You slide your contact lens onto your finger, ready to start your day, but something feels off when you put it in your eye. The lens shifts around, feels scratchy, or pops out unexpectedly. At Stoney Creek Optometry, we know that getting used to which side of contact lenses is the “right” side can be confusing.
You can tell if a contact lens is inside out by checking its shape on your fingertip. A correct lens looks like a smooth cup, while an inside-out lens resembles a bowl with flared edges. Learning these quick visual checks can save you from discomfort and help you get your contacts right every time.
Signs Your Contact Lens Is Inside Out
Your eye will send you some clear signals when something isn’t right with your contact lens placement. You might feel a gritty or uncomfortable sensation that doesn’t go away, even after blinking several times.
The lens may also move around more than usual when you blink. Instead of staying centred on your eye, it shifts and slides in unnatural ways. You might notice the contact popping out more easily than normal, even with gentle movements like looking up or down. Understanding proper contact lens wear and care helps you recognize when something feels wrong.
Quick Visual Methods to Check Your Contacts
The Classic Shape Test
Place your contact lens on your fingertip and hold it at eye level. Look at the lens from all sides to see what shape it’s making.
A lens that’s ready to be put into your eye will form a smooth, upright cup with edges that curve naturally inward. When the lens is inside out, it looks like a rimmed bowl with edges that flare outward.
Taco Test Method
You can also try something called the “taco test”. Hold your contact lens gently between your thumb and finger and squeeze the edges together slightly, as if you’re making a little taco shell.
When positioned correctly, the lens edges will point upward and come together smoothly. An inside-out lens has edges that flare outward, so it won’t really look like a taco shell. Learning these techniques from experienced professionals can make the process easier. Our team can demonstrate proper handling during your contact lens exam and fitting.
Check for Manufacturer Markings and Tints
Look for 1-2-3 Numbers or Letters
Hold your contact lens up to a bright light source, like a window or lamp. Many manufacturers print small numbers or letters on the lens edge to help with orientation.
These markings can be very hard to see, but when the contact is positioned correctly, they will appear normal and easy to read. If the lens is inside out, the numbers or letters look backward or reversed.
Find Tinted Edge Colours
Some contact lenses have a light blue or green tint around the edges to help with handling. This tinting becomes your visual guide for proper placement.
When the lens is right-side-out, you may see this tint clearly as a bright colour. If the lens is inside out, the tinted edge might appear much paler or nearly invisible because it’s facing away from you. Not all contact lens brands have this kind of marking system, so ask your eye care provider about your specific lens type.
What to Do When Your Contact Is Wrong
If you feel discomfort or suspect your contact lens is inside out, take it out. Don’t try to tough it out, because wearing an inverted lens can irritate your eye and make insertion more difficult next time.
Always rinse the lens thoroughly with fresh contact solution before attempting to reinsert it. Take a moment to check the orientation using one of the visual methods above, because rushing through this step can lead to repeating the same mistake.
When to Visit Your Eye Doctor
Sometimes discomfort persists even when you’ve positioned your contacts correctly. This might indicate that your prescription has changed or your lenses need replacement.
You should schedule an appointment if you experience ongoing vision problems with properly positioned contacts. Our team can check your prescription and make sure your current lenses still fit your eyes properly. Our eye doctor in Stoney Creek can also provide hands-on guidance for contact lens insertion and care techniques that work for your specific lens type.
Schedule Your Contact Lens Appointment
Contact lens fitting appointments help make sure you’re using the right lens brand and size for your eyes. If you’re looking to try contact lenses for the first time, or if you need an updated prescription, our team would love to help. Book your contact lens exam today!
