Contact lenses are designed to rest gently on the surface of the eye, moving slightly with each blink but staying in sync with your eyeball. For most wearers, they provide clear vision and comfortable use. However, sometimes a lens may shift, fold, or even feel like it has disappeared.

So how do you know if your contact lens is still in your eye, and what should you do if it gets stuck or torn? This guide explores practical tips, safe removal techniques, and essential eye care habits to keep your eyes healthy.

Recognizing When a Lens Is Still in Your Eye

The first signs that a contact lens is still in place are clear vision and comfort. When a lens is positioned properly:

  • Your vision will be crisp and sharp.

  • Your eyes should feel natural, without irritation.

If your vision is blurry, your eye feels uncomfortable, or it feels like something is stuck, your lens may have shifted. Sometimes lenses slide under the upper eyelid, making them harder to spot.

Try gently looking toward the corners of your eyes or lifting your upper eyelid to check. Remember, a contact lens cannot disappear behind your eye—the structure of the eyelid prevents that.

How To Find a Lost Lens

If you suspect a lens is still in your eye:

  • Look in a mirror under good lighting and gently pull down your lower lid or lift the upper lid.

  • Blink a few times to see if the lens shifts into view.

  • If you still can’t locate it, add a few saline drops or artificial tears to help flush it forward.

Dry lenses can sometimes cling tightly to the cornea, especially if you’ve accidentally slept in them or worn them longer than recommended.

Why Contacts Can Get Stuck

A stuck contact lens usually happens when it dries out and loses flexibility. This is common if:

  • You’ve taken a nap or gone to sleep with your lenses in.

  • You are in a dry environment where your eyes are not well-lubricated.

  • The lens does not fit properly.

When a lens becomes stiff, it adheres more firmly to the eye’s surface, making removal more difficult.

How To Remove a Stuck Lens

If your contact lens feels stuck, the most important rule is do not force it off. Trying to pry it off can scratch your cornea and lead to painful abrasions.

Instead:

  1. Rewet the lens – Use lubricating drops made for contact lens wearers. Blink several times to encourage the lens to float freely.

  2. Be patient – Sometimes it takes a few minutes of rewetting before the lens loosens.

  3. Use gentle techniques – Once it moves, use clean fingers to slide it down and pinch it out as you normally would.

If it still won’t budge after multiple attempts, stop trying and seek professional help.

Removing a Torn Contact Lens

Contact lenses can occasionally tear while in the eye. The approach depends on whether the piece is large or small.

  • Small fragments: Rinse the eye thoroughly with sterile saline drops to flush them out.

  • Larger fragments: Remove them as if the lens were whole.

Steps to follow:

  • Wash and dry your hands.

  • Hold your eyelids open.

  • Gently move the piece downward while looking upward.

  • Pinch the edge with your fingertips and lift it away.

If you suspect a fragment remains, do not ignore it—visit an eye care provider to avoid infection or corneal injury.

Safe Contact Lens Care

Good lens hygiene is essential to avoid problems like stuck lenses or eye infections. Even comfortable lenses can carry risk if not cared for properly.

Daily Habits

  • Always wash and dry your hands before handling lenses.

  • Avoid exposing lenses to tap water or swimming pools.

  • Remove lenses before bed unless they are specifically designed for overnight wear.

  • Give your eyes a break—remove lenses at the end of the day to let them rest.

Cleaning Routine

  • Use fresh multipurpose solution daily; never reuse old solution.

  • Rub and rinse lenses in the palm of your hand with solution to remove buildup.

  • Store lenses in a clean, disinfected case.

Caring for the Lens Case

Your lens case can harbor germs if neglected. Each morning:

  • Empty out the old solution.

  • Rinse the case with fresh solution.

  • Leave it open to air-dry.

  • Replace the case every 2–3 months.

Risks of Poor Lens Care

Eye infections are one of the biggest risks linked to improper lens hygiene. Studies suggest up to 1 in 500 contact lens wearers per year develops an infection serious enough to threaten vision.

Potential complications include:

  • Redness and pain

  • Blurred vision

  • Corneal ulcers

  • Increased sensitivity to light

Maintaining a consistent care routine drastically lowers these risks.

When To See a Healthcare Provider

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you may not be able to find or remove a lens. It’s important to seek help if:

  • A stuck lens does not loosen with rewetting drops.

  • You experience eye pain, redness, or swelling.

  • Your vision becomes blurred or cloudy.

  • You develop discharge or unusual tearing.

  • You feel persistent light sensitivity.

Prompt medical care ensures the health of your eyes and helps prevent long-term complications.

A Quick Review

  • A contact lens that sits correctly provides clear vision and comfort.

  • If a lens feels missing, it may have shifted or dried out but cannot disappear behind your eye.

  • Use lubricating drops to loosen stuck lenses and remove them gently.

  • Torn lenses should be removed carefully; fragments must not be left in the eye.

  • Proper hygiene—including lens cleaning, case care, and avoiding overnight wear—is key to preventing infection.

  • Always seek professional help if discomfort, blurred vision, or pain persists.