How to Know if a Contact is Behind Your Eye
Contacts are a convenient and popular choice for those who need vision correction. However, wearing contacts can sometimes lead to discomfort or complications, such as a contact getting lost behind the eye. If you suspect that a contact might be behind your eye, it’s crucial to identify the issue promptly to avoid any potential damage. In this article, we will discuss the signs and symptoms that indicate a contact is behind your eye and provide guidance on how to address this situation.
Signs and Symptoms of a Contact Behind Your Eye
1. Sudden Discomfort: If you experience a sudden sharp pain or discomfort in your eye, it could be a sign that your contact has moved out of place and is now behind your eye.
2. Blurred Vision: A contact behind your eye can cause blurred vision, as it may not be properly positioned to correct your vision.
3. Watery Eyes: Your eyes may produce more tears in an attempt to flush out the contact lens that is trapped behind your eye.
4. Sensitivity to Light: Light sensitivity can occur if the contact is irritating your eye or if the lens is out of place.
5. Foreign Body Sensation: You may feel as if there is something foreign in your eye, which could be the contact lens.
How to Check for a Contact Behind Your Eye
1. Gently Tilt Your Head Back: Tilt your head back slightly to see if you can spot the contact lens on the white part of your eye (sclera).
2. Use a Mirror: Look in a mirror and try to feel for the contact lens with your finger, while keeping your eye as still as possible.
3. Get Someone to Help: If you can’t see or feel the contact, ask someone to help you look for it. They may be able to see it or feel it with their fingers.
4. Use Artificial Tears: If you suspect a contact is behind your eye, use artificial tears to help lubricate your eye and make it easier to see or feel the lens.
What to Do if You Find a Contact Behind Your Eye
1. Do Not Rub Your Eye: Rubbing your eye can cause the contact to move further back or damage your cornea.
2. Remove the Contact: If you can find the contact, gently remove it by blinking several times. The lens should move to the corner of your eye, where you can remove it with your fingers.
3. Rinse Your Eyes: After removing the contact, rinse your eyes with warm, sterile saline solution to clean away any debris or particles.
4. Seek Professional Help: If you cannot find the contact or if you experience severe pain or discomfort, seek immediate medical attention from an eye care professional.
Preventing Contacts from Moving Behind Your Eye
To prevent a contact from moving behind your eye, follow these tips:
1. Wash Your Hands: Always wash your hands thoroughly before inserting or removing contacts.
2. Use Clean Contact Lenses: Make sure your contact lenses are clean and in good condition before wearing them.
3. Avoid Sleeping in Contacts: Sleeping with contacts can increase the risk of them moving out of place.
4. Follow Your Eye Care Professional’s Instructions: Adhere to the recommended wearing schedule and contact lens care instructions provided by your eye care professional.
By being aware of the signs and symptoms of a contact behind your eye and taking appropriate action, you can ensure your eye health and comfort while wearing contacts.
