Contact Lenses Stuck In Eye - Facts and Myths
One big apprehension most people have about trying out contacts is probably the idea of having to touch their eyes. That’s why the contact lens fitting is part of the contact lens exam. It’s important to get comfortable inserting and removing the contacts before you leave the eye doctor’s office. A contact lens remover tool is also great to help with the insertion and removal process.
Many new contact lens wearers also worry about getting contacts stuck behind their eyes. While lenses can become dislodged, and may even get stuck under your eyelid, it's actually impossible for your lenses to get stuck entirely behind your eyes.
Facts and Myths of Getting Lenses Stuck Behind Your Eye
Contact lenses can get dislodged from your eye.
FACT: This typically happens due to some type of physical contact. Occasionally, torn contacts may leave a small piece of the lens in your eye.
Contact lenses can get stuck behind your eye permanently.
MYTH: Contacts can get stuck under your eyelid, but it's impossible for them to go behind your eye. Your eyelids connect to your eye forming a barrier that prevents objects from going "behind" it.
Contact lenses can get lost and unexpectedly remain in your eye for extended periods of time.
FACT: While this is very rare, some people may get a lens fragment or a lens stuck under their eyelid without realizing. Lenses typically can be removed from beneath your eyelids by rinsing out your eyes with solution and gently massaging your eyelids until the lens pops out.
Contact lenses getting stuck in your eye is a serious health risk.
MYTH: While having a lens stuck in your eye is very uncomfortable, it’s not actually as scary as it sounds. You can typically remove it yourself with products you have at home, but If you are having trouble removing your lens, talk to your eye doctor for assistance.
How to Remove a Soft Contact Lens Stuck in Your Eye
- Apply rewetting drops to your eye. Be liberal, as the more moisture increases the chance that the lens will dislodge from your eyelid.
- Massage the upper and lower portions of your eyelid until your lens dislodges. This may take a bit of work, and it's important not to use force on your eyes, but will usually succeed in getting the lens out from your eyelid.
- Gently grab your eyelid, and turn it inside out. Look in the mirror for any lens fragments and carefully remove them. Finish by rinsing your eyes with saline solution.
- See your eye doctor if the above techniques do not work. It's important to note that your lens may have fallen out without you noticing if you no longer feel anything foreign in your eyes.