A contact lens that feels stuck or appears missing can cause alarm, but the situation is almost never an emergency. It is common for a lens to move from the cornea and become temporarily lodged under an eyelid. Remember that the lens cannot actually slip to the back of your eye, despite the sensation. By remaining calm and following a few simple steps, you can safely locate and remove the dislodged lens at home.
Understanding Why It Cannot Get Lost
The fear that a contact lens has migrated to the back of your eye is anatomically impossible. A protective membrane called the conjunctiva covers the white part of your eyeball and lines the inside of your eyelids. This structure is continuous, connecting the eyelid to the eye surface and forming a closed pouch. This natural barrier prevents any foreign object from moving beyond the front surface of the eye. The lens is simply displaced into the space created by the folded conjunctiva, often called the fornix, where it is temporarily hidden.
Step-by-Step Guide to Safe Removal
The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them on a lint-free towel. Proper hygiene is necessary to avoid introducing bacteria that could lead to an eye infection. Position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror to help locate the lens and monitor your progress.
If the lens feels dry and stuck to the center of the cornea, do not attempt to pinch or rub it off immediately. The lens must first be rehydrated to restore its flexibility and prevent corneal damage. Apply several drops of sterile saline solution or contact lens rewetting drops, then close your eye and wait.
Once the lens is lubricated, gently massage your closed eyelid to encourage movement. You can also try blinking repeatedly to help the lens shift from its dried position. A severely dry lens may require several minutes and multiple applications of drops to become pliable and movable.
If the lens is off-center, use eye movement to help relocate it. If the lens is stuck high under your upper eyelid, look down toward your feet. If it is low, look up toward the ceiling. This technique stretches the eyelid tissue and helps slide the lens back toward the center of your eye.
For a lens lodged under the upper lid, gently press on the lid and slide your finger toward the center of the eye. Once the lens is visible on the white part of your eye, gently pinch it off using your thumb and index finger. If you wear rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses, avoid massaging the eyelid, as the hard material could scratch the cornea. Instead, break the suction by applying gentle pressure to the eye surface just outside the edge of the RGP lens.
When to Consult an Eye Care Professional
While most stuck contact lenses can be safely removed at home, certain signs require immediate professional attention. If you follow the removal steps and are still unable to retrieve the lens after a reasonable time, stop trying and contact your eye doctor. Continuing to manipulate the eye increases the risk of irritation or injury.
Seek prompt care if you experience persistent or increasing pain, especially a sharp, scratching sensation, as this may signal a corneal abrasion. Excessive eye redness that does not improve after the lens is confirmed out is another warning sign requiring professional assessment.
Other symptoms that warrant a visit include blurred vision that does not clear up after removal, unusual eye discharge, or increased sensitivity to light. These signs may indicate an infection or a reaction to the stuck lens. Never use tweezers or sharp instruments near your eye. If you suspect the lens has torn or a piece remains, a doctor must examine you to prevent complications.