How can I tell if my contacts are inside out?

It can be challenging to tell if a soft contact lens is inside-out. For one thing, you need that contact lens to see in the first place, so being told to look closely at a small, clear, curved object to determine which way it’s facing is a particularly cruel irony. We get it. We’re sorry. We’re here to help.

First, if you’re already wearing your contact lens…

If you think your contact is in inside out, know that it won’t do any damage to your eye. Whew. However, it won’t fit as well on your eye’s surface. It will likely feel like it moves around more, is uncomfortable, or like you have something stuck in your eye. Other times it’s subtle and may only start to bother you after the lens has been in for a few hours. HEADS UP: an inside-out lens is also more likely to pop out of your eye.

Interestingly, in most cases an inside out lens will not make your vision significantly more blurry.

The mixing bowl vs saucer test

Place the lens on the end of your finger with all the edges up in the air to inspect the shape of the lens. If it looks like a mixing bowl (edges pointing straight up) you’re good to go. If it looks like a saucer (edges turn downward) it’s inside out. You may need to flip the lens back and forth to compare.

Protip: put a towel over your sink so if the lens falls, it’s easier to find.

The Taco Test

Tacos are delicious and can teach us many truths about life, including if your contact lens is inside out.

Start with the lens on the end of your finger with no edges touching the finger. Gently pinch/flex the lens. If it’s right-side out, the lens will flex easily and edges will fold toward each other like…wait for it…a taco. If it’s inside out, the lens will be more resistant to folding and the edges will curl outward at the top, like…not a taco.

Learn how to put in your contacts.