If you wear contacts, you’ve probably had that moment of panic: Did my contact fall out? Or is it still in my eye?
It’s a common concern, and this article is here to help. We’ll walk you through the steps to figure out how to tell if a contact is still in your eye and what to do if it’s stuck.
First, a little reassurance: It’s impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eye. The conjunctiva, a membrane that lines the inside of your eyelids, prevents that from happening.
How to tell if a contact is still in your eye
If you think a contact lens is still in your eye, look for these symptoms:
- Eye irritation and discomfort: You might feel like something is scratching your eye.
- Redness and inflammation: Check for redness, which can indicate a foreign object. The clear membrane over the white part of your eye might also look inflamed.
- Blurred vision or sensitivity to light: A misplaced or damaged lens can blur your vision. You might also be sensitive to light.
- The feeling of something stuck: You might feel like something is in your eye, even after blinking repeatedly.
Step-by-step: Checking for a lost contact lens
If you think you’ve lost a contact lens in your eye, don’t panic. Here’s how to find it:
Preparation: Wash your hands and find a mirror
To avoid infection, wash and dry your hands thoroughly with soap and water before you start poking around your eye. It’s always important to be hygienic when you’re handling contact lenses or touching your eyes.
Next, stand in front of a well-lit mirror so you can see your eye clearly. Good lighting is essential for a thorough exam.
Examining the lower eyelid
With a clean finger, gently pull down your lower eyelid and look for the contact lens along the inner surface of the lid. If your eye feels dry or irritated, use rewetting drops to lubricate it. Rewetting drops can help dislodge a stuck lens and make the examination more comfortable.
Examining the upper eyelid
Look down and gently pull your upper eyelid up and away from your eye. It may be helpful to have someone else assist you with this step. Check the area where the colored part of your eye meets the white part. This is a common spot for a misplaced lens to hide.
Gentle manipulation and massage
Gently close your eye and massage the eyelid to see if you can move the lens into view. But avoid rubbing your eye vigorously, since this can cause corneal scratches.
Safe removal techniques
So, you’ve determined that a contact lens is still in your eye. Now what? Here’s how to safely remove the lens.
Lubricate the eye
Before you do anything else, use rewetting drops or saline solution to thoroughly lubricate your eye. This will help prevent scratching your cornea as you attempt to remove the lens.
Removing a soft contact lens
Look up and gently slide the lens down to the white part of your eye. Then, gently pinch the lens between your thumb and forefinger and remove it.
Removing a rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lens
Use a small suction cup applicator designed for RGP lenses. Or, gently press on your eyelid near the edge of the lens. This should break the suction, allowing you to remove the lens.
Important considerations for removal
Be patient, and don’t try to force the lens out. If you feel pain or resistance, stop what you’re doing and seek help from an eye care professional.
After you remove the lens, examine it for any tears or other damage. Don’t reinsert a torn or damaged lens.
When to Seek Professional Help
Sometimes, even after trying all the techniques, you might need to see an eye doctor.
- You can’t find the lens. If you’ve checked thoroughly and still can’t find the lens, it’s time to get a professional involved.
- You feel pain or discomfort. If your eye hurts, feels irritated, or your vision is blurry, get help right away.
- You think you scratched your eye. If you suspect you may have scratched your cornea, you need an eye exam.
- You can’t get the lens out. Don’t force it! You could hurt yourself. An eye doctor can remove a stuck lens safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my contacts are still on?
The easiest way to know if your contacts are still in is to simply look in the mirror and check. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up, then pull up your upper eyelid and look down. If you can see the edge of the contact lens, it’s still there. You should also feel them if they’re in place.
What happens if you fall asleep with contacts in and can’t find them?
If you can’t find your contacts after sleeping in them, don’t panic! They might have just shifted. Use lubricating eye drops to rehydrate your eyes and then gently try to locate the lens. If you still can’t find it and experience pain, redness, or blurred vision, consult your eye doctor immediately to rule out any damage.
Can you lose a contact in your eye and not know it?
It’s unlikely, but possible, especially if you’re a seasoned contact lens wearer. Contacts can sometimes fold up and get lodged under your upper eyelid. You might feel a slight discomfort or irritation, but not always. That’s why it’s so important to regularly check for your lenses.
How do I know if my contact is stuck in my eye?
If your contact feels uncomfortable, scratchy, or like something is “stuck” in your eye, it could be trapped under your eyelid. Try rinsing your eye with saline solution or lubricating eye drops. Gently massage your eyelid to try and dislodge the lens. If you can’t remove it yourself, see your eye doctor.
The Bottom Line
Proper contact lens handling and hygiene are essential for preventing eye problems. Always wash and dry your hands thoroughly before touching your contacts. And be sure to follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for cleaning and storing your lenses.
If you think a contact lens is lost or stuck in your eye, remember to gently examine your eye, lubricating it as you go.
When in doubt, seek professional help from an optometrist or ophthalmologist. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your eyes. They’re worth it!
By prioritizing your eye health and practicing safe contact lens habits, you can help ensure clear vision for years to come.