If you wear contact lenses, you’ve probably experienced a moment of panic, maybe you blinked, and your lens seemed to vanish.
It’s physically impossible for a contact lens to get lost behind your eye. But it can get stuck or shift into a spot that’s hard to reach, which might feel like it’s disappeared.
How Contact Lenses Fit on the Eye
To understand why a contact lens can’t disappear into your eye, it helps to know a bit about eye anatomy. Contact lenses rest on the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye, and float on a thin layer of tear film.
Surrounding the white part of your eye (the sclera) and the inside of your eyelids is a protective membrane called the conjunctiva. This membrane forms a continuous sac, meaning there’s no open pathway behind your eye. Even if your lens folds or slides under your upper eyelid, it can’t travel beyond this natural barrier.
So, while a contact can become temporarily hidden, it will never get “lost” behind your eyeball.
Why a Contact Lens Might Feel Stuck
Even though a contact lens can’t vanish behind your eye, it might still feel that way. Several common scenarios can lead to a stuck or hard-to-find lens:
Dry Eye
When your eyes lack moisture, contact lenses may stick to your cornea or shift out of place. A dry lens can also fold over itself and lodge beneath the upper eyelid, making it feel like it’s gone rogue.
Improper Lens Care
Skipping proper cleaning routines or overwearing your lenses can lead to protein buildup and discomfort. A dirty or old lens may not sit correctly on your eye, increasing the chance it shifts or becomes irritating.
Foreign Particles
A speck of dust, an eyelash, or other debris under your contact lens can cause irritation and the sensation that something is stuck, even if the lens is still in the correct position.
Signs Your Contact Lens May Be Stuck
A contact lens that’s out of position often comes with some telltale symptoms:
- Discomfort or irritation: Persistent stinging, burning, or a scratchy feeling could mean the lens has folded or shifted.
- Blurry vision: If your vision suddenly becomes blurry or cloudy, your lens may have moved off-centre or folded under your eyelid.
- Redness or watering: Your eye’s natural response to a misplaced lens may be inflammation or excessive tearing.
- Inability to locate the lens: If you check the mirror and don’t see the lens on your eye, it may have slipped underneath the lid, but not behind the eye.
What to Do If Your Contact Lens Feels Stuck
If you suspect your lens is folded or hiding somewhere in your eye, don’t panic—this happens more often than you think, and in most cases, it’s harmless.
1. Wash Your Hands
Always start by washing and drying your hands thoroughly to avoid introducing bacteria to your eyes.
2. Blink Rapidly
Sometimes, blinking several times will shift the lens back into place naturally.
3. Use Lubricating Eye Drops
A few drops of preservative-free artificial tears can help rehydrate your eye and loosen a stuck lens.
4. Gently Check Under Your Eyelids
With clean hands, gently pull down your lower eyelid or lift your upper lid and look carefully for a misplaced lens. A mirror and good lighting can help. Try rolling your eye slowly in different directions.
5. Try to Remove It
If you can see the lens but can’t easily remove it, gently slide it back to the center of your eye before removing it as usual. Avoid poking or digging at your eye.
When to Call Your Optometrist
In most cases, a stuck contact lens can be resolved at home. However, you should seek professional help if:
- You feel significant pain or irritation
- Your eye becomes red, swollen, or very watery
- You can’t locate or remove the lens after multiple attempts
- You suspect your eye is scratched or infected
An optometrist has the tools and training to safely remove a stubborn lens and check your eye for any damage.
Preventing a Stuck or Misplaced Lens
While it’s impossible to prevent every contact lens hiccup, there are steps you can take to reduce the chances of a lens getting stuck:
- Stay hydrated: Dry eyes increase your risk of discomfort. Drink water and use artificial tears as needed, especially in dry environments.
- Follow proper lens hygiene: Clean and store your lenses as recommended. Never sleep in your lenses unless your optometrist has approved it.
- Replace lenses on schedule: Old or damaged lenses are more likely to fold or cause irritation. Stick to your replacement timeline.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes: This can shift your lenses out of place or even cause them to fall out. If your eyes feel irritated, use eye drops or take out your lenses.
Contacts Can’t Get Lost Behind Your Eye
Let’s put the myth to rest: a contact lens cannot disappear behind your eye. Thanks to the eye’s natural structure, there’s simply nowhere for it to go. If it feels like your lens is lost, it’s likely folded, off-centre, or tucked under your eyelid.
With proper care and a calm approach, you can often fix the issue on your own. But if discomfort or difficulty persists, your eye doctor is there to help.
At Pack & Bianes Optometry in Chula Vista, CA, our friendly, experienced team can answer all your contact lens questions and make sure your lenses fit comfortably and safely. Contact us today to book an eye exam or get help with a stuck contact lens. Your eyes will thank you!
