Being unsure whether a contact lens has slipped out or is still lodged in the eye is a common experience. A contact lens cannot get truly lost behind your eyeball because the conjunctiva, a thin membrane lining the inner eyelid and covering the white of the eye, prevents objects from traveling past the front surface. The lens is always accessible, even if it has moved out of sight under an eyelid. Knowing how to assess the situation quickly and safely is the first step toward resolving discomfort and preventing irritation.
Immediate Steps for Confirmation
The primary way to determine if the lens is still present is to pay close attention to symptoms. A persistent scratchy or gritty sensation, known as a foreign body sensation, suggests the lens is still on the eye but may be dried out or dislodged from the central cornea. The eye may also water excessively or show mild redness as it attempts to flush out the irritant. To visually confirm the lens’s presence, wash your hands thoroughly and stand in front of a well-lit mirror. Gently pull down the lower eyelid and lift the upper eyelid to scan the white surface of the eye for the lens’s slight tint or edge.
Techniques for Finding a Hidden Lens
If symptoms confirm a lens is present but the visual check does not reveal it, the lens is likely tucked underneath the upper eyelid. To encourage the lens to return to a visible position, apply a few drops of sterile saline or rewetting drops to the eye. This rehydrates the lens, making it more pliable and easier to move. Close your eye and gently massage the eyelid in circular motions, or try moving the eyelid down toward the center of the eye. This gentle pressure helps dislodge the lens and encourages it to slide back toward the cornea.
Safe Removal Procedures
Once the lens is located and has moved back to the visible surface of the eye, safe removal is the next step. Before touching your eye, ensure your hands are clean and dry to prevent bacteria transfer and make gripping the lens easier. If the lens feels dry or stuck, apply another drop of rewetting solution and blink a few times for lubrication. The most common method is the pinch technique, using the pads of your index finger and thumb to gently squeeze the lens off the eye. Alternatively, the slide-down method involves using your index finger to lightly slide the lens onto the white part of the eye before pinching it.
When to Seek Professional Attention
While most displaced contact lenses can be resolved with self-care, certain symptoms warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional. If you confirm the lens is removed or believe it has fallen out, yet still experience persistent, severe pain or a sharp scratching sensation, seek help, as this may suggest a corneal abrasion. Other warning signs include sudden, significant vision changes, extreme light sensitivity, excessive redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. If you have made multiple attempts to locate and remove the lens and are certain it is still in your eye, a professional can safely retrieve it. They have the specialized tools and expertise to handle stubborn or deeply tucked lenses without causing further harm.