Can Contact Lenses Fall Out?

Yes, contact lenses can fall out of your eye, but it doesn’t happen very often when your contacts fit properly. Contact lenses are designed to stay centered on your eye throughout the day, so normal things like blinking, walking around, exercising, or running shouldn’t cause them to randomly fall out.

That said, it is possible for a contact to come out. This can happen if you rub your eye, your contacts get really dry, the lens gets pushed out of place, or the contact doesn’t fit your eye properly. If you’ve had a contact fall out once or twice, there usually isn’t a reason to worry. If it keeps happening, however, it’s probably worth talking to your eye doctor about the fit of your lenses.

Why Don’t Contact Lenses Normally Fall Out?

Soft contact lenses sit directly over your cornea and are held in place in part by your tear film. Your eyelids also help keep the lens positioned correctly every time you blink. The lens does move slightly throughout the day, but that movement is normal and usually so small that you don’t even notice it.

In fact, your eye doctor actually wants to see a small amount of movement when checking the fit of your contacts. A lens that doesn’t move enough can fit too tightly, while a lens that moves around too much may fit too loosely. The goal is for the contact to stay centered while still moving normally when you blink.

When a contact fits your eye correctly, you really shouldn’t have to think about it very much. You should be able to go through your normal day without worrying that blinking too hard or moving too quickly is going to send your contact flying out.

Why Would a Contact Lens Fall Out?

There are a few reasons a contact lens can fall out, and rubbing your eyes is probably one of the biggest ones. If you rub directly over your contact, you can accidentally push the lens away from the center of your eye. It might slide to the side, fold underneath your eyelid, or come out completely.

Dryness can also cause problems. Contact lenses sit on your tear film, so when your eyes become extremely dry, the lens may not move or sit the same way it normally does. You might notice the contact becoming uncomfortable, shifting when you blink, or feeling like it’s not sitting quite right.

The fit of your contacts can also make a difference. Contact lenses come in different materials, base curves, diameters, and designs, and not every contact lens is going to fit every eye exactly the same way. If your lens is moving around constantly or falling out regularly, your eye doctor may want to check whether your current contacts are actually fitting your eyes properly.

Is It Normal for Contact Lenses to Move Around?

Yes, a little bit. Your contact lenses aren’t supposed to be completely stuck to your eyes.

Every time you blink, a soft contact lens will usually move slightly and then settle back into position. Most of the time, you won’t even notice this happening. Your vision should stay relatively stable and the lens should remain centered over your eye.

What you shouldn’t be experiencing is a contact that constantly feels like it’s sliding around. If you can actually feel the lens moving every time you blink, your vision keeps switching between blurry and clear, or you regularly have to reposition your contact, that’s different from normal lens movement.

If this happens frequently, talk to your eye doctor. It may be as simple as finding a contact lens that fits your eye better.

Can Dry Eyes Make Contacts Fall Out?

Dry eyes can make your contact lenses more likely to move around, especially if your lenses become extremely dry.

Your tear film plays a big role in how your contact lenses feel and behave on your eyes. When there isn’t enough moisture, you may notice your contacts becoming less comfortable or starting to feel different than they did earlier in the day.

This is why some people notice their contacts feeling great in the morning but much drier by the evening. Long periods of screen time can contribute to this because we tend to blink less when staring at a computer or phone. Air conditioning, heaters, airplanes, wind, and dry weather can also make dryness more noticeable.

Dryness doesn’t necessarily mean your contact is going to fall out, but it can make the lens less stable and more likely to move out of position. If your contacts regularly get so dry that they’re moving around or becoming difficult to wear, mention it to your eye doctor. There are a lot of different contact lens materials and designs available, and another lens may work better for your eyes.

Can Rubbing Your Eyes Make Contacts Fall Out?

Yes. Rubbing your eyes can definitely cause a contact lens to fall out.

When you rub your eye, you’re putting pressure directly over the contact lens. That pressure can push the lens away from the center of your cornea and toward the side of your eye. Sometimes it will move back into place on its own, but it can also fold over, move underneath your eyelid, or fall out.

If your eye suddenly feels itchy or irritated while you’re wearing contacts, try not to aggressively rub it. If the feeling doesn’t go away, wash and dry your hands and remove the contact instead. It’s always better to figure out why your eye is irritated than to keep rubbing it with a contact lens still in.

