I Feel Like a Contact Lens is Stuck Behind My Eye

If you’re a contact lens wearer, you know that, over time, you get accustomed to having the lenses in your eyes. As you get used to them, you can’t even feel them; that is, unless something goes wrong. If there’s ever a tear in the lens you can feel it alright. When that happens, you can’t get the lens out fast enough, it’s so uncomfortable. So when you can feel something “behind” your eye, you know quite well that it’s not normal, and that it’s probably a contact lens that drifted back there. What a scary situation to be in! Don’t worry, your optometrist in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA can help.

It Hasn’t Happened

No matter what anyone tells you in your family or circle of friends, you’re certain that your contact lens is behind your eye. What else could it be? Well, in fact, it’s actually physically impossible for your contact lens to drift behind your eye. If it were, it would happen much more frequently, to many more people. That doesn’t mean something isn’t amiss, it just means that your contact lens isn’t where you think it is. How are we so sure? Because the eye has a protective membrane called the conjunctiva that prevents anything from slipping too far back. However, a contact lenses can sometimes become dislodged or trapped under the eyelid, causing discomfort and a sensation that it’s behind the eye.

Handling the Situation

First, try to locate it by gently pulling down your lower eyelid and looking closely in a mirror. If it’s not visible, try blinking and using saline solution to flush the eye. In some cases, gently massaging the eyelid can help move the lens into a more accessible position.

If you can’t dislodge the lens, contact Nova Vision Center and ask for an eye emergency appointment in Bailey’s Crossroads, VA. We’ll get the situation resolved so you can rest easy.