The unsettling sensation of a contact lens that has seemingly vanished in the eye is a common experience for wearers. Although the feeling causes immediate stress, it is important to understand that a lens cannot physically get lost behind the eye. The conjunctiva, a continuous membrane lining the inner surface of the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye, creates a barrier. This barrier prevents any foreign object from passing into the back of the eye socket. A lens is simply displaced, often tucked under an eyelid, and can be safely located and removed.
Step-by-Step Guide to Locate the Lens
The search for a dislodged lens should begin only after thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria to the eye. Find a well-lit area and use a mirror to carefully examine the front surface of your eye. If the lens is not centered on the cornea, it will likely appear as a semi-transparent or colored disc shifted toward the corner of the eye or under one of the eyelids.
If the lens is not immediately visible, apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or rewetting drops approved for contact lens use. This lubrication helps to rehydrate the lens, which may have dried out and stuck to the eye’s surface, making it difficult to move. Once the eye is lubricated, look in the direction opposite to where you suspect the lens is lodged. For example, if you think the lens is under your upper lid, look down, as this maneuver can sometimes shift the lens back to the center of the eye.
To check under the lower eyelid, gently pull the lid down while looking upward. To check the upper eyelid, look down toward your feet, then gently pull the upper lid outward and down over the lower lid. You can also close your eye and gently massage the eyelid using light pressure, which may encourage the lens to slide down. If the lens is still stuck and you can see it, gently slide it back onto the cornea or toward the outer corner of the eye before attempting to pinch it out with the pads of your thumb and index finger.
Understanding Irritation When the Lens is Absent
Sometimes, the foreign body sensation persists even after you have confirmed the lens is out of your eye or found it on the floor. This lingering irritation, scratchiness, or redness can occur because the lens itself caused a temporary disruption to the delicate ocular surface. A common cause is a mild corneal abrasion, which is a superficial scratch on the clear front dome of the eye. This abrasion is caused by the lens folding, tearing, or being removed with too much force.
The sensation of a corneal abrasion often mimics the feeling of having something still in the eye, sometimes described as a gritty or sandy feeling. The eye’s nerve endings are highly sensitive, and an injury to the surface layer, the epithelium, can trigger a strong protective response. Another possibility is contact lens overwear syndrome, where the cornea has experienced reduced oxygen supply, leading to inflammation and increased sensitivity. This inflammation can cause a persistent feeling of discomfort even after the lens is removed.
Immediate Steps If the Lens Cannot Be Found
If you have performed a thorough, gentle search and still cannot confirm the lens is out, the most important action is to stop the search immediately to prevent unnecessary trauma to the eye. Repeatedly probing the eye can turn a minor irritation into a more significant injury, such as a larger corneal abrasion. Rest your eye for a period, switching to glasses if you have them, to allow the tear film to re-establish itself and begin the natural healing process.
You should continue to use preservative-free rewetting drops to keep the eye lubricated and comfortable. These drops will also help flush out any potential debris or a tiny piece of a torn lens. Avoid the use of tap water, which contains microorganisms that can cause serious eye infections.
Seek professional medical attention from an eye care provider if the irritation is accompanied by more severe symptoms. These symptoms include a noticeable decrease in vision, persistent or increasing pain, discharge from the eye, or redness that does not begin to subside after a few hours of resting the eye.