Lost Contact Lens: Should You Seek Medical Attention Again?

The contact lens is missing?

Hello, three days ago I removed my contact lens and it went missing.
I'm not sure if it slipped behind my eye (this happened once a few years ago, and it came out on its own after half a day) or if it fell out of my eye.
I don't feel any foreign body sensation, but I just can't find the missing contact lens anywhere.
I went to the ophthalmology emergency department and had a swab check of my upper and lower eyelids, but they didn't find anything.
The emergency doctor said that even though they didn't find it, it could still be in my eye.
It's been three days, and I still don't feel any foreign body sensation, nor have I found it at home.
I would like to know if I need to seek medical attention again in this situation.
If it is still in my eye, what could happen? Thank you very much.

Xiao, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/01/14

Dr. Wang Zhishun reply Ophthalmology

Hello, it is recommended to have the doctor check again.
If nothing is found, it can be confirmed that it is not in the eye.
(If it were to remain inside for a long time, it could potentially cause a foreign body reaction.)

Reply Date: 2016/01/14

More Info

When it comes to losing a contact lens, especially if you suspect it may have slipped behind your eye, it’s understandable to feel anxious. However, based on your description, it seems that you have already taken the right steps by visiting an eye doctor for an examination. The fact that you have not experienced any discomfort or unusual symptoms since the incident is a positive sign.

Should You Seek Medical Attention Again?
Given that three days have passed without any discomfort, it is less likely that the contact lens is still behind your eye. Contact lenses are designed to be relatively thin and flexible, and if they do get stuck, they usually do not remain there for an extended period. The eye has a natural mechanism for clearing out foreign objects, and if the lens were behind your eye, you would likely experience some irritation, redness, or discomfort.
However, if you continue to feel uneasy about the situation or if you start to experience any symptoms such as redness, swelling, or pain, it would be wise to seek medical attention again. An eye care professional can perform a thorough examination to ensure that there are no remnants of the lens or any other issues that need to be addressed.

What Happens If the Lens Is Still in the Eye?
If a contact lens were to remain in the eye for an extended period, it could potentially lead to complications such as:
1. Corneal Abrasion: The lens could scratch the surface of the cornea, leading to pain and increased risk of infection.

2. Infection: A retained lens can create an environment conducive to bacterial growth, which could lead to serious infections like keratitis.

3. Inflammation: The presence of a foreign object can cause inflammation, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort.

Conclusion
In summary, while it is unlikely that your contact lens is still in your eye given the absence of symptoms, it is always better to err on the side of caution. If you have any doubts or if new symptoms arise, do not hesitate to return to your eye care provider. They can perform the necessary checks to ensure your eye health is not compromised.
In the meantime, it’s a good practice to monitor your eyes for any changes and to maintain proper hygiene with your contact lenses in the future. Always ensure that you have a backup pair of glasses, and consider using daily disposable lenses if you find that losing lenses is a recurring issue.

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