Can Wind Blow a Contact Lens Out of Your Eye?

It’s possible, but a normal gust of wind usually isn’t going to blow a properly fitted contact lens straight out of your eye. Your contacts sit directly against the surface of your eyes and your eyelids provide quite a bit of protection.

The bigger problem with wind is usually dryness. Spending a lot of time outside in windy conditions can dry out your eyes and make your contacts feel less comfortable. Wind can also blow dust, dirt, sand, or other debris into your eye, which can make you instinctively rub it.

If you wear contacts and spend a lot of time outside, sunglasses can help protect your eyes from both wind and debris.

Can Contact Lenses Fall Out While Running?

Yes, it’s possible, but running itself shouldn’t cause a properly fitted contact lens to fall out. You should be able to run, walk, jump, and exercise without worrying about your contacts.

If you run outside, you may notice your contacts becoming drier when it’s particularly windy or dry. That can make them feel less comfortable, but they still shouldn’t routinely fall out.

If you consistently lose a contact while running or exercising, talk to your eye doctor. There may be an issue with the way the lens fits your eye.

Can Contact Lenses Fall Out While Playing Sports?

Contact lenses can fall out while you’re playing sports, but normal physical activity usually isn’t enough to cause it. Most properly fitted contacts will stay in place while you’re running and moving around.

You’re more likely to lose a contact if you get hit near your eye, accidentally rub your eye, or get dirt or debris in your eye during the game. This is one reason contacts can be convenient for sports compared to glasses, since you don’t have to worry about them sliding down your nose or getting knocked off your face.

Contact lenses don’t provide any physical protection for your eyes, though. Depending on the sport you’re playing, protective eyewear may still be important.

Can Contact Lenses Fall Out When You Blink?

Normally, no. Blinking is something your contacts are specifically designed to handle.

Your contact lens will move slightly every time you blink, but it should settle back into place almost immediately. You probably won’t even notice this movement when your contacts fit correctly.

If you feel your contact sliding around every time you blink, that’s something different. Excessive movement can sometimes mean the contact isn’t fitting correctly, especially if it’s also causing your vision to fluctuate throughout the day.

Can Contacts Fall Out When You Cry?

Crying usually won’t make your contacts fall out. Your eyes already naturally produce tears throughout the day, and contact lenses are designed to sit on top of that tear film.

When you cry, however, you obviously have a lot more tears than usual. You may also be wiping or rubbing your eyes, which is more likely to cause the contact to move than the tears themselves.

If you’re crying while wearing contacts, try to gently blot your tears rather than rubbing directly over your eyes. If your contacts become uncomfortable afterward, wash your hands and remove them.

Can Contacts Fall Out If They’re Inside Out?

An inside-out contact may not sit on your eye as comfortably or securely as it normally would. You might notice that something feels off immediately after putting the lens in, or the contact may move around more than usual.

If your contact suddenly feels uncomfortable right after you put it in, take it out and check it. When a soft contact lens is sitting correctly on your fingertip, it should generally look like a smooth bowl. If the edges flare outward, there’s a good chance the lens is inside out.

You can flip it the correct way and try again. If it still feels uncomfortable, don’t keep wearing it just because you can technically see through it.

Can a Contact Lens Get Stuck Behind Your Eye?

No. A contact lens cannot go behind your eyeball.

This is one of those things that sounds completely possible when you can’t find your contact, especially if you can still feel something in your eye. Fortunately, the anatomy of your eye prevents a contact lens from traveling all the way behind it.

A contact can move underneath your upper eyelid, though, which can make it feel like the lens completely disappeared. Sometimes a soft contact can also fold over on itself and become harder to see.

If you suddenly can’t find your contact, it either fell out or is still somewhere on the front surface of your eye or underneath your eyelid. It isn’t floating around somewhere behind your eyeball.

What Should You Do If Your Contact Goes Under Your Eyelid?

Start by washing and drying your hands. Try blinking several times to see if the lens moves back toward the center of your eye on its own. If your eye feels dry, contact-lens-safe lubricating drops may help add some moisture and make the contact easier to move.

