Contact lenses are convenient—but that doesn’t mean things always go smoothly. Even with proper care, mistakes happen. Sometimes, a lens just gets lost. It could fall on the ground, slip out of your grip, or even get lost in your eye. So how can you tell if a contact lens is still in your eye—and what can you do about it?
Watch for signs of discomfort, like a gritty sensation or persistent dryness. These are signs that something is wrong and that the lens is likely still in your eye. Stay calm, breathe, and wash your hands! Getting the lens out is possible, but you need to be careful.
Signs Your Contact Lens Is Still in Your Eye
First, make sure not to panic. You need to make sure the lens actually is still in your eye. Keep an eye out for these symptoms:
- Eye irritation, such as a sharp or annoying sensation.
- Redness, which could be mild or more pronounced.
- Unusual dryness or a gritty feeling in your eye.
- Blurry vision like you’re looking through a foggy window.
- The feeling of something small stuck under your eyelid.
These signs don’t always guarantee that a lens is stuck, but they do indicate that you should do a thorough check.
How to Check for a Contact Lens in Your Eye
When you suspect your lens didn’t come out as expected, a quick check saves you from further irritation or issues. It’s time to examine your eyes in-depth.
Always follow these steps carefully to avoid making the situation worse:
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
- Look in a mirror under bright lighting and examine your eye carefully.
- Gently pull down your lower eyelid to check the whites of your eye and the surrounding area.
- Similarly, pull up your upper eyelid and search under the top lid.
- Use lubricating eye drops to help identify the lens, as they can improve the visibility and comfort of your eye.
After examining your eye, avoid touching your eye repeatedly—especially if you still can’t see the lens. It’s better to pause and reset before trying again. Your eyes are sensitive, and being careless can lead to significant irritation.
How to Remove a Stubborn Contact Lens
A stuck contact lens can be frustrating, but patience is key. It’s possible to remove the lens—you just need to be gentle.
Here’s how to take it out safely:
- Wash your hands, as this lowers the risk of transmitting bacteria to and from your eyes.
- Make sure your eye is properly lubricated by using saline solution or rewetting drops. This can help loosen the lens.
- Look in the mirror and gently pull down your lower eyelid with one finger while looking straight ahead.
- Use the pad of your fingertip, not your nails, to lightly touch the edge of the lens and slide it toward the white part of your eye.
- Pinch the lens softly with your thumb and forefinger to remove it. Avoid squeezing too hard to prevent tearing the lens.
- If the lens is still stuck, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid in a circular motion to help shift the lens for easier removal.
If the lens still won’t come out, don’t force it. Repeated attempts can easily lead to much worse problems. Make sure to be careful at all times!
What to Do if You Can’t Find It
Staying calm is key. Your first impulse might be to rub your eye or keep it shut, but doing so makes it harder to find the lens.
Relax and take a moment to blink a few times. If needed, use lubricating eye drops to soothe your eye. If the irritation lessens—or goes away entirely—you might be fine. But if irritation remains, you need to try removing the lens.
Never put your vision at risk. Applying too much pressure or using sharp tools increases the risk of severe damage. If you don’t think you can remove the lens yourself, it’s time to reach out to an eye care professional.
Risks of Leaving a Lens in Your Eye
While most situations like this resolve quickly, there are risks involved—especially if you’re too forceful or careless. You need to stay calm, or else you put yourself at risk of:
- Scratching your cornea
- Causing an eye infection
- Prolonged discomfort or irritation
- Damaging the surface of your eye
- Worsening the situation with improper handling
If you ever notice significant discomfort, don’t ignore it. Instead, contact your optometrist and let them help.
When to See an Eye Doctor
If you have a stuck contact lens, don’t put your vision at risk. Your eyes are sensitive, and it’s not worth harming your vision. Instead, contact our team at Littlefield Eye Associates—we can help!
Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn contact lens, a vision problem, or any eye-related problem, our team is here for you. Book an appointment with us today, and let’s keep your vision clear—together.
