As a contact lens wearer myself, I have never noticed my lenses turning inside out, but I could feel it when it happens. For instance, my vision became very blurry, I started feeling some annoying stings in my eyes, they turned red and were very uncomfortable.

It took me a while to realize this happens when the lenses are flipped. Thankfully, it is not harmful or damaging to the eyes to wear the contact lens inside out, it can, however, be quite uncomfortable for the users. 

So, how do you make sure you are putting on the contact lenses properly to avoid such annoying feelings? Keep reading to find out the easiest and fastest ways to find out if your contact lenses are inside out. 

First of All, Check the Lenses Sides

This is one of the easiest and fastest ways to determine if your lenses are inside out. Before we start, make sure to wash your hands with water and antibacterial soap, and dry your hands thoroughly before touching the lens. 

Now, place the lens on the tip of your finger and make sure the edges are pointed up not down. Then, you will be able to see the sides of the lens, if it forms half a circle, then it is properly placed. However, if the sides are folded or rolled, then your lens is inside out. 

 

Do the Taco Test!

This is one of the fun methods to check on your lens, why? Because who doesn’t like anything shaped like a taco? Now, to do the taco test, you need to hold the lens between your thumb and forefinger tips, then easily try to squeeze them closer together. 

You can tell that the lens is properly placed if the edges of the lens meet or if they are simply pointing up (looking like a taco). On the other hand, if the lens is inside out, then the edges will tend to bend towards your fingers instead of upwards.

Check Visibility Tint 

Most of the lenses made over the past few years have something called a visibility tint. Which is a visible color on the rim edges, usually blue or green. This color tells you if the lens is properly positioned. 

To check the visibility tint, you only need to hold the lens on the tip of your finger and check the color at the rim edges. If it is clear blue or green then it means it is properly positioned, but if you see a light or faded tint, then the lens is reversed. 

 

Check the 1,2,3 Laser Markings

The laser markings are usually “1,2,3” which can be read normally on the side of the lens. Those numbers were added to make it easier for users to find the correct way to put on the lens. So, if those numbers are flipped, or you cannot see them at all, then it indicates that the lens is reversed. 

Does it Flip Easily? 

One more way that can help you find out if the lens is turned inside out is that it turns around quite easily if it was on the wrong side. However, if it was on the right side already, then it will not easily flip when you try, you might sense some resistance as it is properly oriented. 

Maintain Contact Lenses Original Orientation  

So, you’ve got your new contact lenses packaged and ready to be opened and used for the first time? Remember to keep the same orientation as it is always set to the proper orientation by the manufacturer. They also give simple instructions:

• Check the packaged contact orientation.
• Maintain the orientation while you wear the lenses. 

This is because the manufacturers ensure that the contact lenses are packaged in the right way to make it easier for users to put them on and take them off. It is almost impossible to find packaged contact lenses oriented in the wrong way. So, maintaining that same original orientation will guarantee you putting them on the right way.

Conclusion

Even though these tips and tricks might be a little boring to do at the beginning, after using the contact lenses for a while, you will not need to use any of these methods to find out if your lenses are reversed, you will be able to tell immediately if they were with constant use. 

FAQs

Will My Vision Be Blurry If My Contacts Are Inside Out?

Even though putting on your lenses inside out is very common, it can be very uncomfortable. Your vision will be blurry, you might feel like your eyes are dry or itchy, and it will be generally uncomfortable for the user.

It might also be a little wiggly, it could move around in your eye and not stay still like it normally does. But on the bright side, these symptoms are only uncomfortable, not harmful. 

Can Contact Lenses Turn Inside Out? 

Yes, they can easily turn inside out with the daily putting it on and taking it off. It could even happen when you try to pick it up from its case. Thankfully, it is easily detectable, even if you did not notice while it is still on your fingertip, you will surely notice once you put it on. 

Can I Sleep with Contact Lenses in My Eyes? 

Well, there have been a few debates around this question. Some say that it is OK to take short naps while wearing your contact lenses. However, those naps should not be longer than 20 minutes each time. 

If you sleep with your contacts on for more than an hour, you will probably feel very uncomfortable when you wake up as the contacts dry up in your eyes causing them some discomfort, it might even feel like your eyes are scratched when you open them.