Key Takeaways
- Contact lenses that move excessively may be caused by improper fit, dry eyes, or incorrect insertion technique.
- Signs of poorly fitting contacts include blurry vision, discomfort, excessive movement, and frequent dislodging.
- Solutions range from proper insertion techniques to switching to different lens materials or designs.
- Regular eye exams and proper lens care are essential for maintaining stable, comfortable contact lens wear.
The Frustrating Dance of Shifting Contact Lenses
Few things are more irritating than feeling your contact lens slide across your eye just as you're trying to focus on an important task. That subtle sensation of a lens drifting out of place can trigger a cascade of problems—from momentary blurred vision to eye discomfort and even the embarrassing "contact lens search" in public places.
If you're constantly asking yourself, "Why does my contact keep moving?" you're not alone. This common issue affects many lens wearers, both newcomers and veterans alike. The good news? Most cases of wandering contact lenses can be resolved with the right knowledge and techniques.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the various reasons behind unstable contact lenses and provide practical solutions to help you achieve that perfect, "I forgot I'm wearing contacts" feeling that every lens wearer desires.
Why Do Contact Lenses Move in the First Place?
Before diving into problematic movement, it's important to understand that some degree of lens movement is actually normal and necessary.
Normal vs. Excessive Contact Lens Movement
Healthy contact lens wear involves a delicate balance:
Normal contact lens movement:
- Slight movement (about 0.5-1mm) with each blink
- Smooth centering after blinking
- No sensation of the lens "sliding" across the eye
- Stable vision throughout the day
Problematic contact lens movement:
- Excessive sliding with each blink
- Lens drifts off-center repeatedly
- Noticeable sensation of the lens moving
- Vision that fluctuates as the lens shifts
- Lens edges that lift or catch on the eyelid
This balance between stability and movement allows for proper tear exchange beneath the lens while maintaining clear vision and comfort. When lenses move too much, however, problems begin.
Common Reasons Why Your Contacts Keep Moving
1. Improper Lens Fit
The most common culprit behind wandering contacts is simply an improper fit. Contact lenses come in various sizes, curves, and designs—not all of which will match your unique eye shape.
Signs of poor lens fit include:
- Lens consistently drifts to one side of the eye
- Lens edges lift away from the eye surface
- Excessive movement with each blink
- Lens feels loose or as if it might fall out
Your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye) has a specific curvature, measured by your eye care professional as the "base curve." If your contact lens has a base curve that doesn't closely match your corneal curvature, the lens may not adhere properly, resulting in excessive movement.
2. Dry Eye Conditions
Dry eyes are another leading cause of contact lens instability. Your tears play a crucial role in helping contact lenses adhere to the eye surface. When tear production is insufficient or tear quality is poor, contacts lose their "suction" and begin to move excessively.
Factors that contribute to dry eyes include:
- Extended digital device use (decreased blink rate)
- Environmental conditions (air conditioning, heating, wind)
- Aging (reduced tear production)
- Hormonal changes
- Certain medications
- Underlying health conditions
Many contact lens wearers experience end-of-day dryness that can cause lenses to become increasingly mobile as the day progresses.
3. Incorrect Insertion Technique
Even perfectly fitted lenses can move excessively if they're not inserted correctly. Proper insertion involves placing the lens directly on the cornea with minimal air bubbles and ensuring it settles into position before blinking.
Common insertion mistakes include:
- Placing the lens on the white part of the eye (sclera) instead of the cornea
- Not removing air bubbles trapped beneath the lens
- Blinking excessively immediately after insertion
- Inserting lenses with insufficient moisture
4. Lens Age and Condition
Contact lenses are designed to be replaced on a specific schedule for good reason. As lenses age, they can:
- Develop protein and lipid deposits that affect fit
- Lose moisture retention capabilities
- Develop tiny tears or imperfections
- Change shape slightly due to wear patterns
Wearing lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule often leads to reduced stability and increased movement.
5. Astigmatism with Spherical Lenses
If you have astigmatism (an irregularly shaped cornea) but wear standard spherical lenses, you may experience excessive lens movement. Astigmatic corneas have different curvatures in different directions, making it difficult for standard lenses to maintain consistent contact with the eye surface.
6. Eyelid Interaction Issues
Sometimes the problem isn't the lens or eye surface but how your eyelids interact with the lens. Issues can include:
- Unusually tight or loose eyelids
- Partial blinking that pushes lenses out of position
- Eyelid conditions like ptosis (droopy lid) or entropion (inward-turning lid)
- Strong blinking habits that dislodge lenses
How to Fix Contact Lenses That Keep Moving
Now that we understand the common causes, let's explore practical solutions to keep your contacts stable and comfortable.
1. Get a Professional Lens Fitting
The most important step in resolving persistently moving contacts is to visit your eye care professional for a proper fitting.
During a contact lens fitting, your eye doctor will:
- Measure your corneal curvature precisely
- Evaluate your tear film quality and quantity
- Assess your eyelid tension and blinking patterns
- Recommend lens parameters specific to your eyes
- Test different trial lenses to find the optimal fit
Many people mistakenly believe that contact lenses are one-size-fits-all, but in reality, finding the right fit often involves trying several options.
2. Switch to a Different Lens Type
If your current lenses continue to move excessively despite proper fitting, changing to a different lens type might help.
