A contact lens feeling lost in your eye can be startling. While it might seem to have vanished, it is typically just displaced and can often be managed at home. Understanding how to respond can help you safely resolve the issue.
Understanding Where a Contact Lens Can Go
A common misconception is that a contact lens can slip behind the eye and become permanently lost. However, the eye’s anatomy makes this impossible. A thin membrane called the conjunctiva lines the inner eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball, forming a barrier that prevents any object from traveling to the back of the eye.
A contact lens can only move to accessible areas, such as under the upper or lower eyelid, or off-center on the eye’s surface. When a lens shifts from its central position, it might fold or adhere to the conjunctiva, causing discomfort or blurry vision. The lens remains within the conjunctival sac, where it can be retrieved.
Steps to Safely Remove a Displaced Lens
When a contact lens is displaced, remain calm, as anxiety can make removal more difficult. Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water and drying them with a lint-free towel to prevent introducing germs or debris into your eye. Clean hands are important to avoid potential eye infections.
Next, apply a few rewetting drops or sterile saline solution to your eye to lubricate the lens and the eye’s surface. Blink repeatedly after applying the drops, as this can help dislodge the lens and encourage it to return to a central position.
If the lens is under the upper eyelid, look downwards. If it’s off to the side, look in the opposite direction; this can help shift the lens. Gently massaging your closed eyelid can also help move the lens into a visible area. Once the lens is accessible, gently pinch it with your thumb and index finger to remove it.
When to Seek Professional Medical Attention
While most displaced contact lenses can be removed at home, professional medical attention is sometimes necessary. If you cannot locate or remove the lens after several attempts, or if you suspect a piece has torn off and remains in your eye, an eye care professional can safely retrieve it. Continued attempts to remove a stuck lens can cause more harm.
It is also important to seek prompt medical attention if you experience persistent symptoms after the lens has been removed, or if you haven’t found it. These symptoms include ongoing pain, significant redness, blurred vision, excessive tearing, discharge, or increased sensitivity to light. Such signs could indicate a corneal abrasion, an infection, or other complications that require immediate diagnosis and treatment.