Inside Out: How to Tell If You've Put Your Contact Lens in the Wrong Way

We've all had those mornings where you're already dressed, makeup is halfway done, you've got somewhere to be and suddenly you're standing in front of the mirror trying to work out which way round a tiny contact lens is supposed to go. Luckily, there's a very simple check you can do before it gets anywhere near your eye.

Place the lens on the tip of your clean index finger and look at it from the side. If it's the right way around, it should form a neat, curved bowl shape, with the edges pointing upwards. If the edges flare outwards, the lens is inside out. You can also gently squeeze the lens between your thumb and finger. When it's correctly oriented, the edges should turn inwards rather than outwards.

It's a tiny check, but it can save you from putting an uncomfortable lens in, taking it straight back out and starting the whole process again. Something most MesmerEyez wearers would probably rather avoid when they're already trying to get out the door. If you've already inserted the lens and it feels noticeably uncomfortable, don't try to put up with it. Remove it, check that it's clean and undamaged, and make sure it's the correct way around before trying again. If discomfort or changes in vision continue, remove the lens and seek advice from an eye-care professional.

What Does an Inside-Out Contact Lens Feel Like?

Sometimes you don't realise you've put a lens inside out until it's already in. The first clue is usually your eye; an incorrectly positioned lens may feel uncomfortable, move around more than expected or make your vision seem slightly off. It can feel scratchy or as though there's something in your eye that shouldn't be there. Don't sit there blinking furiously for five minutes hoping your eye will eventually decide to accept it, listen to your body and take it out.

Keep in mind though that an inside-out lens isn't the only reason a contact lens can feel uncomfortable. An eyelash, a bit of debris, a damaged lens or dry eyes can all cause similar irritation. That's why it's better to remove the lens and check it rather than assuming you've diagnosed the problem. If the lens looks clean and undamaged, check its orientation and try again. If your eye remains painful, red or unusually sensitive, or your vision is affected, it’s worth speaking to a doctor or an optician. A contact lens should feel like something you're wearing, not something you can't stop thinking about.

How to Turn an Inside-Out Contact Lens the Right Way Around

Once you've spotted the problem, there's no need to overthink it. Before you turn the lens around, check that it's clean and undamaged. A lens that's torn, chipped or has debris stuck to it shouldn't go back into your eye, regardless of which way around it is.

Before reinserting it:

• Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
• Turn it the correct way around using your fingertips, not your nails.
• Check the shape once more before putting it back in.

If the lens has been damaged or you can't get it clean, use a fresh lens rather than putting it back in your eye. If you're new to contact lenses, don't worry if this takes a few attempts (we’ve all been there, there’s a bit of a knack to it). After a while, you'll glance at the lens and know almost immediately which way it's meant to go, like a seasoned pro. 

The Easiest Way to Avoid Putting a Lens in Inside Out

The simplest solution is also the least exciting: check it before you put it in. Once you get into the habit of looking at the lens on your fingertip first, you don't really have to think about it. It becomes part of the routine, much like checking you've got your keys before leaving the house.

If you're new to contact lenses, give yourself a little extra time at first. Trying to insert a lens while you're already late, halfway through your makeup and wondering where you've left your keys is when these tiny mistakes tend to happen. And in the UAE, when you've got somewhere to be and the air conditioning is blasting, the last thing you need is to start your morning arguing with a contact lens. If you're wearing coloured lenses for a particular occasion, such as a wedding, party or holiday, don't make the first attempt five minutes before you need to leave.Try them beforehand.

You'll have time to get comfortable with insertion, work out which way around the lens goes and avoid discovering that your contact lens technique needs a little practice when you're already wearing one shoe.

New to Coloured Contact Lenses? Start Here

If you've never worn coloured contact lenses before, there's a little more to think about than choosing the shade you like. The colour is the fun bit. Getting comfortable with the lenses comes first.

1. Don't make your first attempt five minutes before you leave.

Give yourself time to get used to inserting and removing them without rushing. Your first few attempts might be a little awkward. That's normal.

2. Keep your first few wears relatively short.

At MesmerEyez, we recommend wearing lenses for no longer than 8 hours. You may find you want to take them out sooner while you're getting used to them, particularly if your eyes start to feel tired or dry. This can be especially noticeable in the UAE. Stepping from intense heat into strong air conditioning, spending time outdoors and moving between different environments throughout the day can all affect how your eyes feel while you're wearing lenses.

3. Keep fresh contact lens solution with you.

If you're wearing reusable lenses, take enough fresh solution for your day or trip, along with your lens case. Don't rely on finding some when you need it. Your solution is rather less exciting than your sunglasses, but you'll be glad it's in the bag.

4. Keep the original lens box.

It sounds obvious, but don't throw the box away as soon as you've opened your lenses. It contains useful information about the lenses, including their replacement period and other product details. Keep it somewhere safe.

5. Don't judge the colour in the first five seconds.

Look at your lenses in different lighting and with the makeup you normally wear. A shade can look quite different in your bathroom mirror compared with daylight, so give yourself a chance to see what it actually looks like before deciding whether it's your colour.

For more information on coloured contact lens safety, read our full blog here.

 

Getting Used to Coloured Contact Lenses

Putting a contact lens in the wrong way around is one of those things that feels like a bigger problem when you're staring at a tiny lens on your fingertip at 7am. Once you know what you're looking for and what to be mindful of, it's really a lot easier than you think. After a few wears, you'll probably check the shape without even thinking about it, get the lens in and carry on with your morning. Whether you're getting ready for work in Dubai, heading out for dinner or putting on your lenses for a big event, they should be the finishing touch to your look, not the thing that takes over your morning. Check the lens. Know what feels right. Voilà!

 

FAQs

How do I know if my coloured contact lens is the right way around?

Place the lens on your fingertip and look at it from the side. It should form a curved bowl shape, with the edges pointing upwards. If the edges flare outwards, it's likely inside out. Turn it around before inserting it.

Should I put coloured contact lenses in before or after makeup?

Before eye makeup. Put your lenses in first, then apply your makeup. When you're ready to take everything off, remove your lenses before removing your makeup. This helps avoid getting makeup particles onto the lens or into your eye.

Is it normal for coloured contact lenses to feel strange at first?

You may be aware of a new lens when you first start wearing contact lenses, but it shouldn't be painful or significantly uncomfortable. If something doesn't feel right, remove the lens and check it rather than assuming you simply need to get used to it.

How long does it take to get used to coloured contact lenses?

There's no universal adjustment time. For someone completely new to contact lenses, insertion and removal can take a little practice, and the sensation of wearing a lens may feel unfamiliar at first. Give yourself time to practise before wearing them for an important occasion.

Can I wear coloured contact lenses for a whole day?

At MesmerEyez, we recommend no longer than 8 hours of wear. How comfortable your eyes feel can also be affected by things such as air conditioning, heat and long periods looking at screens, particularly in the UAE.

What should I do if my coloured contact lens feels uncomfortable?

Remove it and check the lens rather than continuing to wear it. Look for damage or debris and make sure it is the correct way around. If discomfort persists, or you experience pain, redness, light sensitivity or changes in vision, leave the lens out and seek advice from an eye-care professional.