Lost or Displaced Contact Lenses
Why Contacts Cannot Get Lost Behind Your Eye
Your eye has a built-in barrier called the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines the inside of your eyelids. This membrane forms a continuous seal that connects your eyelid to your eyeball, creating a closed space.
Because of the conjunctiva, there is no pathway for a contact lens to slip behind your eye or reach your brain. The membrane acts like a protective pocket that keeps foreign objects, including contact lenses, in the front part of your eye.
The space between your eyelid and eyeball is called the conjunctival sac. This pocket is small and shallow, with natural limits that prevent a contact lens from traveling very far.
- The conjunctival sac only extends a few millimeters beyond the visible part of your eye
- The eyelids and conjunctival fornices create a cul-de-sac that limits how far a lens can travel
- Your blinking reflex helps center the lens and prevents it from moving too far off the cornea
- The curved shape of your eyeball guides a displaced lens toward accessible areas
A contact lens can move out of its normal position on the cornea, but it will always remain in the front portion of your eye. Most commonly, a lens that shifts will slide under your upper or lower eyelid, where it folds or creases against the conjunctiva.
In rare cases, a lens may move to the very edge of the conjunctival sac, near the outer or inner corner of your eye. Even in these situations, the lens is still accessible and can be removed or will often move back toward the center with gentle manipulation.
Very rarely, a rigid lens can become embedded within the eyelid tissue after trauma and needs removal by an eye care professional. This does not mean it moved behind the eye.
What It Feels Like When a Contact Moves Out of Place
When a contact lens shifts out of position, you may notice a sudden change in your vision or a feeling that something is in your eye. The sensation can range from mild discomfort to a more obvious awareness of the lens being in the wrong spot.
- Blurred or cloudy vision in one eye
- A gritty or scratchy feeling
- Increased tearing or watering
- A vague sense of pressure or fullness in the eyelid
- Difficulty blinking comfortably
A folded or creased contact lens under your upper eyelid often causes a distinct feeling of irritation each time you blink. You may feel like something is rubbing against the inside of your lid.
If the lens is stuck in the upper fornix, the area where your upper eyelid meets your eye, you might not be able to see the lens when you look in a mirror. Your eyelid may feel slightly swollen or tender to the touch, and you may notice redness along the eyelid margin.
Contact lenses are designed to stay centered on your cornea, but certain activities and conditions can cause them to move. Knowing these triggers can help you understand why displacement happens.
- Rubbing your eyes vigorously
- Inserting or removing the lens incorrectly
- Swimming or showering while wearing contacts
- Wearing lenses that are too loose or the wrong size
- Dry eyes that reduce the tear film holding the lens in place
Anyone who wears contact lenses can experience a displaced lens, but some factors increase the likelihood. We often see this issue in patients who have recently started wearing contacts or who have specific eye conditions.
People with dry eyes, those who wear older or damaged lenses, and individuals who participate in contact sports without protective eyewear may be at higher risk. Additionally, patients with loose or large eyelids may find that their lenses shift more easily than others.
How to Find and Safely Remove a Displaced Contact
The first step in finding a displaced contact is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, then dry them completely. Stand in front of a well-lit mirror so you can see your eye clearly.
- Look straight ahead and gently pull your lower eyelid down to check the lower conjunctival sac
- Look down and gently lift your upper eyelid to examine the area under the upper lid
- Move your eye in all directions to see if the lens shifts into view
- Check the corners of your eye, both near your nose and near your temple
- Use only sterile saline or contact lens-compatible lubricating drops. Do not use tap water or saliva
- Confirm that you do not have two lenses on the same eye by removing the visible lens and inspecting it, then rechecking your eye
- If you still cannot see the lens, it may have already fallen out
Removing a contact lens from under your upper eyelid requires a gentle touch and patience. Start by looking down as far as you can, which helps expose the upper part of your eye.
Place a clean finger on your upper eyelid and gently massage the area while looking down. This motion can help move the lens back toward the center of your eye. Once the lens is visible, you can remove it using your normal removal technique or by pinching it gently between your thumb and forefinger.
For soft lenses, keep your fingernails short and avoid touching the cornea. Try to slide the lens onto the cornea with lubrication before removing it.
If you wear rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses, do not pinch the lens. Use your DMV suction cup remover as instructed, or use the lid-assisted blink technique to bring the lens to center. If you cannot see the lens or are unsure of its position, stop and seek professional help.
A contact lens under your lower lid is usually easier to remove than one under the upper lid. Look up and gently pull your lower lid down with a clean finger to expose the lens.
You may be able to slide the lens back onto your cornea by gently massaging your lower eyelid, or you can carefully pinch the lens off the conjunctiva. Pinch the lens itself, not the conjunctiva. If the lens has folded, do not try to unfold it on your eye. Add lubrication or sterile saline and attempt to float it toward the cornea first.
If you wear rigid gas permeable or scleral lenses, the removal technique is different from soft lenses. These lenses require special care to avoid injury.
