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Contact won't stick to eye

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Why Won't My Contact Stick to My Eye?

Handling and wearing contact lenses can sometimes be tricky for even the most experienced users. You may have issues with your contacts adhering properly if they aren’t inserted correctly, if they don’t fit well, or if you have a certain eye condition that interferes with contact lens wear.

Below we have outlined a few of the most common reasons that contacts won’t stick to eyes. While some may have a somewhat simple fix, others may require guidance from your eye doctor.

5 Reasons Why Your Contacts Won’t Stick

There are several reasons why your contact lenses won’t sit properly on your eyes. Here are some of the most common causes:

You’re Rubbing Your Eyes and Moving the Lenses

Your contact may seem to be slipping if you accidentally move the lens yourself. Rubbing your eye can loosen the contact from the appropriate position. To prevent this (and other issues), try not to touch or rub your eyes. If you absolutely need to, remember to be as gentle as possible and always wash your hands first.

If you find yourself rubbing your eyes frequently, or if you have constantly itchy eyes, you should schedule an appointment with your eye doctor to understand why. It’s possible you have an underlying condition that can be relieved with proper treatment.

Some reasons you may feel the need to rub your eyes include:

Not only can rubbing your eyes move your contacts around — it can also introduce germs to your eyes, make an existing problem worse, or become a habit. Instead of taking these risks, it’s best to contact your eye doctor for advice.

You Need a Special Lens for Astigmatism

If a lens is too flat against your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye), it may not have enough suction to stay in place. When a contact lens doesn’t have enough suction, it can move from its designated position, causing it to feel unstuck.

People who have astigmatism with a misshapen cornea may suffer from this issue more than others. Talk to your doctor about scheduling a lens fitting so that you can find the right contact for your needs. Some people may need lenses with a steeper curve to accommodate their eye shape.

Your Lenses Don’t Fit Properly

Sometimes contact lenses don’t stick because they aren’t a perfect fit. This can lead to itching, discomfort, or misalignment. And it can happen whether or not you have astigmatism. Speak with your doctor about your concerns. They may recommend a different brand or lens material for a better fit.

People with deep-set eyes, small eyes, or other unique eye shapes may also need a different-size lens. If this is the case for you, your doctor may select a lens that has a smaller diameter than a standard contact lens.

Your Lens Is Inside Out

Soft contact lenses sometimes turn inside out as you’re handling them or removing them from their case. You may not notice the issue at first glance due to their thin and flexible material. But contacts that are inside out don’t usually “stick,” so you’ll probably notice something isn’t right soon after putting it in.

You won’t cause any damage if you place an inside-out lens in your eye, but you will likely feel the lens shifting as you blink, notice the lens popping out of place, and experience some mild discomfort.

To avoid inserting inside-out lenses, examine them on each fingertip from a side view. Make sure the lenses present in a perfect half-sphere shape. If the lens looks crooked or like it has a rim, it’s probably inside out.

Your Hands Are Wet

You should always wash your hands before handling your contacts, and it’s also important to then dry your hands completely with a clean, lint-free towel. Contacts stick to moist surfaces, so if your fingers are still damp from being washed, you may have trouble transferring the lenses to your eyes.

Tips for Getting Contacts to Stick

So, your contact won’t stick to your eye. It’s a struggle many know all too well. Getting your contacts to stick properly relies on the right fit among many other factors. Here are some tips for keeping your lenses in place.

  • For new contacts wearers: Practice makes perfect. Putting your contacts in correctly gets easier with time.
  • Drink plenty of water to help keep your eyes moist. This will provide a more suitable and comfortable environment for your contacts.
  • Remember to blink when viewing a digital screen and take frequent breaks to prevent your contacts from feeling dry or out of place.
  • Use clean, dry hands to handle your contacts. Lenses may stick to wet or damp fingers or fail to transfer to your eyes.
  • Ensure your contacts are not inside out before inserting them.
  • Don’t rub your eyes. Doing so can introduce bacteria and/or cause the lenses to move around.
  • Practice proper contact lens hygiene and maintenance to keep your eyes healthy and your contacts comfortable and effective.
  • Report any discomfort or problems you have with your eyes or contacts to your eye doctor.

But, after trying these tips, you still find yourself thinking, “Why won’t my contacts stick to my eyes?” A bigger issue may be present. Schedule an eye exam so your eye doctor can assess the issue and check your eye health and vision.

When to Seek Professional Help

It can be frustrating when your contact lenses pop out of place, even if it only happens once. The reason could be as simple as your lens being inside out, or it could require a trip back to the eye doctor.

It’s important to talk to your eye doctor if you notice a contact lens won’t stick to your eye more than once or twice. Let your doctor know of any other symptoms you may have when placing, wearing, or removing your contacts, including eye pain, itching, irritation, or redness. Never ignore a problem with your contact lenses as this can cause serious long-term problems.

Your optometrist can answer additional questions you may have about contact lenses. And when you’re ready to order, we can help you make sure you’re getting the type your doctor prescribes. For shopping assistance, call 1-844-5 LENSES, and we’ll be happy to guide you through the process.