Contact lenses offer the freedom to ditch eyeglasses while maintaining clear vision, but occasionally, they come with their own share of mysteries. If you’ve ever wondered, “Did my contact lens just fall out, or is it still in my eye?” you’re not alone.
Luckily, a contact lens can’t slip behind your eye. Your eyeball is covered by the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that acts as a barrier, ensuring your lens stays at the front where it belongs. That said, lenses can move, fold, or sometimes stick to the surface of your eye, causing discomfort. If you aren’t sure if a contact lens is still in your eye, inspect your eye with a mirror.
How to Check If a Contact Lens Is in Your Eye
Feeling like something’s off? Maybe your vision is blurry, or your eye feels irritated, but you’re not sure if your contact lens is still there. Here’s how to check.
1. Inspect Your Eye
Find a well-lit space and use a mirror for a close look. Gently pull your upper and lower eyelids apart to examine the surface of your eye and the surrounding areas. Look for anything that resembles a transparent or folded lens on the white part of your eye or near the corners.
2. Blink Slowly
Blinking can naturally reposition a lens that has shifted to an unexpected spot, like the white of your eye or under your eyelid. If it’s stuck in an odd position, blinking may help move it back to the center.
3. Check Your Hands
If you’ve been rubbing your eyes or adjusting your contact, there’s a chance it might have already fallen out without you noticing. Check your hands or the immediate area around you, like your desk or bathroom counter.
If none of these steps confirm the lens is present but your eye still feels uncomfortable, it’s worth calling your optometrist for advice.
Removing a Stuck Contact Lens
If you see your lens is stuck in your eye, don’t worry! A stuck lens is usually more annoying than dangerous. The removal process depends on the type of lens you’re wearing.
Soft Contact Lenses
Soft lenses are made from flexible material and are fairly simple to remove. Follow these steps for safe removal:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly to prevent bacteria transfer.
- Apply sterile saline solution or rewetting drops to hydrate your eye, making the lens easier to handle.
- Close your eye and softly massage the eyelid to help the lens loosen.
- Look in the mirror and pinch the edge of the lens lightly with your thumb and forefinger, then lift it away from your eye.
Rigid Gas-Permeable (RGP) Lenses
RGP lenses are firmer and require a slightly different approach:
- Never slide an RGP lens across your eye, as it could scratch your cornea.
- Press your clean fingertip gently on the edge of the lens to break the suction, allowing it to release.
- If needed, use a small suction device designed for RGP lens removal.
If any discomfort persists after removing the lens, consult your optometrist to ensure no damage has occurred.
Why Do Contact Lenses Get Stuck?
While frustrating, a stuck lens usually happens for a reason. Here are some common culprits:
- Dry eyes: Insufficient tear production can cause the lens to adhere to the eye. Chronic dry eye can exacerbate this issue, making regular hydration and treatment essential.
- Sleeping with lenses: Wearing contacts overnight (especially if they’re not approved for extended wear) can lead to dryness and swelling, making removal harder.
- Improper fit: If your lenses aren’t properly fitted, they’re more likely to shift or stick. Regular contact lens exams help mitigate this issue.
Tips to Prevent Stuck Lenses
With a little care, you can avoid the hassle of a stuck lens altogether. Follow these tips to keep your lenses comfy and stress-free:
- Stick to your wear schedule, whether your lenses are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly disposables.
- Avoid sleeping in your lenses unless approved by your optometrist.
- Manage dry eyes with rewetting drops or dry eye therapies if needed.
- Refrain from rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts, as this can dislodge or damage them.
Preventing stuck lenses helps improve not only your comfort, but also the overall health of your eyes.
When to Call Your Optometrist
If you can’t locate or remove a stuck lens, or if discomfort lingers even after the lens has been removed, it’s time to reach out to us. We can use specialized tools to safely remove the lens and check for complications like corneal abrasions.
For recurring issues, we may recommend alternative lens materials or solutions for underlying concerns like dry eye. Regular eye exams keep your lenses fitting properly and your eyes in optimal health.
Keep Your Vision Clear with Bethany Eye Care
At Bethany Eye Care, we’re here to ensure your contact lens experience is as effortless as possible. From comprehensive contact lens exams to effective dry eye therapies, we’ve got all your eye care needs covered.
Struggling with your contacts or just need some expert advice? Schedule an appointment with us today—we’d love to help you keep your vision sharp and your eyes healthy.
