It is a common concern among contact lens wearers: the fear of a lens slipping behind the eye and becoming permanently lost. However, this is a widespread misconception. It is impossible for a contact lens to get stuck behind your eye, as the eye’s structure prevents any foreign object from reaching that area. Understanding the eye’s natural barriers can alleviate this worry.
The Eye’s Natural Barrier
The conjunctiva is a thin, transparent mucous membrane that serves as a protective barrier within the eye. It lines the inside surface of your eyelids and then folds back to cover the white part of your eyeball, known as the sclera. This membrane has two main parts: the palpebral conjunctiva, lining the inner eyelids, and the bulbar conjunctiva, covering the sclera.
These two parts are continuous, forming a sac-like structure that seals off the back of the eye. This continuous fold, called the conjunctival fornix, prevents any object from slipping behind the eyeball. The conjunctiva also secretes mucus and tears, which lubricate the eye and protect it from infections and foreign particles. Thus, while a lens might shift or fold, it cannot physically go beyond this protective membrane.
What to Do If a Contact Lens Feels Stuck
Even though a contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye, it can still shift or fold, making it feel stuck or difficult to locate. The first step is to remain calm and avoid rubbing your eye excessively, as this can cause irritation or damage. Begin by washing your hands with soap and water and drying them with a lint-free towel to prevent introducing any contaminants.
Next, apply a few drops of lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution to your eye. This helps to rehydrate the lens, making it softer and easier to move. Blink several times and gently move your eye in different directions, such as looking up, down, and side to side, to encourage the lens to shift. If the lens is still not visible, gently massage your eyelid to help dislodge a folded or shifted lens and guide it back to the center for easier removal. If, after these attempts, the lens remains stuck, or if you experience persistent pain, redness, or changes in vision, you should contact an eye care professional for assistance.