It’s a scenario that many contact lens wearers fear: a lens that seems to have vanished or become stuck in your eye. Though it can be a disconcerting experience, it’s usually not as dangerous as it may feel. Knowing how to handle this situation calmly and correctly can save you from discomfort or, worse, potential eye damage. This article will guide you through what to do if you find yourself in this situation, backed by professional insights and data.
How Often Does This Happen?
Contact lenses getting stuck or lost in the eye is more common than you might think. A 2022 study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology estimated that approximately 1 in 10 contact lens wearers have experienced a lens getting stuck at least once. In a survey involving 1,000 people, about 15% admitted they have been unable to find a lost lens in their eye for over 15 minutes, leading to increased anxiety. Despite these statistics, it’s important to remember that a contact lens cannot actually get “lost” behind the eye—it can become folded or displaced under the upper eyelid but is still retrievable.
Types of Contact Lenses Most Likely to Get Stuck
Immediate Actions: How to Stay Calm and Remove the Lens
- Stay Calm: The first and most crucial step is to remain calm. Panic can cause your eye to blink more, making it harder to locate and remove the lens. Remember, the lens cannot go behind your eye due to the protective conjunctival tissue.
- Locate the Lens: Try to locate the lens by looking in a mirror. Often, the lens is simply off-center, having moved to the upper eyelid or corner of the eye. Gently pull down your lower eyelid and look up, or lift your upper eyelid and look down, to help spot the lens.
- Rehydrate Your Eye: If the lens is stuck due to dryness, using rewetting drops can help. Apply 2-3 drops of sterile contact lens solution or artificial tears to lubricate the eye. This helps the lens slide back to a more accessible position.
- Massage the Eyelid: Gently massage your closed eyelid in a circular motion. This may help move the lens back to the center of the eye, where it can be easily removed.
- Remove the Lens Carefully: Once you’ve located the lens, use clean, dry fingers to remove it gently. Avoid using tweezers or sharp objects to remove a contact lens—this can lead to serious injury.
What If You Still Can’t Find the Lens?
If you cannot locate the lens after trying the steps above, it’s advisable to see an eye care professional. They can safely locate and remove the lens without causing harm to your eye. Data shows that 3-5% of contact lens wearers eventually need professional assistance for a stuck or folded lens.
| Symptom | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Discomfort or Redness | Apply rewetting drops, see a doctor |
| Blurry Vision | Rehydrate, check for lens folds |
| Prolonged Irritation (>1 hour) | Consult an eye specialist |
Real Medical Situations: Case Examples
One notable case involved a 29-year-old woman who arrived at an ophthalmologist’s office complaining of prolonged discomfort and redness after wearing contacts. Despite her efforts to remove the lens, it seemed to have disappeared. The doctor found that the lens had folded and lodged itself under the upper eyelid. Using fluorescein dye—a non-toxic, orange dye often used to examine eye health—the lens was quickly located and removed. The patient was able to resume wearing contacts a few days later with no complications.
In another instance, a 35-year-old man experienced blurry vision and irritation after a seemingly routine day of wearing his contacts. The lens had become partially folded and stuck to the inner corner of his eye. After applying rewetting drops and massaging his eyelid for ten minutes, he successfully removed the lens without needing medical assistance.
When to Seek Professional Help
- Persistent Discomfort: If your eye feels irritated or painful even after removing the contact lens, this could indicate a scratch or abrasion on the cornea. In such cases, consulting an eye doctor is essential to avoid complications like infection.
- Blurry Vision or Sensitivity to Light: If your vision remains blurry or if you experience unusual sensitivity to light after attempting to remove a lens, these symptoms may indicate an eye injury or other issue that requires professional evaluation.
- Eye Redness That Won’t Go Away: Prolonged redness can indicate inflammation or an infection, particularly if the lens was stuck for an extended period. In a 2021 study, 2% of contact lens wearers who sought medical help for stuck lenses experienced corneal abrasions, which needed antibiotic eye drops for treatment.
Tips to Avoid Future Incidents
- Keep Your Lenses Hydrated: Dry lenses are more likely to get stuck, especially after prolonged wear. Make it a habit to use rewetting drops if your eyes feel dry.
- Practice Proper Hygiene: Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses to reduce the risk of transferring bacteria, which can make the situation worse if a lens does get stuck.
- Avoid Sleeping in Contacts: Sleeping in contacts is one of the leading causes of contact lens complications, including lenses getting stuck. Even if your lenses are marketed as “extended wear,” it’s safer to remove them at night.
Advice from Our Editorial Team
If you find yourself struggling with a stuck contact lens, remember that staying calm is the key to a successful removal. Follow the steps mentioned here to hydrate, locate, and gently remove the lens. If these steps fail, seeking professional help is the best course of action to avoid causing damage to your eye. Prevention is also crucial—ensure your lenses are well-hydrated, practice good hygiene, and never sleep in your contacts to minimize future issues.