What Are The Repercussions Of Swallowing Contact Lens By An Infant?

Posted on Tue, 1 Nov 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Tue, 1 Nov 2016 Answered on

Tue, 22 Nov 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi doctor my 8 month old baby swallowed a contact lens of mine. It was dry and not properly disposed of. She coughed and choked for a few seconds. My question is since contact lenses,once wet stick adhere to basically any surface, can it adhere to the mucosal lining of her esophagus and not pass? What about her stomach or intestines. I am very concerned.

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (20 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Contact lens

Detailed Answer:
Hello. I just read through your question.
The most important thing about any ingested substance is that it doesn't go into the lungs. Based on the history, it appears that the lungs are safe.
Weather in the esophagus or the stomach or intestine, the mucosa linings are easily llubricate enough to keep the lens moving along. Once in the stomach, the stomach acid will completely dissolve it So there is no need for concern.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar