Contact lenses are a blessing for people who do not fancy wearing eyeglasses. However, it comes with its own set of risks and demands a certain level of carefulness. In some cases, people report contact lenses getting lost in their eye, causing irritation and discomfort. But is that really possible, or is it just a myth? Moreover, if contact lenses get stuck in the eye, what immediate steps should people take rather than panic? Here’s what an expert shares.
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Can Contact Lenses Actually Get Lost In Your Eyes?
According to Dr Sudhakar Potti, Cornea and Refractive Specialist, Sankara Eye Hospital, Guntur, contact lenses cannot get lost in the eye. He says, “That’s a myth — but with a twist of truth. A lens can’t go behind the eyeball or into your brain. But in some cases, it can get stuck under the upper eyelid and feel like it has vanished.”
Your eyelids and eyeball form a pouch-like structure which allows for no escape from that region, hence the name 'sealed pouch', the doctor adds.
What Is The First Thing To Do If Your Contact Lens Gets Stuck In Your Eye?
Dr Potti advises staying calm if your contact lens gets stuck in your eye, as panicking can make it harder to remove.
He shares, “Don’t rub your eyes or panic. Start by washing your hands. Then look in the mirror and carefully pull apart the upper and lower eyelids with clean fingers. Sometimes the lens just shifts or folds. Roll your eye around slowly or blink a few times — the lens may slide back into place on its own.”
How To Know If Your Contact Lens Is Stuck In Your Eye?
It’s nearly impossible to miss the sensation of a contact lens stuck in your eye. Still, if your eye feels scratchy, watery, or like something’s stuck — the lens may still be in there.
Dr Potti warns of blurred vision or discomfort when blinking and also notes, “If your eye feels completely normal and the blurry vision is what you typically experience without wearing glasses or contacts, the lens has probably already fallen out without you realising it.”
Steps To Safely Remove Contact Lens
“Wash your hands and use a clean mirror in good light. Carefully lift your upper eyelid while looking downward, or lower your bottom lid while looking upward — depending on where the lens might be stuck. Add a few lubricating eye drops to help loosen it. If it’s a soft lens, it may fold, so blink a few times and gently slide it out with your fingertip.”
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When To Seek Medical Attention
Fortunately, a contact lens stuck in the eye is usually non-life-threatening – though it can be uncomfortable and annoying.
However, in certain cases, where the damage is serious, one must seek medical attention. Some of the signs include:
- Redness, pain, or blurriness after a few hours
- If you are unable to remove the lens regardless of the attempts made
If left on for too long, Dr Potti says there is a risk of infection or irritation, but it’s preferable to have it checked rather than taking the chance of further damage.
Conclusion
Losing a contact lens in your eye can be a scary experience, but the good news is that it’s not as serious as it feels. The lens can’t actually get lost behind your eye, even if it seems like it has. What’s most important is to stay calm, take a few deep breaths, and try the simple steps to gently locate and remove it. Often, the lens will move back into place or come out with a bit of help. But if your eye still feels irritated or blurry after some time, it’s perfectly okay to call an eye doctor. When it comes to your eyes, it’s always worth playing it safe.