- Do not attempt to pinch these lenses off the eye
- Use your DMV suction cup remover on the front surface of the lens as instructed
- Alternatively, use the lid-assisted blink technique to dislodge an RGP lens
- If the lens is not visible or you suspect it is under the upper lid, stop and seek care. Do not force rubbing or pressure
- If you are an orthokeratology wearer, do not continue overnight wear until cleared by your eye care professional
If you have thoroughly checked all areas of your eye and still cannot find the lens, there are a few possibilities to consider. The lens may have already fallen out without you noticing, or it may be very high up under your upper eyelid where it is difficult to see.
Try using lubricating eye drops to help flush out any hidden lens or to make it easier to locate. You can also close your eye and gently massage your eyelid to encourage the lens to move into a more visible position. If these strategies do not work after a few minutes, stop and schedule a same-day appointment if you have pain, light sensitivity, or recent water exposure or slept in your lenses. Otherwise, arrange the next available visit.
While searching for a displaced contact lens, avoiding certain actions will protect your eyes from further irritation or injury.
- Do not use tap water, saliva, or homemade saline
- Do not use tweezers, tools, or cotton swabs on your eye
- Do not keep rubbing if your eye becomes more irritated
- Do not put a new lens on the eye until you are sure the old one is out
- Do not drive if your vision is significantly blurry or uncomfortable
- If you have a bandage contact lens or recent eye surgery, do not attempt removal at home. Call us
You should stop searching for a lost contact if you experience increasing pain, significant redness, or vision changes. Repeated attempts to find or remove a lens can irritate your eye and potentially cause a corneal abrasion.
- You have been searching for more than 10 to 15 minutes without success
- Your eye becomes more red, painful, or sensitive to light
- Light sensitivity, worsening pain, or persistent blurred vision
- You are not confident in your ability to remove the lens safely
- You slept in your contact lenses or recently swam, used a hot tub, or showered while wearing contacts
- You think the contact lens tore and a piece may still be in your eye
- You wear rigid gas permeable, scleral, or orthokeratology lenses
What to Expect During an Eye Exam for a Lost Contact
When you visit us for a lost contact lens, our eye doctor will first ask about your symptoms and how long the lens has been missing. We will then carefully examine your eye using specialized lighting and magnification to locate the lens.
The exam is gentle and thorough. We will check under both eyelids, in the corners of your eye, and across the entire conjunctival surface. In most cases, we can find and remove a displaced lens within a few minutes, or we can confirm that the lens has already fallen out.
Our eye doctor uses a slit lamp, a microscope with a bright light, to examine your eye in detail. This instrument allows us to see even a small, folded, or nearly transparent contact lens that might be hiding in the conjunctival sac.
- Fluorescein dye may be used to highlight any damage to the cornea
- A cotton swab or special instrument may gently evert your eyelid for better access
- Sterile saline or lubricating drops can help flush out or move a hidden lens
- In some cases, numbing drops make the exam more comfortable if your eye is very irritated
- Single or double eyelid eversion and a gentle fornix sweep with a moistened cotton tip can reveal hidden fragments
- We may use cobalt blue illumination with fluorescein to help visualize a nearly transparent lens edge or retained piece
If we cannot find a contact lens in your eye, it is very likely that the lens has already fallen out. This is actually the most common outcome when patients come in for a lost contact.
We will still examine your eye carefully for any signs of irritation, abrasion, or infection that may have occurred while the lens was displaced or during your search for it. If everything looks healthy, we will give you guidance on when it is safe to resume wearing your contacts.
After we remove a displaced contact lens, we will check your eye for any scratches or inflammation. If your cornea or conjunctiva is irritated, we may recommend taking a break from contact lens wear for a day or two to allow your eye to heal.
We may also suggest using lubricating eye drops to soothe any dryness or discomfort. If we find any signs of infection or significant damage, we will discuss treatment options and schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your recovery.
Do not reinsert the recovered lens. Discard it and use a fresh lens only after your eye is comfortable and white for at least 24 hours.
If we find a corneal abrasion or significant inflammation, we will treat it and give specific return-to-wear instructions. Avoid vasoconstrictor get-the-red-out drops.
Preventing Contact Lenses from Moving Out of Place
A well-fitting contact lens is less likely to shift out of place. During your contact lens fitting, our eye doctor measures the curvature of your cornea and the size of your eye to select lenses that stay centered and move appropriately with each blink.
If you notice that your lenses frequently move or feel loose, let us know so we can evaluate whether a different lens parameter or brand would work better for your eyes. Even small changes in fit can make a big difference in comfort and stability.
Simple daily practices can help your contact lenses stay in the correct position throughout the day. Being mindful of how you handle your eyes and lenses reduces the chance of displacement.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes, especially while wearing contacts
- Insert and remove lenses carefully, following the technique our eye doctor taught you
- Keep your eyes well lubricated by using approved rewetting drops if you experience dryness
- Blink fully and regularly, especially during screen time, to maintain a healthy tear film
- Remove your contacts before swimming, showering, or sleeping unless you have been specifically prescribed extended-wear lenses
- Keep fingernails short and smooth to reduce the risk of scratching your eye
- Verify each lens is in the correct eye and that only one lens is on the eye before leaving home or going to bed
- Use a humidifier and take regular blink breaks during prolonged screen time
Contact lenses can lose their shape, become damaged, or accumulate deposits over time. These changes can make a lens more likely to shift, fold, or cause discomfort.
