Question:
I found a Slimy brownish/black liquid-like substance in my contact lens case, what is it?
I know that I should not be wearing them anymore, they're old and I'm only wearing them today because I need to study and read a lot for school finals. I use "Complete" easy rub formula to clean them, last I put them away was 2 months ago. Today when I opened them, the right one had this substance I described floating around separate from the lens. The lens itself looked clean and clear however, but regardless of it I cleaned it extensively to put it on because again, I really need to have them on. I looked it up and i read that there's risk for a fungal infection that I could get, I'm worried that the substance could have been a colony of fungus that grew, even though it was sealed. I think maybe the cleaning solution might have done it's job and separated it away from the lens, this is more of a hope to cope with the anxiety of not knowing for sure. Please help me, my eyes are slightly strained possibly I hope from the age of these lenses. Every hour or as I feel it necessary I have the multi-purpose solution at hand to make them feel better as well as "Visine totality" (Multi-symptom for red, burning, watery, itchy, gritty, dry, irritated eyes) [Note: The label says to remove contacts before using, I looked this up and it said it is because "Tetrahydrozoline and zinc may contain a preservative that can be absorbed by soft contact lenses" - I'm probably not going to use this]
Does anyone know what it could have been?, I thank you deeply in advance for your time and effort to help. And please...it is not that I am lazy to go and buy new ones, my family is very poor and I lost my job because I got sick but I'm studying to move ahead. Thank you!
Answers:
Two days have passed since you posted your question and hopefully you have not developed an infection. Sounds like mold or fungus which could cause a sight threatening eye infection. Everyone who wears contact lenses should have a pair of eye glasses, just for these types of situations. If you can prove you are indigent and have a prescription that is less than a year old, google "your nearest city or town and free eye glasses". If you don't have recent prescription google "free eye exams" or if your family has health insurance, it might cover the exam if you see an optometrist or ophthalmologist. You may need to call the plan administrator to see if vision eye exams are covered. If you've developed an infection, insurance will cover it. I really hope your eyes are OK, but get a pair of eye glasses soon.