What to Do If You Lose a Contact Lens in Your Eye

Many people who wear contact lenses have wondered about a lens getting lost in the eye. While a lens can become dislodged, it cannot disappear permanently behind the eye. If unattended, a dislodged contact lens can cause damage. Proper lens wear and removal can prevent accidents. If you are in the habit of sleeping with your contacts, you risk having a lens getting stuck in the eye. 

Proper Contact Lens Care

Taking care of your contact lenses can help prevent dislodging. Insert and remove your lenses properly to avoid damage to the lens or your eye. Improper insertion and removal can lead to eye infections.

Clean and disinfect your lenses correctly according to instructions. Leaving your lenses on overnight increases the risk of movement. If you lose your contact lens in the eye, you can find and remove it safely before it causes damage.

Losing Your Contact in Your Eye

If you lose a contact lens in your eye, remain calm. You might experience some blurriness and slight discomfort, but you must avoid rubbing the eye. Wash your hands before you attempt to retrieve the lens. It will reduce the risk of transferring bacteria into the eye. 

Apply artificial tears or eye drops to keep the eye surface lubricated. If you feel the lens under the eyelid, close your eye and gently massage the area. It should move the lens to a position where you can easily retrieve it.

When to Contact Your Doctor
 

Sometimes, a lost contact lens may be difficult to locate. The lens may be hidden under the eyelid if you cannot see the lens. If you can, flip your eyelid carefully to check the inside. If you cannot find it, or it is difficult to remove, contact your eye doctor. 

A dislodged contact lens is likely to leave your eye red and irritated. Symptoms should dissipate after a while. If pain and redness continue for hours after removal, contact your eye doctor.

Contact Lens Stuck in the Eye

Sometimes, contact lenses get stuck in the eye. It usually happens when they remain in the eyes overnight. There is a reduced supply of oxygen to the eye as you sleep. It causes the lens to dry out and becomes difficult to remove. It can also happen during the day if you are prone to eye dryness. 

The buildup of proteins causes eye dryness, making lenses hard to remove. Be careful when removing your lenses at the end of the day. Eye redness and irritation can increase the risk of cornea damage. 

Reduce the Risk of Losing a Contact 

Following your doctor’s instructions will reduce the risk of losing your lenses in the eyes. Avoid leaving the lenses on for too long. You can wear your lenses for eight to 12 hours, depending on the brand. 

Taking a break from your lenses can help. Invest in backup eyeglasses that will allow you to rest your eyes. If you are prone to eye dryness, contact your doctor for treatment. You can get prescription eye drops to hydrate your eyes throughout the day. Do not put in a new contact lens while you have a lens lost in your eye; it will worsen the condition. 

For more on what to do if you lose a contact lens in your eye, visit Refined Eyecare Optometry at our office in Torrance, California. Call (310) 214-0409 to book an appointment today.