When you feel the sensation of a contact lens in your eye but cannot see it, the immediate reaction can be anxiety. This common issue occurs when the lens shifts from the cornea, often folding or migrating under an eyelid. The lens has not vanished, and you can safely resolve the situation with a calm, methodical approach. This guide provides practical steps to locate and remove the dislodged lens and explains why it is not truly “lost.”
Step-by-Step Guide to Finding the Lens
The first step in safely retrieving a dislodged contact lens is to thoroughly wash and dry your hands. Clean, dry hands prevent the introduction of bacteria to your eye, which is vulnerable to infection when irritated. Use a clean mirror in a brightly lit area to examine your eye. Pull down the lower eyelid and look up to check the lower portion of the eye.
If the lens is not immediately visible, the eye may be dry, causing the lens to adhere or fold and stick. Apply a few drops of sterile saline solution or rewetting drops approved for contact lenses to lubricate the eye. After moisturizing, close your eye and gently massage the outside of the eyelid in a circular motion to encourage the lens to move back toward the center of the cornea.
Once the lens is lubricated, try blinking several times to reposition it naturally. If the lens is stuck beneath the upper eyelid, look down while gently pulling the upper lid outward and down. This action helps expose the lens or encourages it to slide onto the white part of the eye. If the lens appears, use a clean fingertip to gently slide it onto the cornea before carefully pinching it off, avoiding scratching the surface with your fingernail.
Understanding Why Lenses Cannot Get Lost Behind the Eye
The fear that a contact lens has slipped behind the eyeball and is irretrievably lost is a common misconception. The anatomy of the eye makes this physically impossible. The eye is protected by the conjunctiva, a thin, transparent membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball (sclera) and the inner surface of the eyelids. This membrane creates a continuous, protective pocket.
At the back of the eyelids, the conjunctiva folds back and attaches to the eyeball, creating a natural barrier. This structure, called the conjunctival cul-de-sac, ensures that a contact lens cannot travel beyond the front surface of the eye. When a lens is not visible, it has simply migrated under the upper or lower eyelid.
The lens is merely shifted from the central cornea and is resting in this protective fold of tissue. Understanding this barrier helps you remain calm and patient during retrieval. The lens remains accessible and can be retrieved safely without the risk of it traveling into the eye socket.
Signs That Require Immediate Medical Attention
While a dislodged contact is usually a minor issue, certain symptoms warrant immediate consultation with an eye care professional. Persistent, sharp pain that does not subside after the lens is removed is a significant warning sign. This pain may indicate a corneal abrasion, which is a scratch on the clear surface of the eye.
Other serious indications include sudden or worsening blurry vision, which signals swelling or damage to the cornea. Seek professional care if you notice increased redness, excessive light sensitivity, or any unusual discharge. These symptoms may suggest a serious eye infection, such as microbial keratitis, which requires prompt treatment to prevent vision loss.
If you are unable to locate the lens despite repeated attempts and the feeling of a foreign body persists, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can safely examine the eye. They have specialized tools to locate and remove the lens and can also assess for any damage. Never attempt to force a stuck lens or continue rubbing an irritated eye, as this increases the risk of corneal injury.
Tips for Avoiding Lost Contacts in the Future
Preventative measures significantly reduce the likelihood of a lens shifting or becoming dislodged during wear. Always ensure your hands are completely dry before handling your lenses, as moisture can cause the lens to stick to your finger instead of your eye. Before insertion, hold the lens up to the light to confirm it is not folded or torn, since a compromised lens is more likely to move out of place.
Maintaining adequate eye moisture is a simple way to keep the lens floating freely on the tear film. If you experience chronic dryness, use rewetting drops throughout the day to prevent the lens from sticking to the cornea. Finally, avoid rubbing your eyes vigorously while wearing contact lenses, as this is a primary cause of lens displacement.