When a contact lens seems to vanish from your eye, the sensation can be alarming and uncomfortable. The primary goal is to retrieve the lens safely and quickly to prevent irritation or potential corneal damage. This process requires a calm, step-by-step approach to locate the displaced lens and remove it without causing further distress to the eye surface.
Immediate Preparation and Reassurance
The first step must involve washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye. This hygienic practice prevents the introduction of bacteria or debris that could lead to an eye infection.
A common fear is that the lens has traveled “behind” the eye, but the eye’s anatomy makes this impossible. The conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids, forms a continuous fold that acts as a natural barrier. The lens is simply stuck under your upper or lower eyelid.
You should then lubricate the eye using preservative-free sterile saline solution or rewetting drops approved for contact lens use. A displaced lens often becomes dry, adhering stubbornly to the tissue under the eyelid. Lubrication helps rehydrate the lens, allowing it to move more freely and shift into a visible position.
Systematic Search and Location Techniques
Finding the displaced lens requires good lighting and a mirror. The lens is almost certainly located between your eyeball and your eyelid, most often under the upper lid. Begin by gently pulling down your lower eyelid while looking up toward the ceiling.
If the lens is not visible on the white of the eye, check the area under the upper lid. Look down toward your cheek while gently lifting the upper eyelid to expose the hiding spot. Moving your eye slowly side-to-side and up-and-down can also encourage the lens to reposition itself.
If the lens remains hidden, close your eye and gently massage the eyelid with a clean fingertip. Use small, circular motions, directing the pressure toward the center of the eye. This manipulation can often coax the lens from its tucked position onto the cornea or the lower white of the eye, where it can be seen and removed.
Gentle Retrieval Methods
Once the lens is located and is no longer stuck firmly, proceed with a gentle removal technique. If the lens is visible, use a clean, moistened fingertip to carefully slide the lens. Guide the lens from the white of the eye back onto the center of the cornea, or move it to the corner of the eye near the nose, where it can be pinched out.
If the lens is resisting movement, flush the eye with saline solution. Tilt your head back slightly and use a steady stream of the solution to rinse the eye, which may help float the lens out or move it to an accessible spot. Never use tweezers or sharp objects to attempt removal, as this increases the risk of scratching the cornea.
Slow, gentle blinking can also be effective in aiding retrieval. The natural movement of the eyelid over the lubricated lens may be enough to dislodge it and bring it back toward the center of the eye. Avoid rubbing your eye vigorously, as this can fold the lens or cause minor abrasions.
When to Seek Professional Assistance
If you have tried gentle techniques for about 30 minutes and still cannot locate or remove the lens, stop and contact an eye care professional (ECP). Continuing to rub or probe the eye can cause more irritation and potentially damage the eye’s surface. The ECP has specialized tools and training to safely locate and extract the lens.
You should also seek professional care immediately if, even after removal, your eye remains painful, highly irritated, or noticeably red for several hours. Other warning signs include persistent blurry or impaired vision, or if you notice any unusual discharge. These symptoms may indicate a corneal abrasion or an infection requiring prompt medical attention.