Contact lenses offer a convenient alternative to glasses, but many users fear a lens becoming permanently stuck or lost in the eye. While the sensation of a lens being “stuck” is frequent, the fear that it can travel to the back of your eye and disappear is unfounded. Understanding the eye’s anatomy and the true causes of the stuck feeling can alleviate this anxiety. The discomfort is almost always due to a lens being displaced or dried out on the front surface of the eye.
The Truth About Lenses Getting “Stuck”
A contact lens cannot physically slide behind your eyeball and become irretrievably lost. This is prevented by a thin, transparent membrane called the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids. This membrane folds back on itself, creating a continuous barrier that seals off the back of the eye socket. The lens may shift beneath the upper eyelid, making it feel like it has vanished, but it remains on the front of the eye.
The most common reason a soft lens feels stuck is dehydration. If the lens loses moisture, typically from sleeping in them or prolonged wear, it can adhere tightly to the cornea, making it stiff and difficult to move. When a lens is not centered, it often folds or slides into the pocket created by the conjunctiva, usually under the upper eyelid. This displacement causes irritation and the foreign body sensation.
In these instances, the lens may feel like it is scratching your eye or causing sharp pain because it is crumpled or sitting on a sensitive area. The soft lens material is flexible, but when dried out, it loses its elasticity and can become rigid. Even if you cannot see the lens in the mirror, it is simply tucked away in one of the folds of the conjunctiva.
Practical Steps for Safe Removal
Stay calm and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye. This prevents the transfer of bacteria and oils that could cause infection or further irritation. You must avoid attempting to pinch or rub the lens before it is properly lubricated, especially if it feels dry and adhered to the center of your eye.
If the lens is centered and appears dried out, apply several drops of sterile saline solution or contact lens-approved rewetting drops to the eye. You should blink repeatedly after applying the drops to help rehydrate the lens and allow it to regain its natural flexibility. Once the lens begins to feel looser, you can proceed with your standard removal technique.
If the lens is displaced, gently try to massage your closed upper eyelid to guide the lens back toward the center of the cornea. You can also look in the opposite direction of where you feel the lens is located, such as looking down if it is stuck under the upper lid. This movement can help to dislodge the lens from the conjunctival fold and bring it into view for easy removal. If you wear rigid gas-permeable (RGP) lenses, do not massage your eyelid, as the hard material could scratch the cornea. Instead, try gently pressing your fingertip just outside the edge of the lens to break the suction before attempting removal.
Knowing When to Seek Professional Help
While most stuck lenses can be safely managed at home, certain symptoms indicate a need for immediate attention from an eye care professional. You should contact your optometrist if you are unable to locate or retrieve the lens after multiple attempts with lubrication and gentle manipulation. Trying to force the removal of a lens that will not budge can lead to corneal damage.
Seek professional help if you experience persistent, severe pain or a sharp, scratching sensation that continues even after the lens has been removed. These symptoms may suggest a corneal abrasion, which requires prompt examination to prevent infection. Other red flags include excessive eye redness, unusual or increasing discharge, a sudden change in vision, or sensitivity to light. An eye care provider can safely remove a deeply lodged lens and assess for any complications.