Understanding the Importance of Proper Contact Lens Orientation
Wearing contact lenses can be a convenient and hassle-free way to correct vision problems, but it’s important to ensure that the lens is properly oriented before insertion. If a contact lens is inside out, it can cause discomfort, blur your vision, and even lead to eye infections. Therefore, it’s essential to learn how to identify whether your contact lens is inside out or not.
Examining Contact Lens Shape
One of the easiest ways to tell whether your contact lens is inside out or not is by examining its shape. Hold the lens up to the light and look at the edges. A properly oriented lens should resemble a smooth, curved bowl with straight edges around the perimeter. If it looks like a flared cup with rounded edges or has an uneven edge, then it’s likely inside out.
Conducting the “Quick Blink” Test
If you don’t have access to a well-lit area to examine your contact lens, you can perform the “quick blink” test. Place the lens on your fingertip, then gently touch the opposite edge of the lens to your eye. Quickly blink your eye and release the lens. A properly oriented lens should stick to your eye, while an inside-out lens might fall off or feel uncomfortable.
Checking for Optical Clarity
If you’re still unsure whether your contact lens is inside out, try looking at the lens’s clarity when held up to the light. A correctly oriented lens will provide uniform clarity, while an inside-out lens may appear distorted, blurry or wavy. This is due to the way the lens focuses light when inverted.
Seeking Professional Feedback
If you’re new to wearing contact lenses or are still struggling to identify whether your lens is inside out or not, consider consulting an eye care professional. They can provide you with personalized advice on contact lens handling techniques and give you feedback on your insertion and removal methods.
