A dislodged contact lens often causes panic, giving the sensation that it has vanished into the eye. A contact lens cannot physically get lost behind your eye due to the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that lines the inside of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eyeball. This anatomical barrier prevents the lens from slipping into the back of the eye socket. When a lens is “lost,” it has simply moved off-center, usually tucking beneath the upper or lower eyelid.
Preparing to Locate the Lens
Before attempting to locate or remove the lens, hygiene is the first necessary step. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, paying attention to cleaning under the fingernails. Dry your hands on a lint-free towel to prevent introducing bacteria or small fibers into your eye.
Position yourself in front of a mirror in a brightly lit area. Proper lighting helps you visualize the lens, which often has a slight tint. Gently pull down your lower eyelid while looking up, then lift your upper eyelid while looking down. Moving your eye in different directions, such as looking far left and right, can help coax the lens toward the center. If the lens is folded or dried out, it may be hidden far up under the upper lid.
Safe Techniques for Removal
If the lens is not visible but you feel irritation, add lubrication to the eye. Use a steady stream of sterile saline solution, multipurpose contact lens solution, or rewetting drops. Never use tap water, as it may contain microorganisms that cause serious eye infections.
After applying the drops, close your eye and gently massage the area over your eyelid. Massaging the closed lid encourages the lens to rehydrate and slide toward the center of the eye. You may feel a distinct shift when the lens moves back onto the cornea.
When the lens is located or has moved closer to the center, attempt manual removal. With clean fingers, gently slide the lens with a flat fingertip from the white of your eye (sclera) toward the iris. Once centered, use your thumb and index finger to gently pinch the lens off the eye. If the lens is still stuck, do not apply excessive force or vigorously rub your eye, as this can cause a corneal abrasion.
Post-Removal Care and Warning Signs
After successfully removing the dislodged lens, allow the eye to recover. Even a gentle removal process can leave the eye feeling irritated or gritty for a short time. Use preservative-free lubricating eye drops, also known as artificial tears, to soothe the eye.
Avoid wearing a new contact lens in that eye for at least a day, opting for glasses instead. This resting period allows the delicate tissues on the eye’s surface to heal completely. Seek professional medical attention if you experience persistent pain, excessive redness that does not improve after a few hours, or an unusual discharge. These symptoms can indicate a corneal scratch or an infection requiring prompt evaluation. A continued sensation that something is still present in the eye, despite removing the lens, also warrants an immediate visit to your eye doctor.