When you cannot recall if you removed your contact lenses, a moment of stress is common. This memory lapse frequently occurs for contact lens wearers, especially after a long day or when routines are disrupted. A lens cannot physically slip behind your eye due to the protective membrane called the conjunctiva. This article provides a clear guide to confirm the presence of a lens and outlines the necessary next steps for safe eye care.
Immediate Confirmation: Are They Still In?
The fastest way to confirm whether a lens is present is by conducting a visual check in a well-lit area using a mirror. Contact lenses have a slight tint or edge that may be visible, especially if the lens has shifted off the center of the cornea. Gently pull your lower eyelid down while looking up, and pull your upper eyelid up while looking down to inspect the white parts of the eye.
A simple physical test involves the gentle lid flip or slide technique. With clean hands, gently pull your lower eyelid away from the eyeball and observe the inner surface, then repeat with the upper eyelid. If the lens is still in, you may notice it moving or see a folded edge tucked under the lid.
If a lens is present but displaced, you might experience a foreign body sensation, mild irritation, or slight blurriness. If your vision is perfectly clear and you feel no discomfort, the lens has most likely fallen out. If you are still unsure, adding lubricating eye drops can help dislodge a folded or stuck lens, allowing it to move back to the center of the eye.
Safe Removal Procedures and Immediate Care
If you confirm the lens is still in, especially if it has dried out or been in for an extended period, hygiene and lubrication are important. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a lint-free towel to prevent introducing bacteria. A dry lens can stick tightly to the corneal surface, and attempting to pinch it off immediately risks a corneal abrasion.
The step is to re-wet the eye and the lens using preservative-free artificial tears or sterile saline solution. Apply three to five drops, keeping the eye closed for a few minutes to allow the lens to rehydrate. Once the lens feels mobile, gently slide it down to the white part of the eye before using the standard pinch technique to remove it.
After removing the lens, allow your eye to rest by avoiding the immediate insertion of a new lens. Use artificial tears to soothe any remaining irritation, and wear glasses for the remainder of the day. If the removed soft lens was significantly dried out, discard it and use a fresh one, after inspecting it for tears or damage.
Recognizing Symptoms and Potential Risks
Leaving a contact lens in for an unusually long duration, especially overnight, can lead to complications because the lens acts as a barrier. The cornea relies on oxygen from the air, and a lens worn too long restricts this supply, leading to corneal hypoxia. This lack of oxygen can cause the cornea to swell and weaken its natural defenses against infection.
Minor symptoms of overwear include persistent redness, mild irritation, a gritty feeling, or slight blurriness. These signals indicate that the cornea is stressed and needs a break from lens wear. The more concerning risk is the increased likelihood of developing microbial keratitis, a serious infection that inflames the cornea.
Symptoms requiring immediate professional attention include severe, persistent pain that does not resolve after removal, sudden vision reduction, or extreme sensitivity to light (photophobia). A cloudy or hazy appearance of the cornea or a noticeable discharge also signals a potential infection that must be evaluated by an eye care specialist. Studies indicate that sleeping in lenses increases the risk of microbial keratitis by over five times.
Simple Habits to Prevent Forgetfulness
Preventing this memory lapse involves establishing a consistent routine that is hard to ignore. The simplest strategy is to use the “pairing” method by linking contact removal to a non-negotiable daily task. For instance, always remove your lenses immediately before you brush your teeth or wash your face.
Another effective technique is to use visual cues that serve as physical reminders. Place your contact lens case and solution prominently next to your sink or on your nightstand. This placement ensures the process is a definitive part of your pre-sleep ritual.
Technology can also provide a solution by setting a recurring daily alarm on your phone for a specific removal time. Make it a habit to wear your lenses for the minimum amount of time necessary, putting them in right before you need them and taking them out as soon as you get home. This practice minimizes the window of opportunity for forgetfulness and reduces the risk of overwear.