Whether you’re considering them, or you’re a seasoned wearer, there’s one question you likely have about contact lenses.
Can a contact get lost in your eye?
The short answer is no, but everyday contact lens wearers experience situations where they’re certain they’ve lost a lens and it’s floating in the recesses of their eye.
We’ve put together the long answer to your questions about whether or not you can lose one of your contact lenses in your eye.
Take a minute and read our mini-guide. Then, sit back, relax, and put that lens back where it belongs—in your eye!
Stuck Contact Lenses
Before diving into the concept of lost lenses, it’s essential to understand how contact lenses can get stuck or dislodged. Here are common scenarios:
Rubbing the Eyes: Habitual eye rubbing due to allergies, dryness, or discomfort can dislodge a contact lens from its proper position.
Inserting Inside Out: Inserting a contact lens inside out can cause discomfort and lead to the lens moving around in your eye, prompting further displacement.
Makeup Removal: Vigorous scrubbing while removing eye makeup can unintentionally dislodge a contact lens.
Sleeping with Lenses: Sleeping in contact lenses can cause them to stick to your eyelid due to reduced tear production and dryness during sleep.
Prevention Tips:
Follow proper care instructions from your optometrist.
Avoid excessive eye rubbing.
Ensure correct insertion of lenses.
Remove lenses before activities like makeup removal or sleeping.
Can a Contact Lens Get Lost in Your Eye?
Despite common fears, a contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye. Here’s why:
Conjunctiva: The thin, moist lining called the conjunctiva acts as a barrier that prevents any foreign object, including contact lenses, from entering behind the eye. The conjunctiva folds into the back portion of your eye, covering the white part of the eyeball, ensuring that nothing can pass behind your eye.
Lens Displacement: While a contact lens may shift or get stuck under your eyelid, it remains accessible and can be removed safely.
What to Do When a Contact Lens Feels Stuck
If you experience discomfort or feel like your contact lens is stuck, it’s crucial to remain calm and follow these steps:
Rinse Your Eye: Add moisture to your eye using saline solution or rewetting drops to help loosen the lens. Avoid using tap water as it can introduce harmful bacteria, increasing the risk of eye infections.
Locate the Lens: Gently lift your upper eyelid and look down in the opposite direction to where you feel the lens might be. Once located, use clean fingertips to gently drag the lens down, pinch or roll it over the lower eyelid, and remove it.
Avoid Rubbing: Intense rubbing can exacerbate irritation and make it harder to remove the lens. Use moisture to ease the process instead.
Check Over the Cornea: If the lens is stuck over the cornea, avoid pinching it directly. Instead, gently pull it toward the white part of your eye to prevent a corneal abrasion.
All You Need to Know
Will a stuck contact eventually come out?
Yes, a stuck contact will eventually come out, especially with proper techniques like adding moisture and gently massaging the eyelid. Patience is key.
Can you lose a contact in your eye and not feel it?
No, you cannot lose a contact lens in your eye permanently. You may feel like it’s lost, but it’s likely stuck under the eyelid or on the surface of the eye.
How to tell if the contact lens is still in the eye?
How do I force my contacts out?
Never force a contact out. Instead, use rewetting drops or saline solution to lubricate your eye, then gently massage the eyelid and move the lens to a more accessible position.
What do I do if I can’t find my contact in my eye?
If you can’t find the contact, try blinking, adding moisture, and using a mirror to inspect the eye. If you still can’t locate it, seek help from an optometrist.
What happens if a contact gets stuck behind your eye?
A contact lens cannot get stuck behind your eye. The conjunctiva prevents this from happening, so it will always be retrievable.
Additional Tips for Contact Lens Wearers
Regular Eye Examinations: Ensure optimal eye health and vision correction with routine check-ups.
Lens Hygiene: Practice proper cleaning and disinfecting routines to avoid complications like corneal abrasions or infections.
Avoid Sleeping in Lenses: Unless designed for extended wear, always remove your lenses before bed to allow your eyes to breathe.
Handling Lenses: Always wash your hands before handling contact lenses to avoid introducing bacteria into your eyes.
While the sensation of a lost contact lens can cause anxiety, understanding how your eye anatomy works and employing proper removal techniques can alleviate fears. Remember, a contact lens can shift or get stuck, but it cannot get lost within the eye. Regular eye care and proper lens hygiene are key to maintaining clear vision and healthy eyes.
If you experience persistent discomfort, redness, or vision changes, seek prompt evaluation from your optometrist to ensure your eye health is on track.
In Conclusion:
While the sensation of a lost contact lens may cause concern, understanding the anatomy of the eye and employing appropriate removal techniques can alleviate anxiety. Contact lenses, though capable of shifting or becoming stuck, cannot truly get lost within the eye.
If you’re considering transitioning to contact lenses or require assistance with your current lenses, a contact lens exam by a qualified optometrist is essential. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and embark on your journey to clearer vision through contact lenses. We’re here to support you every step of the way