If you can see the contact, you may be able to gently work it back toward the center of your eye. Avoid aggressively rubbing your eye or digging around underneath your eyelid trying to find it, since that can make the irritation worse.

If you can’t find or remove the contact, or your eye becomes painful, very red, sensitive to light, or your vision changes, contact your eye doctor.

Can a Contact Lens Fall Out Without You Noticing?

Yes, and it can actually be a little confusing when this happens.

If you have a stronger prescription, you’ll probably notice pretty quickly because the vision in that eye will suddenly become blurry. If your prescription is relatively mild, you may not realize exactly when the lens came out.

The confusing part is that a contact lens that moves underneath your eyelid can also make your vision blurry. You may think your contact fell out when it’s actually still somewhere in your eye.

If you’re not sure, wash your hands and carefully check before putting another contact in. You don’t want to accidentally put a second contact lens into an eye that already has one in it.

How Do You Know If Your Contact Fell Out?

The easiest way to tell is usually your vision. If you normally need contacts to see clearly and one falls out, the vision in that eye will probably become noticeably blurrier.

You may also be able to see the contact somewhere on your clothes, your desk, the floor, or wherever you were when it happened.

If you can’t find it, check your eye before assuming it’s gone. Look in a mirror and gently move your eye in different directions. Sometimes a lens has simply shifted away from the center and is still visible on the white part of your eye.

If you still can’t tell whether the lens is in your eye and your eye feels uncomfortable, your eye doctor can check.

What Should You Do If Your Contact Lens Falls Out?

What you should do next depends on the type of contact lens you wear and where the lens landed.

If you wear daily disposable contacts and the lens falls onto the floor, I would just throw it away and open a new one. Daily contacts are designed to be worn once and discarded anyway, so there really isn’t much reason to risk putting a dirty lens back into your eye.

If you wear reusable contacts, such as bi-weekly or monthly lenses, you’ll need to properly clean and disinfect the contact before wearing it again. Follow the instructions for your contact lens solution and never use tap water to clean your contacts.

You should also look at the lens carefully before putting it back in. If it’s ripped, damaged, dirty, or looks different than normal, replace it.

Can You Put a Contact Back In After It Falls Out?

Sometimes, but I would use some common sense here.

If you’re wearing daily contacts, just grab a new one. If you’re wearing reusable contacts and the lens can be properly cleaned and disinfected, you may be able to wear it again.

If your contact fell somewhere particularly dirty, replacing it is probably the better choice. Your eyes are much more important than getting a few extra days out of one contact lens.

Whatever you do, don’t rinse the contact under the sink and put it back in your eye. Tap water isn’t sterile and should never be used to clean or store contact lenses.

Why Does My Contact Keep Falling Out?

If your contact falls out once because you rubbed your eye, that’s one thing. If it keeps happening for seemingly no reason, that’s different.

Contact lenses should stay in place during normal wear. If yours are regularly falling out, sliding around, or moving so much that you can feel them, your eye doctor should check the fit.

It could also be related to dryness. If your contacts start out feeling fine but become extremely dry later in the day and then start moving around, tell your eye doctor exactly what you’re experiencing. That information can help them determine whether a different lens might work better for you.

Does Base Curve Affect Whether a Contact Lens Falls Out?

Base curve can affect how a contact lens fits your eye, but it isn’t the only thing that matters.

You’ll usually see base curve listed as “BC” on your contact lens prescription or on the box. It describes the curvature of the lens and is one of the measurements your eye doctor considers when fitting you for contacts.

It’s important to remember that base curve doesn’t tell you everything about how a contact will fit. Different brands use different materials and lens designs, so two contacts with the same base curve can still fit your eye differently.

This is also why you shouldn’t randomly switch to a different base curve because you think it will make your contact stay in better. Your eye doctor should determine which lens and parameters are right for your eyes.

Does Contact Lens Diameter Matter?

Diameter can also affect how a contact lens fits. You’ll usually see this measurement listed as “DIA” on your contact lens prescription or box.

Diameter simply refers to the overall width of the contact lens. Like base curve, it’s one part of the overall lens design.

A bigger diameter doesn’t automatically mean the contact will stay in your eye better, and a smaller diameter doesn’t automatically mean it will fall out. The way a contact fits depends on several different factors, which is why contact lenses need to be properly fitted and prescribed.

