It can be unsettling when a contact lens feels stuck in your eye. This often happens when a lens shifts from its proper position or folds. Understanding the sensations and eye anatomy can help you safely resolve the situation.
Recognizing the Signs
When a contact lens is not correctly positioned, you might experience several distinct sensations. Common indicators include irritation or general discomfort. Your vision may also become blurry or distorted. Redness of the eye can develop, and some individuals report a gritty sensation. These symptoms suggest the lens is dislodged or folded, rather than truly “stuck” in an inaccessible area.
Understanding Where a Contact Lens Can Go
A widespread concern is that a contact lens can get lost behind the eye, but this is anatomically impossible. The conjunctiva, a thin membrane covering the white part of your eye and lining your eyelids, forms a continuous barrier. This prevents any object, including a contact lens, from migrating to the back of your eye. Instead, if a contact lens is not on the cornea, it typically shifts to other accessible areas. It might slide underneath the upper or lower eyelid, or it could fold in half. Sometimes, a lens may simply dry out and adhere to the eye’s surface, creating a “stuck” sensation.
Practical Steps to Find and Remove a Lens
If you suspect a contact lens is misplaced, begin by washing your hands thoroughly. Next, apply several drops of lubricating eye drops or sterile saline solution to rehydrate the lens and help it move. Blink repeatedly to encourage the lens to shift.
Using a well-lit mirror, gently pull down your lower eyelid and look for the lens. If you don’t see it there, lift your upper eyelid and look downwards. Slowly roll your eyes in all directions—up, down, left, and right—to encourage the lens to move into a visible area.
If the lens is still elusive, gently massage your closed eyelid in a circular motion to help shift the lens. Once the lens is visible, gently pinch it to remove it. For rigid gas permeable lenses, a gentle press just outside the lens edge can break the suction.
When to Consult an Eye Doctor
While most displaced contact lenses can be removed at home, some circumstances warrant professional medical attention. If you experience persistent pain, redness, or vision changes after successfully removing the lens, consult an eye doctor. Signs of a potential eye infection, such as unusual discharge, increased light sensitivity, or a burning sensation, also require evaluation. If you are unable to locate or remove the lens after multiple attempts, or if you suspect the lens has torn and pieces remain in your eye, seek professional help to avoid further irritation or injury.