When a contact lens feels lost, the sensation ranges from mild discomfort and sudden blurriness to the lens physically dislodging from the eye. These frustrating events often cause people to stop wearing contacts, but they are usually symptoms of correctable issues. Understanding the precise cause is the first step toward restoring clear, comfortable vision. The problem typically falls into one of three major categories: a physical mismatch, a lack of lubrication, or poor maintenance habits.
Improper Lens Selection or Fit
A contact lens that does not match the specific curvature of the eye leads to instability and discomfort. Two measurements, the base curve (BC) and the diameter (DIA), determine the physical fit of the lens on the cornea. If the base curve is too flat, the lens will move too much with each blink, potentially sliding off the center of the eye or dislodging completely.
Conversely, a base curve that is too steep will cause the lens to fit too tightly, restricting the flow of fresh tears beneath it and leading to irritation and redness. The diameter must also be correct. A lens that is slightly too small is more likely to have its edges lift, increasing the chance of it popping out during a blink or eye rub. Switching brands or buying lenses without a current, professionally fit prescription can lead to these issues, as correct parameters require a professional eye examination.
A common source of immediate discomfort that mimics a lost lens is inserting a soft lens inside out. The subtle difference in curvature causes the lens to sit improperly, resulting in excessive movement and scratchiness. To check the orientation, place the lens on your fingertip and view it from the side. A correctly oriented lens forms a smooth, perfect cup, while an inside-out lens will have edges that flare slightly outward like a shallow bowl. If a lens feels unstable right after insertion, remove it, rinse it, and check the curvature before trying again.
Dryness and Environmental Factors
Contact lens discomfort and the feeling of “losing” clarity are often linked to tear film disruption and dryness. A contact lens divides the natural tear film into two layers, accelerating the rate at which tears evaporate. This increased evaporation leads to a shorter tear film thinning time, causing the lens to dry out and feel scratchy or sticky on the eye.
Environmental conditions can dramatically worsen this effect by accelerating tear evaporation further. Low humidity environments, such as heated or air-conditioned spaces, or exposure to high winds, draw moisture directly out of the lens material. This physical dehydration of the lens compromises its shape and flexibility, leading to poor movement and a gritty sensation that often causes the wearer to rub their eyes and dislodge the lens.
Behavioral factors also play a large part, particularly during prolonged screen use when the blink rate can decrease by up to 50%. Reduced blinking means the tear film is not adequately refreshed and distributed across the lens surface, leading to dry spots and fluctuating vision. To manage these effects, use rewetting drops specifically formulated to be safe for contact lenses, often containing lubricating agents like hyaluronate. Systemic hydration is also beneficial, as drinking enough water helps maintain the overall volume and composition of the tear film.
Improper Cleaning and Handling
Hygiene and adherence to the recommended wear schedule are fundamental to maintaining lens comfort and clarity. Over time, natural components from the tear film, such as proteins and lipids, adhere to the lens surface. When these proteins denature, they can create deposits that lead to blurriness, irritation, and an increased risk of infection, making the lens unwearable.
A major handling error is “topping off” the contact lens solution instead of replacing the entire volume daily. Reusing old solution dilutes the active disinfecting ingredients and allows bacteria and other microorganisms to thrive in the case. Furthermore, using tap water to rinse lenses or the case is extremely hazardous, as it may introduce dangerous pathogens, such as Acanthamoeba, which can cause a severe, vision-threatening eye infection.
Wearing lenses beyond their prescribed replacement schedule, such as wearing a two-week lens for a month, allows deposits to accumulate past the point where cleaning solutions can effectively remove them. This buildup leads to chronic discomfort and makes the lens feel like a foreign body. Always wash and dry hands thoroughly before handling lenses, and replace the storage case every three months to prevent it from becoming a reservoir for contaminants.