You put your contact lens in, but something just feels…off. Maybe it feels a little scratchy, or your vision seems just slightly blurry. This is a common experience, and our team at Tutt Street Optometry Clinic finds it’s usually an easy fix.
Thankfully, you can quickly tell if a lens is inside out by checking its shape with a few simple techniques. Our team always recommends starting with a contact lens fitting when trying out contacts for the first time, as learning how to manage them properly is a good start for any new wearer.
What It Feels Like to Wear an Inside-Out Lens
An inside-out contact lens usually causes a few specific feelings that you may notice right away. Because the lens isn’t sitting properly on your eye, the fit is off. If you put your lens in and experience any of the following, it might just be flipped the wrong way:
- Discomfort: The lens may feel scratchy, unusual, or like there is an eyelash stuck in your eye.
- Blurry or unstable vision: Your sight might not seem as sharp as usual, or it could shift when you blink.
- Lots of movement: You might feel the contact lens slide around on your eye more than it normally does.
- The lens folds easily: An inverted lens is less stable and may fold over or pop out of your eye.
Quick and Easy Ways to Check Your Lens
Before a contact lens even goes in your eye, you can use these simple methods to make sure it’s facing the right direction. These checks only take a moment and can save you from some unnecessary discomfort. They are a key part of a good wear and care routine for your contact lenses.
The Taco Test
This is 1 of the most common ways to check your lens. Place the contact on the tip of your dry index finger, then gently pinch the edges together as if you are folding a taco. Here’s what should happen:
- Correct: The edges should point straight up, forming a perfect “U” or taco shape.
- Inside out: The edges will bend outward, creating a lip or rim like a soup bowl.
The Side View Shape Check
Another great way to check is to look at the lens from the side. Put it on your fingertip and hold it up so it’s level with your eyes. This method can give you a clear profile of how the lens curves, making it easier to spot an incorrect shape.
- Correct: It should look like a perfect little cup or a half-circle.
- Inside out: The top edge will have a noticeable rim that flares outward.
Look for Markings
Some contact lenses have tiny laser markings to help you out. These are usually a set of numbers or letters on the very edge of the lens. If you hold the lens on your fingertip and can read the markings correctly, it’s the right way. These markings can be very faint, so you may need good lighting to see them clearly.
How to Handle and Fix an Inside-Out Contact
If you realize your lens is inside out (either before or after you put it in), the fix should be simple. The key is to stay calm and use clean hands to avoid contamination or tearing the lens. Remember that it’s impossible for a contact lens to get stuck behind your eye: Just follow these steps with care to get it sorted out.
- Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them completely with a lint-free towel.
- If you are already wearing it, carefully remove the lens from your eye.
- Place the lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of fresh contact solution.
- Gently use your fingertip to flip the lens to the correct position.
- Rinse the lens with more solution before you try to put it back in your eye.
Does an Inside-Out Lens Damage Your Eye?
It’s natural to worry, but wearing a contact lens inside out for a short time is not likely to cause any long-term damage to your eye. The flexible material is soft and is unlikely to cause damage if worn briefly, though it can irritate the surface of your eye.
The main problems are the discomfort and blurry vision it creates. Your eye should feel much better as soon as you remove the lens and put it back in the right way. That being said, if you notice persistent pain, it might point to something else and should be evaluated by an eye care professional.
When to Connect with an Eye Doctor in Kelowna
While an inside-out lens is a quick fix, some situations might benefit from a professional chat. Persistent issues could suggest the lens doesn’t fit properly or that something else is happening. If you experience any of the following, reaching out to an eye doctor in Kelowna can help provide peace of mind:
- You feel pain or sharp discomfort that doesn’t go away after you fix the lens.
- Your eye remains red or irritated for an extended period.
- You frequently struggle to handle your contacts or tell which way they should face.
- You feel you might need a refresher on proper contact lens care and hygiene.
Book Your Contact Lens Fitting
Getting comfortable with contact lenses is a journey, and having support makes all the difference. If you have questions about your contacts or your vision, our team at Tutt Street Optometry Clinic is here to help. We can make sure your lenses fit you well and feel great. Schedule an appointment today to get the clear and comfortable vision you deserve.
