Why Are My Contacts Slipping?

Contact lenses replace the slipping problems so common to glasses. However, sometimes contact lenses can slip off the center of the eye and cause discomfort. This is usually caused by either a size problem with the lens, improperly inserting contacts or rubbing the eyelid too much. Contact lens that slip are always retrievable through patience and some diligent searching.

Size Problems

• Contact lenses may be prone to slipping if they are not the correct size for your eyes. Many cosmetic contact lenses (for instance, color-changing contact lenses) may be sold in just one size that may slip constantly. If possible, get new contact lenses that fit your eye more perfectly to prevent slippage.

Improperly Inserting Contacts

• Contact lenses can slip and cause discomfort and redness if they are put on the eyelid inside out. Contact lenses are made to only be worn one particular way. Further, contacts may slip if a piece of the lens has become folded or curled. If this is a new problem, try taking your contact lenses out, cleansing them briefly to remove any contaminants on the contact lens, and replace them on your eye in the opposite way.

Rubbing Eyelid

• If you excessively touch or rub your eyelids, this may be causing your contact lens to slip more often. When repositioning your contact, make sure it is securely on the center of your eye so that the discomfort associated with slippage does not continue. Try to avoid rubbing your eyes when wearing your contacts.

Slipping Myths

• No matter how much your contact lenses slip, they will never become lodged behind your eye. There is no gap between your eye that would allow this to happen. If you cannot find your lens after it has slipped, keep looking. It is still there and accessible. Further, contacts cannot crack while in your eye, so do not worry about having to dig shards of contact lens out when it slips off-center.

Reposition a Slipped Lens

• Pull the upper lid of your eye down to look for the lens. Repeat with the lower lid. If you cannot find the lens, douse the eye in saline solution to see if this dislodges the lens. Take your time and be patient in getting the lens; impatience can cause you to irritate or damage your eye. If you cannot find the lens, contact your eye doctor about getting the lens removed.