Due to their seamless comfort and discreet appearance, there are many reasons why you might opt to wear contact lenses over prescription glasses. But if you’re new to these devices, it can take some time to learn how to wear them properly. Given their clear shape, contacts can easily become flipped inside out. While this won’t cause any harm to your eyes, it can be uncomfortable. To help you maintain stress-free sight, here are a few ways you can tell if your contact lenses are facing the wrong direction.

5 Ways to Tell if Your Contacts Are Inside Out

1. Inspect the Rim

Place the contact on a clean finger, facing up. Look closely at the edge of the lens. If it’s right side up, the rim will create a perfect cup shape. If the rim is turned out to create an inverted edge, it is inside out.

2. Look for Numbers

Some manufacturers have printed numbers on the edge of contact lenses to help guide users. If your product of choice offers this feature, you should be able to see the numbers “1 – 2 – 3” in order on the edge of the lens. When the numbers read “3 – 2 – 1,” your contacts are inside out.

3. Find the Tinted Edge

Tinting is another popular method of identifying proper contact direction. If your contacts feature tinting, they should have a blue or green hue around the edge when you look at it from a top-down view. When the edge appears clear, the contact needs to be flipped.

4. Maintain Placement from Packaging

If you use daily lenses, they are placed in the packaging in the correct direction. When using these products, simply keep the contacts in the same position they were in the package.

5. Check Your Comfort Level

Even if you end up putting in your contacts backward, you should be able to tell once they are on your eyes. For example, they may create a rough or irritating feeling and move around a lot. In many cases, the contact will not stay in. If you encounter these issues, simply take out the lens, flip it, clean it, and put it back in.

When you want to correct your vision with contact lenses, Reed Eye Associates can introduce you to a variety of comfortable options. Whether you prefer daily or extended wear lenses, this Monroe County, NY-based optometrist will teach you how to correctly wear these devices, as well as keep them clean. If contacts aren’t right for you, this vision center also offers an impressive selection of stylish prescription glasses. To learn more about the products and services they provide in Batavia, Greece, Irondequoit, Newark, Pittsford, and Sodus, visit this eye care provider online. For appointments, call a friendly team member at (585) 249-8300.