Table of Contents
What is a contact lens?
Are you new to contact lenses? If not, do you have difficulties putting your contact lenses on correctly?
In most cases, contact lens wearers use it to aid vision correction, while others use it for aesthetic purposes. Contact lenses are extremely thin, curved lenses that are placed directly on the eyes surface. They can serve as an option to eyeglasses, provide comfort that eyeglasses cannot, give moisture to the eyes to prevent dryness, and are capable of giving a wider range of view to the wearer.
Understanding Contact Lenses
There are different types of contact lenses, which are: daily wear, colored contact lenses, and soft and rigid gas-permeable (RGP) contact lenses. These contact lenses can be used to correct eye problems such as myopia, astigmatism, presbyopia, and hyperopia, also called farsightedness.
The common problem of contact lens wearers is wearing it incorrectly, inside out. It is important to understand that a contact lens has a specific shape designed to fit perfectly onto the eye’s surface. It must sit on the cornea comfortably so it doesn’t cause irritation or watery eyes. Inside out contact lenses can lead to discomfort and impaired vision.
Signs of Wrong Contact Lens Placement
Inside out lenses are often determined by a slight stinging sensation, distorted vision, or watery eyes due to irritation. Whenever you experience any of the above, it is advisable to take the contact lens out and flip it correctly for comfortable wear.
Easy Identification Tips
There are several tests and methods for contact lens wearers to identify if the lens is inside out and they will be discussed below. They are all simple to follow and remember:
Checking the Shape of the Contact lens
How to tell if contact is inside out is simply placing it on your finger and examining the shape. Placing the lens on the tip of your index finger, holding it up to eye level, and looking at the edges to see if the edges curve slightly inward like a half-moon is the correct way. It is inside out if the edges are spread outward.
Laser Markings Identification
Most contact lenses have small numbers or letters they are marked with. This is used for easier identification purposes. Inside out lenses show reversed markings when held up to a bright light. Most of these markings are situated at the edges and can easily serve as guides to determine if the lens is inside out or correctly placed. These markings are typically found on certain brands so it is best to check with your providers to be sure.
Using the Side View Method
Checking the side view of the contact lens at eye level can also help determine the correct way of wearing your contact lens. It is correctly oriented if it forms a smooth, rounded bowl shape. Be sure to check that the edges are not flared out so you don’t wear it the wrong way.
The Flip Test
Don’t panic when you see that the contact lens is inside out; place it on your forefinger and use your thumb to flip it the other way gently. Ensure that the correct shape is gotten before inserting it.
The Taco test
Do you know the shape of a hard shell taco? It’s very simple! Place the contact lens between your index finger and thumb with a gentle squeeze; the edges should come together and curve inward. If they do, then the lens is correctly oriented. If it looks like a rimmed bowl, then it is wrong. You should flip it before putting it in your eyes.
Inspect the Tinted Edges
Some contact lenses come with green-tinted edges for easy orientation. A uniform tint appears if it’s correctly oriented and if not, they appear uneven or light. It is important to understand that this tinted edge method is not available for all contact lenses. There are specific brands that incorporate this method into their lenses for easier identification. It is advisable to check with your provider if you want a specific lens.
The methods above are all simple and easy to follow so you don’t make mistakes and cause discomfort to your eyes in the course of putting the contact lens on. Contact lens orientation might not be compulsory for experienced contact lens wearers. Still, it is also important to check well if the contact lens is inside before putting it on to prevent eye discomfort.
Common Mistakes to Avoid While Handling Your Contact Lens
- Use Clean Hands: Before touching or wearing your contact lens, always wash your hands clean with soap and water, and dry them thoroughly. Avoid the application of oil because it can make the lens slippery. Dirty hands can also make it hard to determine its correct shape.
- Use Good Lighting: When using any of the methods mentioned above, make sure there is good lighting in the room or environment. It is hard to tell if your contact lens is wrong in a dimly lit room. The tinted edges might also be difficult to determine under poor lighting.
- Don’t Rush the Process: Experienced contact lens wearers might feel too comfortable and want to rush the process, but this is not advisable. It is extremely important to calm down a bit and check the contact orientation to avoid discomfort. Even if you end up wearing it the wrong way, simply remove the lens and flip it before putting it back in your eyes. In most cases, inside out contact lenses make you feel uncomfortable but wouldn’t harm your eyes.
Conclusion
Typically, a contact lens would not get stuck in your eyes because you wore it inside out. However, you can develop watery eyes or they may move around the eye surface, causing discomfort. Make sure you properly check your lens every time before putting it in your eyes, especially if it’s a new brand you just got or you are a novice.
Thankfully, using simple methods like the taco test, side view check, and observing tinted edges that were discussed above can help you determine if the lens is inside out. Inside out contact lenses often fail to give the proper contact fit by shifting on your cornea. Fold the contact correctly before reinsertion if you notice any discomfort. Correctly oriented lenses aid clearer vision and a comfortable wearing experience.
Bibliography
https://www.allaboutvision.com/eyewear/contact-lenses/fit/contacts-inside-out/
https://www.handelvisionclinic.com/contact-lens-wearer-guide.html
