Why Won’t My Contact Lens Stick to My Eye? Common Causes & Solutions
Struggling with a contact lens that won’t stay in place can be frustrating — and sometimes, a bit uncomfortable. Whether you’re new to contact lenses or a seasoned wearer, getting a lens to sit properly on your eye isn’t always as simple as it seems. At Eyemastr, we’re here to help you understand why this happens and how to fix it.
Below are some of the most common reasons contact lenses won’t stick, along with practical tips and professional advice to ensure a comfortable lens-wearing experience.
1. You’re Rubbing Your Eyes
One of the most frequent causes of lens displacement is eye rubbing. Rubbing can shift the lens out of place or cause it to fold, making it feel like it won’t “stick.” Beyond discomfort, rubbing your eyes can also introduce bacteria or worsen underlying conditions.
Frequent eye rubbing might signal:
- Eye allergies
- Dry eyes
- Sensitivity to lenses or solution
- Blepharitis (eyelid inflammation)
- Exposure to irritants like smoke or dust
- Digital eye strain
If you experience chronic irritation, book an appointment with your optometrist to explore the cause.
2. You Might Need Toric Lenses for Astigmatism
If your cornea has an irregular shape (as in astigmatism), standard lenses may not fit properly or stay in place. You may need toric lenses, specially designed to correct this condition. These lenses are weighted to sit correctly on your eye and provide stable vision.
3. Your Lenses Don’t Fit Well
An ill-fitting lens can shift, feel uncomfortable, or not adhere properly. Everyone’s eyes are different, and that includes size and curvature.
Common fit issues may include:
- Lenses with incorrect diameter or base curve
- Unique eye shapes (e.g., small or deep-set eyes)
A contact lens fitting with your eye care provider is essential to ensure optimal comfort and performance.
4. The Lens Is Inside Out
Soft contacts can easily flip without you noticing. While wearing an inside-out lens won’t damage your eye, it won’t feel right — and it often won’t stay in place.
How to check your lens orientation:
Place the lens on your fingertip and view it from the side. It should look like a smooth half-sphere. If the edges flare outward, it’s likely inside out.
5. Your Hands Are Wet
Even though it’s crucial to wash your hands before handling lenses, moist fingers can prevent proper application. Contact lenses stick more readily to wet surfaces, so dry your hands thoroughly with a clean, lint-free towel before inserting your lenses.
Helpful Tips to Get Contacts to Stick
- Practice regularly: If you’re a beginner, insertion gets easier with time.
- Stay hydrated: Dry eyes can reduce contact lens adherence.
- Blink often: Especially during screen time, blinking keeps lenses centered and moist.
- Use proper technique: Always handle lenses with clean, dry hands.
- Inspect your lenses: Ensure they aren’t inside out or damaged.
- Avoid eye rubbing: This prevents irritation and shifting.
- Follow hygiene best practices: Clean lenses and replace them as recommended.
- See a doctor for persistent issues: Don’t ignore recurring discomfort or dislodged lenses.
When to See an Eye Care Professional
If you continue asking yourself, “Why won’t my contacts stay in my eye?” even after trying the above tips, it’s time to seek professional help. Recurring issues could indicate improper lens type, an eye health condition, or even an allergic reaction.
Contact your optometrist if you experience:
- Frequent lens displacement
- Redness or irritation
- Eye pain or itchiness
- Difficulty seeing clearly with lenses
Your doctor may recommend a different lens material, size, or prescription, and can ensure that your eyes remain healthy and well-supported.
Need Help Choosing the Right Contacts?
At Eyemastr, we’re committed to helping you find the perfect vision solution. Whether you’re shopping for lenses, exploring vision correction options, or need expert support, we’re just a click or call away.
Explore our contact lens collection or speak with an Eyemastr expert today for personalized guidance.
