How to tell when a contact lens hasn’t come out and when to call your eye doctor in St. Charles, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, or Wentzville.
If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably had this moment: your eye feels “off,” your vision seems blurry, and you’re not sure whether your contact lens is still in or already out. This is a common concern we hear from patients at Midwest Eye Associates, especially those using soft contacts for daily or extended wear in St. Charles, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, and Wentzville.
A contact lens that stays in too long can lead to irritation, dryness, or even infection if not addressed promptly. Knowing the signs can help you act quickly and avoid more serious problems. Below, our East Missouri eye doctors explain the common clues that a contact lens may still be in your eye and what steps you should take.
Why East Missouri Patients Might Not Notice a Contact Lens Is Still In
Modern contact lenses are designed for comfort, which means they’re incredibly thin and easy to overlook—especially for busy patients juggling work, family, or school. Whether you're commuting through Wentzville or heading into the office in Creve Coeur, it’s easy to miss the signs if your lens folds or shifts out of place.
Some of our patients in St. Peters and St. Charles assume the lens fell out during the day, but in many cases, it’s actually still there—tucked under the eyelid or sitting slightly off-center.
Symptoms That Suggest a Contact Lens Is Still in Your Eye
If you’re unsure whether your contact lens came out properly, here are the most common symptoms our patients report:
- Blurry or hazy vision that doesn’t improve with blinking
Your sight may stay cloudy if a lens is out of place or still present. - A scratchy or gritty sensation
Some describe it as feeling like a speck of dust or an eyelash stuck in the eye. - Redness and irritation
When a lens is stuck too long, it reduces oxygen to the cornea and can lead to discomfort. - Increased tearing or watering
Your eye may produce more tears in an effort to flush out the lens. - Sensitivity to light
Bright or overhead lighting might feel harsh or cause squinting. - Unusual blinking or discomfort closing the eye
If blinking feels off, or your eyelid movement seems restricted, a contact could be trapped under the lid.
While these symptoms don’t always confirm a stuck lens, they’re strong enough signs to take a closer look or reach out for professional care in one of our East Missouri eye clinics.
What to Do If You Think Your Contact Lens Is Still In
First, don’t panic. Many patients in St. Charles or Wentzville worry they’ll damage their eye, but calmly checking your eye is the safest next step.
Here’s what we recommend:
- Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
- Use a well-lit mirror to check your lower eyelid by gently pulling it down.
- Look up and gently lift your upper eyelid to inspect for the lens.
- Apply contact lens rewetting drops to help loosen or reposition a dry or folded lens.
If you still can’t locate or remove it, stop trying. Avoid rubbing or poking at your eye, and contact your nearest Midwest Eye Associates location. Our optometrists in Creve Coeur, St. Peters, St. Charles, or Wentzville can safely identify and remove any retained lens without harming your eye.
When to Visit an Eye Doctor in East Missouri for Contact Lens Concerns
If you’ve tried flushing your eye, checked under both lids, and still can’t find the lens, it’s time to see a professional. At Midwest Eye Associates, we frequently help patients from St. Charles, St. Peters, Wentzville, and Creve Coeur who are dealing with stuck or misplaced contact lenses.
In some cases, the lens may have already fallen out and you’re experiencing irritation from dryness or rubbing. In other cases, the lens may be hidden under the upper lid or folded in a way that’s not visible to you at home. Our advanced diagnostic tools allow us to examine your eye safely and gently remove any retained lenses before they cause further discomfort or complications.
What Happens If a Contact Lens Stays in Too Long?
A contact lens that stays in too long can dry out, especially if you’ve slept in it or worn it beyond the recommended timeframe. This can cause:
- Corneal abrasions (small scratches on the surface of the eye)
- Inflammation or swelling
- Infection or contact lens-related keratitis
These conditions can be painful and may lead to long-term damage if not addressed. The good news is, most are preventable with proper lens care and timely removal. If you’ve had an issue once, let your optometrist know—we may recommend switching to daily disposable lenses or a different lens material to better suit your eyes.
Contact Lens Exams and Support at Midwest Eye Associates
If you wear contacts regularly, an annual contact lens exam is essential—not just for updating your prescription, but for checking the health of your corneas, tear film, and eye surface. At Midwest Eye Associates, we help patients across East Missouri choose the right lenses for comfort, safety, and convenience.
We also fit scleral lenses for dry eye and corneal irregularities, provide care for sensitive eyes, and help with custom solutions for patients who have struggled with comfort or lens retention in the past.
Not sure if your contact lens is still in?
Schedule an appointment at one of our four convenient locations in St. Charles, St. Peters, Creve Coeur, or Wentzville. Our friendly team will take a close look and help you get back to clear, comfortable vision.