Can Old Contact Lenses Fall Out More Easily?

If you wear reusable contacts past their recommended replacement schedule, they may not feel or perform the same way they did when they were fresh.

Over time, deposits can build up on the surface of a contact lens. The lens may start feeling drier or less comfortable, especially toward the end of the day.

That’s one reason it’s important to replace your contacts on schedule. If you wear monthly contacts, replace them according to the schedule your eye doctor gave you. The same applies to bi-weekly contacts.

Keeping the same pair until they become completely unbearable isn’t a good replacement strategy.

Can a Torn Contact Lens Fall Out?

A torn or damaged contact lens may not sit on your eye correctly, and you shouldn’t continue wearing it.

Even a small tear can make the contact uncomfortable and affect the way it moves on your eye. If you notice that a contact is ripped, chipped, or damaged around the edge, throw it away and use a new one.

You should never try to get one more day out of a damaged contact. Beyond the fact that it probably won’t feel very good, the damaged edge can irritate your eye.

Can Contact Lenses Fall Out in the Shower?

A contact lens could potentially move or come out in the shower, especially if water gets directly into your eyes, but falling out isn’t the biggest concern with showering in contacts.

Contact lenses generally shouldn’t be exposed to water. Tap water can contain microorganisms, and having water trapped between a contact lens and your eye can increase your risk of an eye infection.

The same general rule applies to swimming. Avoid exposing your contacts to pools, lakes, oceans, hot tubs, or tap water whenever possible, and follow your eye doctor’s recommendations for contact lens wear around water.

Can Contacts Fall Out on an Airplane?

Being on an airplane shouldn’t make your contacts randomly fall out, but airplanes are extremely dry environments. If you’ve ever noticed that your skin, lips, or eyes feel drier after a flight, your contacts can feel it too.

You may notice your lenses becoming less comfortable during a long flight, especially if you’re staring at a screen or trying to sleep.

If your contacts get really dry, contact-lens-safe lubricating drops may help. It’s also a good idea to have your glasses and an extra pair of contacts with you when traveling in case you need to take your lenses out.

Can You Sleep in Contacts Without Them Falling Out?

Your contacts probably won’t fall out just because you fall asleep, but that doesn’t mean sleeping in them is a good idea.

Unless your eye doctor has specifically prescribed your contact lenses for overnight wear, you should remove them before going to sleep. Sleeping in contacts can increase the risk of eye infections and other complications.

You may also wake up with your contacts feeling extremely dry or stuck to your eyes. If that happens, don’t immediately start pulling at the lens. Blink a few times and give your eyes a chance to rehydrate. Contact-lens-safe lubricating drops may also help.

What If Only One of My Contacts Keeps Falling Out?

If the same contact keeps falling out of the same eye, mention that specifically to your eye doctor.

Your eyes aren’t necessarily identical. A contact lens can fit slightly differently on your right eye than it does on your left, even when you’re wearing the same brand.

If one lens constantly moves around while the other feels completely normal, that can be useful information for your eye doctor when they’re checking your contact lens fit.

Should Contacts Feel Loose?

No. You really shouldn’t spend your day thinking about whether your contact lens feels loose.

There should be a small amount of normal movement when you blink, but the contact should stay centered and your vision should remain stable.

If your contact feels loose enough that you can feel it moving around, it regularly slides onto the white part of your eye, or you’re constantly repositioning it, talk to your eye doctor.

How Can You Prevent Your Contacts From Falling Out?

The most important thing you can do is wear the exact contact lenses prescribed by your eye doctor. Your contact lens prescription includes the specific brand and parameters your doctor determined were appropriate for your eyes.

You should also avoid rubbing your eyes while wearing contacts, replace your lenses according to their recommended schedule, and never continue wearing a lens that’s ripped or damaged. If your contacts become extremely dry throughout the day, don’t ignore it. Persistent dryness is something your eye doctor can help you address.

It’s also a good idea to keep an extra pair of contacts with you, especially if you wear daily disposables. Losing a contact is a lot less stressful when you have another one sitting in your bag.

When Should You Call Your Eye Doctor?

