle manipulation to encourage a misplaced lens to move. Look down and gently pull your upper eyelid upward and away from the eye. Then, look up and gently pull your lower eyelid down. This technique helps to expose the areas where a soft lens often folds or tucks itself, particularly high up under the upper lid.
Applying contact lens rewetting drops or sterile saline solution is helpful, as a dry lens may become adhered to the eye and resist movement. The added moisture helps float the lens, making it more flexible and easier to dislodge. After applying the drops, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid, moving your finger in small, circular motions toward the center of your eye to guide the lens back into position for removal.
Safety Measures After Searching
If you successfully find and remove the lens, immediately inspect it for any tears or missing fragments before cleaning it thoroughly or discarding it, depending on the lens type. Rest your eye for a few hours and use artificial tears to soothe any residual irritation before reinserting a new lens.
If you are unable to locate the lens, remember that it is anatomically impossible for a contact lens to get permanently lost behind your eye. The conjunctiva forms a continuous barrier that prevents objects from slipping into the orbital space. However, contact an eye care professional if you experience persistent, severe pain, lasting blurry vision, or significant redness that does not improve after a few hours. These symptoms can indicate a corneal abrasion, which requires immediate assessment and care. Avoid wearing another contact lens in the affected eye until a doctor has confirmed the eye is healthy.