Many people who wear contact lenses may have had the concern that their lens could get lost in their eye. But the short answer is no. The folds of skin in the eyelid, called the conjunctiva, prevent anything from getting to the back of the eye. The conjunctiva is a thin, clear tissue that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. This membrane is responsible for lubricating the eye and helping to protect it from infection.

Can contact lenses get stuck in your eyes?

However, sometimes contact lenses can get stuck under the eyelid. This can happen when you rub your eye or go to sleep in your contact lenses. Often it is due to lack of proper hygiene and lens care. Sleeping with contact lenses increases the risk of infection and eye irritation. Wearing lenses for an extended period of time can also cause them to dry out and become more difficult to remove. Although it is unlikely to cause damage to the eye, it can be uncomfortable and may lead to infection if not properly addressed.

Here are a few things you can try at home to get the lens out:

• Add rewetting drops to the eye and move your eye around to see if the lens comes out on its own.
• Rub and massage the lens out of your eye.
• If you are unable to get the lens out at home, our eye doctor can help. They can quickly and comfortably remove the lens for you. They will also check for any signs of infection or irritation and advise on proper lens care and hygiene.
• It's important to note that having multiple lenses stuck in your eye can be extremely uncomfortable. If you feel like something is stuck in your eye, it's always best to contact your eye doctor.

In the event you suspect your contact lens is stuck in your eyes, and you tried the tips above to no avail, you should seek medical attention immediately. 

Symptoms of contact lens infection

If you have a contact lens stuck in your eye and experience symptoms such as redness, pain, discharge, swelling, or light sensitivity, you may have an infection. In such cases, it's important to seek professional help immediately, as the infection can progress and cause serious damage to the eye if left untreated. 

Visit an Amplify eye doctor for eye emergencies or for a contact lens exam

Contact lenses cannot get lost in your eye due to the folds of skin in the eyelid. But they can sometimes get stuck under the eyelid, which can be uncomfortable. If you ever find yourself in this situation, contact an Amplify eye doctor for assistance.