Can Contact Lenses Get Stuck in Your Eye or Eyelid?

Q: Can Contact Lenses Get Stuck in Your Eye or Eyelid?

Hello： If you discover that a small piece of your contact lens is missing, it is likely that this small fragment is still lodged in your eye or eyelid. <br>In this situation, it is best to seek an eye examination and treatment immediately. <br>While waiting for medical attention,

Can contact lenses get stuck in the eye or under the eyelid?

Hello, doctor.
A few days ago, I wore colored daily disposable contact lenses, and within half a day, I felt a foreign body sensation.
When I got home and removed the lenses, I noticed that a small corner of one lens was missing.
I was quite worried, so I rinsed my eyes with saline solution and checked in the mirror for any remnants, but I didn't see anything.
However, after an hour, I was concerned and looked in the mirror again, only to find a small piece that resembled the missing corner of the contact lens.
I tried to use a cotton swab to see if I could remove it, but when I got the swab, it disappeared again.
I was very anxious, so I used an eye wash solution I bought from a pharmacy (the kind that comes with a wash cup) to rinse my eyes, moving my eyes around during the process, but I still didn't see the small piece in the wash cup.
The next day, I rinsed my eyes again.
Can a contact lens get stuck in the eye for this long? Or could it be lodged in the eyelid or eyelash? I don't feel much foreign body sensation in my eye, but sometimes I feel a bit of soreness, similar to the feeling of slightly swollen eyes upon waking up.
Thank you in advance for your response, doctor.

Qi Zhen, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2023/02/16

Dr. Gao Pilin reply Ophthalmology

Hello: If you discover that a small piece of your contact lens is missing, it is likely that this small fragment is still lodged in your eye or eyelid.
In this situation, it is best to seek an eye examination and treatment immediately.
While waiting for medical attention, you can follow these recommendations: 1.
Do not rub or touch the affected eye to avoid further irritation or injury.
2.
Avoid wearing contact lenses as much as possible, at least until the issue is resolved.
3.
Gently rinse your eye with saline solution or mineral water, or use some eye wash or artificial tears to keep the eye moist.
4.
If you experience pain, burning, decreased vision, or any other unusual symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

Reply Date: 2023/02/16

More Info

When it comes to contact lenses, especially colored or decorative ones, there are several important considerations regarding their potential to get stuck in the eye or eyelid. Based on your description, it seems you experienced a situation where a small piece of your contact lens broke off, leading to concerns about whether it could be lodged in your eye or eyelid.

First and foremost, it is indeed possible for a contact lens, or a piece of one, to become trapped in the eye or under the eyelid. This can happen if the lens is not properly fitted, if it dries out, or if it breaks. In your case, since you mentioned that a small corner of the lens was missing, it is conceivable that this fragment could have moved around in your eye or even slipped under your eyelid.

Here are some key points to consider:
1. Symptoms of a Stuck Lens: If a piece of the lens were stuck in your eye, you might experience symptoms such as persistent discomfort, a sensation of something being in your eye, redness, tearing, or blurred vision. You mentioned feeling some slight discomfort and a sensation similar to waking up with puffy eyes, which could indicate irritation but may not necessarily mean a lens fragment is present.

2. Self-Examination: While you did well by using saline solution to rinse your eye, it is crucial to avoid using cotton swabs or any other objects to try to remove a lens fragment yourself. This can potentially cause more harm than good, including scratching the cornea or pushing the lens further into the eye.

3. Duration of a Stuck Lens: If a contact lens or a piece of one gets stuck, it may not always be immediately visible. Sometimes, it can remain in the eye for a period of time without causing significant symptoms. However, if it is not removed, it can lead to irritation or even infection.

4. When to Seek Help: If you continue to feel discomfort, experience changes in vision, or if the sensation of something being in your eye persists, it is essential to seek professional help from an eye care provider. They can perform a thorough examination to ensure that no fragments are left in your eye and that your eye is healthy.

5. Preventive Measures: To avoid similar situations in the future, ensure that your contact lenses are the correct fit and type for your eyes. Regularly replace them as recommended and follow proper hygiene practices when handling them. If you experience any discomfort or unusual symptoms while wearing contact lenses, it’s best to remove them and consult with an eye care professional.

In conclusion, while it is possible for a piece of a contact lens to get stuck in the eye or eyelid, the best course of action is to monitor your symptoms closely and seek professional evaluation if discomfort persists. Your eye health is paramount, and timely intervention can prevent complications. Always prioritize safety and proper care when it comes to contact lens usage.

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