Wearing your contact lenses inside out not only makes them less effective at correcting your vision, but can also be uncomfortable and may cause eye damage if worn for extended periods of time.
It can be difficult to tell when your contact lenses are inside out unless you know what to look for. This article looks at several methods you can use to ensure your lenses are correctly oriented every time.
Wash your hands with antibacterial soap and dry them with a clean, lint-free cloth before handling your lenses.
The side view
- Find a well-lit area and place the lens on the tip of your finger so that the edges point upwards.
- Lower your finger to eye level.
- Look at the lens. If the sides are rolled at the edge, or folded upwards, it is inside out.
The taco test
- Hold a lens near its centre, between the tips of your index finger and thumb.
- Gently squeeze the lens as if you are about to fold it in half.
- As you squeeze, look at the edge of the lens. If it points upwards, or the edges come together, the lens is correctly oriented. If it folds outwards, towards the index finger and thumb, the lens is inside out.
Checking laser markings
Some contact lenses carry laser markings that can help you check they are not inside out. These normally consist of a sequence of numbers and/or letters.
- Place the lens on the tip of your finger.
- Hold it up to a bright light.
- If the sequence of numbers/letters reads correctly, the lens is correctly oriented.
- If the sequence of numbers/letters is reversed, the lens is inside out.