Contact lenses provide vision correction as an alternative to eyeglasses. For these thin, dome-shaped devices to function properly and feel comfortable, their orientation must be correct when placed on the eye. Inserting a contact lens inside out can lead to discomfort and impaired vision, making checking its shape a necessary step in your daily routine. The correct fit ensures proper fluid exchange beneath the lens and maintains the health of the cornea.
Visual Cues for Correct Lens Orientation
The most reliable way to determine the correct orientation of a soft contact lens is by examining its profile on your fingertip. Place the lens on the pad of your index finger, hold it up to eye level, and view its silhouette against a bright light. When correctly oriented, the lens should form a smooth “U” shape, resembling a small mixing bowl with its edges pointing straight up. This smooth curvature allows the lens to settle correctly over the eye’s natural dome shape.
Conversely, a lens that is inside out will have edges that flare outward, creating a shallower “V” or “saucer” shape. This inverted configuration prevents the lens from conforming precisely to the cornea’s curvature, resulting in a loose fit. Some manufacturers etch tiny laser markings, such as the numbers “123,” near the edge of the lens as a secondary visual guide. If these markings appear in the correct sequence (1-2-3) when viewed from the front, the lens is oriented properly.
Step-by-Step Insertion Method
Before handling any lens, wash your hands thoroughly with a mild soap and dry them completely with a lint-free towel. This minimizes the transfer of oils, dirt, or bacteria that could contaminate the lens or irritate the eye. Place the correctly oriented lens on the tip of your dominant hand’s index finger, ensuring the edges are facing upward like a bowl.
To stabilize the eye and prevent the blink reflex, use the middle finger of your dominant hand to gently pull down your lower eyelid. Simultaneously, use the index finger of your non-dominant hand to hold your upper eyelid near the lash line, keeping both lids open. While looking straight ahead or slightly upward, slowly bring the lens toward your eye until it contacts the cornea. The lens should adhere to the moist surface of your eye. Then release your eyelids and blink gently a few times to allow the lens to center itself.
Symptoms of an Inside-Out Contact and Correction
If a lens is inserted inside out, the difference in its curvature causes immediate discomfort. This sensation is described as scratchiness or the feeling of a foreign object in the eye. The improperly aligned edge increases friction against the inner eyelid, leading to excessive blinking or redness.
Vision may also be blurry or unstable, as the reversed lens will not sit correctly on the cornea to focus light. If you experience these signals, corrective action should be performed promptly to avoid irritation. Gently remove the lens, rinse it thoroughly with fresh contact lens solution, re-examine its shape to confirm the correct orientation, and then reinsert it. This process ensures the lens is properly fitted, restoring comfort and clear vision.