A contact falling out once usually isn’t a reason to panic, especially if you know exactly why it happened. Maybe you rubbed your eye or accidentally touched the lens.

If your contacts are regularly falling out, though, schedule an appointment with your eye doctor. The same goes for contacts that constantly move around, cause blurry vision, or become extremely uncomfortable.

You should also contact your eye doctor if you develop significant eye pain, redness, swelling, discharge, sensitivity to light, or changes in your vision. If something feels seriously wrong with your eye, take your contacts out and get it checked rather than trying to keep wearing them.

Can Contact Lenses Fall Out? The Bottom Line

Yes, contact lenses can fall out, but it shouldn’t happen very often. A properly fitted contact lens should stay in place while you blink, walk around, run, exercise, and go about your normal day.

Most of the time, a contact comes out because something caused it to move. You may have rubbed your eye, the lens may have become extremely dry, or something may have pushed it away from the center of your eye.

If it happens once, you probably don’t need to worry about it. Replace or properly clean the lens depending on the type of contacts you wear and move on with your day.

If your contacts keep falling out, that’s when I would talk to your eye doctor. Contact lenses come in different materials, base curves, diameters, and designs, and the lens you’re wearing may simply not be the best fit for your eye.

FAQ

Can contacts randomly fall out?

Yes, but it’s not very common for a properly fitted contact to randomly fall out. Usually something causes the lens to move, such as rubbing your eye, severe dryness, or getting hit near your eye. If your contacts regularly fall out for no obvious reason, talk to your eye doctor.

Can a contact fall out when you blink?

It’s possible, but it shouldn’t normally happen. Contacts move slightly when you blink, but a properly fitted lens should stay centered on your eye.

Can wind blow a contact out?

Strong wind could potentially contribute to a contact coming out, but the bigger issue is usually dryness. Wind can dry out your contacts and make them more likely to move around.

Can contacts fall out while running?

Yes, but running itself shouldn’t cause a properly fitted contact to fall out. If it happens regularly while you’re exercising, have your eye doctor check the fit.

Can dry contacts fall out?

Extremely dry contacts can move around more than usual and may be more likely to become displaced. If your lenses are constantly getting very dry, talk to your eye doctor.

Can a contact go behind your eye?

No. A contact lens physically cannot travel behind your eyeball. It can move underneath your eyelid, which can make it feel like it disappeared.

What happens if I can’t find my contact in my eye?

It may have already fallen out, or it could have moved underneath your eyelid or folded over. Wash your hands and carefully check your eye before putting another contact in. If you can’t find it and your eye remains irritated, contact your eye doctor.

Why does my contact keep sliding out of place?

Your eyes may be very dry or the contact may not be fitting properly. A small amount of movement is normal, but your lens shouldn’t constantly slide around.

Should contacts move when you blink?

Yes. A small amount of movement is normal. Your contacts should move slightly and then settle back into position.

Should I put a contact back in after it falls on the floor?

If you wear daily disposable contacts, just throw it away and use a new one. If you wear reusable contacts, the lens needs to be properly cleaned and disinfected before you wear it again. Never rinse it with tap water.

Why does only one contact keep falling out?

Your contact lenses may fit your two eyes slightly differently. If the same lens repeatedly falls out while the other stays in place, tell your eye doctor.

Does a contact falling out mean it’s the wrong size?

Not necessarily. Contacts can fall out for several reasons. However, if yours regularly fall out or move excessively, your eye doctor should check the fit.

Is it bad if my contact falls out?

Not necessarily. What matters more is what caused it to fall out and what you do with the lens afterward. Don’t put a dirty or damaged contact back into your eye.

How often should contact lenses fall out?

There isn’t really a normal number. Ideally, your contacts shouldn’t fall out at all during regular wear. It can happen occasionally, but if it’s happening frequently, talk to your eye doctor.

Can I lose a contact in my eye?

You can lose track of where a contact is on your eye, but it cannot disappear behind your eyeball. It may be folded or sitting underneath your upper eyelid.

Will a contact eventually come out on its own?

Sometimes a displaced contact will work its way back toward the center of your eye or eventually come out, but you shouldn’t leave a contact stuck underneath your eyelid if it’s causing irritation. If you can’t remove it yourself, your eye doctor can help.