For contact lens wearers, getting a lens stuck behind your eye can sound alarming, to say the least. Rest assured, a contact lens cannot be irreversibly stuck behind your eye due to the natural tissue barrier surrounding your eyeball. 

However, a dislodged lens can still be uncomfortable and require some attention to be carefully removed. If your contact lens gets stuck, follow these simple steps to remove it safely:

• Stay calm and wash your hands.
• Use a mirror to locate the lens.
• Gently massage the eyelid to reposition the lens.
• Carefully remove the lens or seek professional help if needed.

Can a Contact Lens Get Stuck Behind Your Eye? 

Physically speaking, a contact lens cannot get stuck “behind” your eyeball. The natural anatomy of the eye, including the orbital tissue and conjunctiva, prevents objects from traveling behind the eye. Instead, a lens may move out of place and get trapped under the eyelid or along the conjunctiva, but it cannot pass behind the eye. 

If you’re unable to remove it, don’t panic, an optometrist can help safely retrieve the lens.

How to Handle a Stuck Contact Lens 

If your contact lens gets stuck, follow these simple steps to help safely remove it.

1. Stay calm: Panicking only makes the situation more challenging. The lens isn’t lost, and you can retrieve it safely with the right steps or care from your optometrist. 
2. Wash your hands: Before attempting to remove the lens, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to avoid introducing bacteria to your eye. 
3. Determine the location of the lens: Use a mirror and good lighting to help locate the lens. Pull down your lower eyelid and look for the lens. If it’s not visible, lift your upper eyelid and glance downwards. 
4. Gently massage the lens into place: Once the lens is located, close your eye and gently massage your eyelid to move it to the proper position. Try to avoid pressing too hard. 
5. Use your fingertips to retrieve the lens: If it moves back into a more accessible position, carefully pinch it and remove it. 
6. Seek help if necessary: If you’ve followed all the steps and still cannot retrieve the lens, contact your optometrist for support. 

Tips to Avoid Stuck Contact Lenses 

While no preventative measure can be considered 100% foolproof, you can help to reduce the likelihood of a dislodged lens by following some of the tips below:

• Keep your eye hydrated: Dry eyes may increase the chances of contact lenses shifting out of place. 
• Ensure proper lens fit: An ill-fitting contact lens is more likely to move around. Work with your optometrist to find the right size and shape. 
• Follow proper lens care: Clean your lenses regularly and replace them as directed to maintain their quality. 
• Be cautious during removal: Rushing contact lens removal can lead to tearing or dislodging. Take your time and follow the proper technique. 

How to Insert a Contact Lenses 

Properly inserting a contact lens might seem challenging at first, but with practice, it can be a quick and easy part of your daily routine. Here are a few tips to follow:

Wash & Dry Your Hands 

Before inserting a contact lens, begin by washing your hands with soap and water to remove any bacteria or dirt. Dry your hands thoroughly with a lint-free towel to avoid transferring any debris to the lens. 

Inspect the Lens 

Place the lens on the tip of your clean, dry finger. Check that the lens hasn’t been torn or damaged before beginning to insert it. The lens should be upright and bowl-shaped—if the edges flare out, it’s likely inside out. 

Hold Your Eyelids Steady 

Use your non-dominant hand to gently hold your top eyelid open, preventing blinking. With the fingers of your dominant hand, pull down the lower eyelid. 

Insert the Lens

While looking upward or straight ahead into a mirror, place the lens gently onto your eye. Slowly release your eyelids and blink a few times to help the lens settle into place. 

When a Contact Lens Feels Stuck but Isn’t

Sometimes, a lens can feel stuck even when it’s already fallen out or is sitting correctly on the eye. This sensation can be due to:

Dry eye

Dryness can create a foreign-body feeling, making you think a lens is stuck when it’s actually missing.

Lens displacement and return

A lens may briefly move under the lid and then reposition itself, but the lingering sensation can make it feel like it’s still out of place.

Eye irritation

Rubbing your eye or inserting the lens with debris on it can cause irritation that mimics the feeling of a stuck lens.

If the sensation doesn’t resolve after blinking, using lubricating drops, or confirming the lens location, consult your optometrist.

When to See an Optometrist 

While in most cases, a stuck lens can be resolved at home, there may be instances where professional help would be needed. Contact your optometrist if:

• You are experiencing persistent discomfort or redness after the lens has been removed 
• Your vision remains blurry despite the lens being removed 
• You’re unable to locate or retrieve the lens after multiple attempts 
• There is unusual discharge from your eye, which may indicate an infection

Key Takeaways

• A contact lens cannot get stuck behind the eye due to natural anatomical barriers.
• Most stuck lenses can be safely removed at home with calm, gentle techniques.
• Proper lens hygiene, hydration, and fit greatly reduce the risk of a displaced lens.
• If discomfort, redness, discharge, or difficulty locating the lens persists, see an optometrist.
• Your eye care provider is always the safest resource when something doesn’t feel right.

Take Action Today

Experiencing challenges with your contact lenses can be stressful, but you don’t have to face it alone. At Visionary Eye Centre, we’re committed to caring for your eye health with quality, personalized care. If you’re dealing with a stuck contact lens or need advice on your eye health, don’t hesitate to book an appointment today!