Always follow the replacement schedule we recommend, whether your lenses are dailies, bi-weeklies, or monthlies. If a lens tears, develops a rough edge, or no longer feels comfortable, replace it immediately rather than trying to continue wearing it. Do not reuse a daily disposable lens or a lens that was folded or trapped under your eyelid.
Certain environments and activities increase the risk of contact lens displacement. Taking a few precautions can help protect your eyes and keep your lenses in place.
- Wear protective eyewear during contact sports or activities with a risk of eye injury
- Be cautious in windy or dusty conditions, which can dry out your lenses or cause them to shift
- Consider daily disposable lenses if you frequently encounter challenging environments
- Use lubricating drops before and during activities that may dry your eyes, such as flying or spending time in air-conditioned spaces
- Avoid hot tubs while wearing contact lenses. If exposure occurs, remove lenses as soon as possible and monitor for symptoms
Warning Signs That Require Immediate Care
While a displaced contact lens is usually a minor inconvenience, certain symptoms indicate a more serious problem that requires prompt attention. If you experience any of these signs, contact our office right away or seek urgent care.
- Severe eye pain that does not improve after removing the lens
- Sudden vision loss or a significant decrease in vision
- Intense sensitivity to light that makes it difficult to keep your eye open
- Discharge or pus coming from your eye
- A visible white or gray spot on your cornea
- Any pain, light sensitivity, or decreased vision after sleeping in lenses or after water exposure warrants same-day care
- A hazy white area on the cornea or halos around lights
After you successfully remove a displaced contact, your eye should start to feel better within a few minutes to an hour. If symptoms persist or worsen, it may indicate that your cornea has been scratched or that an infection is developing.
Watch for continued redness that spreads across the white of your eye, ongoing pain or a foreign body sensation, or blurry vision that does not clear. These signs suggest that professional evaluation is needed to rule out a corneal abrasion or other complications.
A lost contact lens becomes an emergency if you develop severe symptoms or if the lens has been stuck in your eye for an extended period. A lens that remains displaced for many hours or days can lead to serious complications, including infection or corneal damage.
Seek immediate care if you have a contact lens that you cannot remove yourself, if you experience severe pain or a sudden change in vision, or if you notice any signs of infection such as yellow or green discharge. Do not wait for a regular appointment if you are concerned about the health of your eye.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, a contact lens cannot become permanently stuck in your eye. While a lens may occasionally become lodged under your eyelid or fold in a difficult-to-reach area, it is removable either by you at home or by an eye care professional during an exam. The conjunctiva prevents the lens from traveling to a place where it cannot be retrieved.
No. The conjunctiva forms a continuous barrier that prevents a contact lens from moving behind your eyeball or reaching your brain. This is one of the most common worries patients express, but you can rest assured that the structure of your eye completely prevents this from happening.
While there is no fixed time limit, a contact lens should be removed as soon as possible after it becomes displaced. A lens stuck under your eyelid can cause irritation, reduce oxygen flow to your cornea, and increase the risk of infection if it remains in place for many hours or days. If you suspect a lens is still in your eye but cannot find it within a reasonable time, schedule an appointment with us promptly.
Most of the time you will notice when a contact lens moves out of position because of changes in vision or a sensation of discomfort. However, if a lens shifts to a very peripheral part of the conjunctival sac and stays flat, you may not feel much at all. This is one reason why it is important to confirm that both lenses are removed before bed and to keep track of your lenses throughout the day.
Prolonged or rough searching can irritate your eye and potentially cause a corneal abrasion, especially if your hands are not clean or if you poke your eye repeatedly. Always wash your hands before touching your eye, use a mirror and good lighting, and be gentle in your efforts. If you cannot locate the lens within 10 to 15 minutes, it is better to stop and schedule a visit with our eye doctor rather than risk injuring your eye.
Do not rub your eye or insert another lens. Use sterile lubricating drops to increase comfort and try gentle eye movements to see if the fragment appears. Retained fragments often hide under the upper lid. Schedule an exam so we can evert the lid and sweep the fornix if needed.
No. Do not use tap water or saliva with contact lenses. Use sterile saline or contact lens-compatible lubricating drops.
Yes. If vision stays blurry after inserting a lens, remove it and check for a second lens on the eye. Double-lensing is common when a lens is retained under the lid.
Yes. Do not pinch these lenses. Use your DMV suction cup or the lid-assisted technique to center and remove the lens. If you cannot locate it quickly, stop and seek professional help.
Getting Help for Lost or Displaced Contact Lenses
If you are unable to find or remove a displaced contact lens, or if you experience any concerning symptoms, our eye doctor is here to help. We can quickly and safely locate and remove the lens, examine your eye for any damage, and provide guidance on how to prevent future issues. Never hesitate to reach out if you have questions or concerns about your contact lenses or eye health.