Key Takeaways
- A stuck contact lens can cause noticeable symptoms like scratchiness, redness, or blurry vision in 1 eye.
- It may relieve some anxiety to know that a contact lens cannot travel behind your eye.
- Rewetting drops and clean hands help make removal safer and easier at home.
- Leaving a stuck lens in can lead to corneal scratches or infection.
- Persistent discomfort, pain, or discharge means it’s time to see an optometrist in St. Catharines.
Maybe you thought you took out your contacts, but something still feels off. Your eye is scratchy, slightly irritated, or just not right, and now you’re wondering if the lens actually came out at all. It’s a surprisingly common moment of uncertainty, and it can feel unsettling when you’re not sure what to do next. Our team at EyeCare Niagara sees this concern more often than you may expect, and the good news is that knowing what to look for can help make the whole situation much less stressful.
If a contact lens is still in your eye, you’ll likely notice discomfort or irritation in 1 eye that doesn’t go away after blinking, along with possible redness, watering, or blurry vision on that side. If you think a lens is still in your eye, try to stay calm. In many cases, it can be removed safely at home, but if you’re unable to remove it, or your symptoms worsen, contact an eye care professional promptly.
Signs a Contact Lens May Still Be in Your Eye
Your eye is sensitive, so it’s good at telling you when something doesn’t belong there. A stuck or folded contact lens tends to produce some pretty clear signals. Watch for any of the following:
- A scratchy or foreign body sensation that is only in 1 eye
- Redness, watering, or blurry vision on 1 side only
- Discomfort that doesn’t ease up after blinking several times
These sensations can come on right after you thought you removed the lens, or sometimes later. If both eyes feel fine but 1 is bothering you, that’s a potential sign the lens may still be there.
Where a Stuck Lens Can Go
It Can’t Go Behind Your Eye
One of the most common worries is that the lens has somehow slipped behind the eye. Our team completely understands how that can be an anxiety-provoking thought, but we want you to know that’s not possible. A thin layer of tissue called the conjunctiva lines the inside of your eyelids and connects to the white of your eye, forming a closed pocket that a lens cannot pass through.
The lens stays within the front surface area of the eye at all times. So even when it feels like it’s disappeared, it hasn’t gone far.
Common Places a Lens Hides
A lens that’s hard to find has usually moved to a few common spots. It may have folded and slid under the upper or lower eyelid, making it tricky to see. In other cases, the lens has dried out and stuck directly to the cornea (the clear, outer layer of the eye).
Both situations are uncomfortable, but fixable. A little patience and the right approach can go a long way.
How to Find and Remove a Stuck Lens at Home
Your First Step
Start by washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely. Touching your eye with unwashed hands raises the chance of introducing bacteria. Once your hands are clean, use some artificial tears or rewetting drops to add moisture to the eye. This can help soften a dried lens and make removal much gentler.
Steps to Locate and Remove the Lens
Work in a well-lit area with a mirror close by. The most important thing to remember is not to panic. Take your time with each step:
- Look into the mirror under bright light and check from different angles to spot the lens.
- Gently pull your lower eyelid down, then carefully lift the upper eyelid to check underneath each one.
- Once you locate the lens, slide it slowly toward the centre of your eye, then pinch it out gently using your fingertips.
If the lens feels dry or stuck, add more rewetting drops before attempting to move it. Forcing it without moisture can be uncomfortable and may scratch the eye’s surface.
What Happens if You Leave a Stuck Lens In?
Leaving a contact lens in longer than it should be there comes with real risks. A dry or misplaced lens can scratch the surface of the cornea, which can be painful in some cases.
Leaving the lens in can trap bacteria between the lens and the eye, raising the chance of infection. A stuck lens can also contribute to irritation, inflammation, or swelling of the eye.
The longer a stuck lens stays in place, the more time these issues have to develop. Addressing it sooner protects your comfort and your eye health. If you’re having trouble removing it, it may be time to seek professional care.
When to See an Optometrist in St. Catharines
Home removal works in many cases, but some situations call for professional help right away. Reach out to an optometrist in St. Catharines if you experience any of the following:
- Pain, discharge, or sensitivity to light.
- A lens that won’t budge after several careful, gentle attempts.
- Any changes in vision.
These signs suggest the eye may already be irritated or that the lens is in a position that needs a closer look.
How the Eye Doctor Can Help
An eye care professional has the tools to remove a stuck lens safely. After removal, the eye doctor can check the surface of your eye for any scratches or irritation that may need attention. If this has happened more than once, our team can also review whether your current lens fit is right for your eyes.
Getting the right fit can make a meaningful difference in how your lenses feel throughout the day.
Book Your Visit
A stuck contact lens is uncomfortable, but if you remain calm and approach the problem methodically, it is fixable. When things don’t resolve on their own, our team at EyeCare Niagara is just a call away. If you need new contacts, we encourage you to book an appointment today.
