The concern that a contact lens might migrate deep into the eye and become lost is a common fear. This anxiety often stems from the sudden, uncomfortable sensation of a lens shifting out of place, making it feel as though the object has vanished entirely. While this feeling can be unsettling, the physical structure of the eye makes it impossible for a contact lens to truly disappear or travel to the back of the eye socket. The lens may move from its central position on the cornea, but it remains accessible on the visible surface of the eye.
The Myth Versus Reality
A contact lens cannot get lost behind your eye or travel into the head. When a lens is dislodged, it typically folds or shifts to the upper or lower reaches of the eye’s front surface, temporarily hiding beneath the eyelid. This usually happens after vigorous eye rubbing, a direct impact, or when the eye becomes excessively dry. The sensation of the lens being “gone” is often the result of it moving into the superior or inferior fornix, the pocket-like space beneath your eyelids. A dislodged lens remains trapped in this limited space until it is coaxed back into a visible position for removal.
The Anatomy Preventing Lens Loss
Contact lenses are confined to the front of the eye by a continuous membrane called the conjunctiva. This transparent tissue covers the white part of the eyeball (sclera) and folds back to line the inside of the eyelids. The fold forms a barrier, creating a sealed pouch called the conjunctival fornix. This anatomical structure functions like a natural wall, physically preventing any foreign object, including a contact lens, from slipping into the space behind the eye. The lens is restricted to the anterior surface of the eye, unable to pass beyond the confines of this pouch.
How to Find and Remove a Stuck Lens
If you feel a lens is stuck or has shifted, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before touching your eye. Lubricate the eye by applying a few drops of sterile saline or contact lens re-wetting drops. This rehydrates the lens, allowing it to move more freely. Once the eye is lubricated, close your eyelid and gently massage the area where you feel the lens is located, often beneath the upper eyelid.
Another effective technique involves looking in the opposite direction of where you suspect the lens is lodged. For example, if the lens is under your upper lid, look down to help pull the lens back toward the center of the eye. Blink repeatedly to encourage the lens to shift back onto the cornea, where you can easily pinch it out with clean fingers. If the lens is still difficult to locate, use a mirror in a brightly lit area to gently pull your eyelid away from the eye and locate the lens.
If the lens is a rigid gas-permeable type, avoid massaging the eyelid, as the harder material could scratch the cornea. Instead, use a finger to gently press the eye just outside the edge of the lens to break the suction holding it in place. If you experience persistent pain, blurred vision, excessive redness, or if the lens remains impossible to remove after several attempts, stop immediately. Contact an eye care professional, as they can safely remove the lens using specialized equipment and ensure no damage has occurred.