What should patients be instructed to do if a lens becomes lost in the eye?

When a contact lens becomes lost in the eye, the correct course of action is to remain calm and seek professional help if the lens cannot be easily located. This approach is essential because it prioritizes the health and safety of the patient.

If a patient panics, they may inadvertently cause harm to their eye by rubbing or attempting to forcibly remove the lens. Professional help ensures that the situation is handled correctly by a trained individual who can safely retrieve the lens without risking injury to the cornea or other parts of the eye.

The other choices, while potentially well-intentioned, do not prioritize the safest or most effective steps. Immediately removing both lenses could lead to unnecessary distress and is not the most effective response, particularly if only one lens is lost. Trying to remove the lens using fingers is not advised as this may worsen the situation, especially if the lens is not visible or tightly adhered to the eye. Ignoring the issue is dangerous; it could lead to complications such as corneal abrasions or infections. Therefore, seeking professional assistance is the safest and most appropriate response in this scenario.