Options to consider include:
Toric lenses for astigmatism: These specially designed lenses have different powers in different meridians and often feature stabilization technologies to prevent rotation.
Scleral lenses: These larger-diameter rigid gas permeable lenses vault over the cornea and rest on the white part of the eye (sclera), providing exceptional stability for difficult-to-fit eyes.
Hybrid lenses: Featuring a rigid center with a soft skirt, hybrid lenses combine the stability of rigid lenses with the comfort of soft lenses.
Daily disposable lenses: Fresh lenses every day means optimal moisture and cleanliness, which can improve lens stability.
Higher water content lenses: Some eyes do better with higher water content materials that create stronger adherence to the eye surface.
3. Improve Your Insertion Technique
Proper insertion can dramatically improve lens stability:
- Wash hands thoroughly with non-moisturizing soap
- Place the lens on the tip of your index finger with the correct side up (lens should form a perfect bowl shape)
- Use your other hand to hold your upper eyelid firmly against your brow bone
- Pull down your lower eyelid with the middle finger of your insertion hand
- Look straight ahead at a fixed point
- Place the lens directly on the colored part of your eye (cornea)
- Release your eyelids slowly and close your eyes momentarily
- Blink gently several times
If you see air bubbles under the lens, remove and reinsert it.
4. Address Dry Eye Issues
Improving your eye's moisture level can significantly enhance contact lens stability:
- Use preservative-free lubricating drops approved for use with contacts
- Take regular screen breaks using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
- Stay well-hydrated throughout the day
- Consider using a humidifier in dry environments
- Explore prescription dry eye treatments if over-the-counter options aren't sufficient
- Try contacts specifically designed for dry eyes, such as those with moisture-retaining technologies
5. Maintain Proper Lens Care
For non-daily disposable lenses, proper care is essential for stability:
- Replace lenses according to the prescribed schedule (daily, bi-weekly, monthly)
- Use fresh solution each time you store lenses—never "top off" old solution
- Rub and rinse lenses during cleaning, even with "no-rub" solutions
- Clean your lens case regularly and replace it every three months
- Avoid exposure to water, including showering and swimming with contacts
- Remove protein deposits with enzyme cleaners if recommended
6. Consider Specialized Solutions for Specific Activities
If your contacts move primarily during certain activities, specialized solutions might help:
For sports and physical activities:
- Sports-specific contact lenses with tighter fits
- Soft silicone hydrogel lenses that resist dehydration during activity
- Contact lens-compatible sports goggles that protect lenses from displacement
For digital device users:
- Lenses designed to maintain moisture during reduced blinking
- Artificial tears used preventatively before extended screen time
- Computer glasses worn over contacts for some screen activities
When to See Your Eye Doctor About Moving Contacts
While many contact lens movement issues can be resolved with the strategies above, certain situations warrant professional attention:
Seek professional help if:
- Your contacts consistently move despite trying multiple solutions
- You experience red eyes, pain, or light sensitivity with your contacts
- Your vision fluctuates significantly throughout the day
- You notice any discharge, unusual redness, or cloudiness in your eye
- Your contacts feel uncomfortable even immediately after insertion
- You've recently experienced a change in vision quality
Remember that contact lens prescriptions expire for good reason—your eyes change over time, and regular check-ups ensure your lenses continue to fit properly.
Finding Your Perfect Fit: Exploring Contact Lens Options
If you're struggling with lenses that won't stay put, it might be time to explore different options. Bella Lense offers a variety of contact lenses designed for optimal fit and stability, including specialized options for different eye shapes and conditions.
Colored Contact Lenses and Stability
For those interested in colored contact lenses, it's important to note that these lenses sometimes have different stability characteristics than clear lenses. The addition of pigments can slightly alter lens thickness profiles, which may affect how they sit on the eye.
Bella Lense's colored contact collection is designed with stability in mind, using advanced technologies to ensure the pigments don't interfere with proper lens positioning. Their colored lenses come in various parameters to accommodate different eye shapes and curvatures, helping ensure both aesthetic appeal and comfortable, stable wear.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving Contact Lenses
Q: Is it normal for my contacts to move slightly when I blink?
A: Yes, some movement is normal and necessary. Healthy contact lens wear includes slight movement (about 0.5-1mm) with each blink to allow fresh tears to flow under the lens and carry away debris and metabolic waste. However, the lens should quickly return to center after blinking, and you shouldn't constantly notice your lenses moving.
Q: Why do my contacts feel comfortable in the morning but start moving more in the afternoon?
A: This common issue typically relates to lens dehydration throughout the day. As your lenses lose moisture, they can change shape slightly and begin to move more. Factors that accelerate dehydration include digital device use (reduced blinking), dry environments, and certain lens materials that don't retain moisture well. Using lubricating drops approved for contact lenses can help maintain stability throughout the day.
Q: Can I use regular eye drops to help keep my contacts from moving?
A: Only use eye drops specifically labeled as compatible with contact lenses. Regular eye drops often contain preservatives and other ingredients that can damage contact lenses or cause eye irritation when used with contacts. Look for drops marketed specifically for contact lens wearers, or consult your eye care professional for recommendations.
Q: Why does only one of my contact lenses move excessively?
A: Many people have slight differences between their eyes, including different corneal curvatures, tear film compositions, or eyelid tensions. It's perfectly normal for one eye to require different lens parameters than the other. If one lens consistently moves more than the other, discuss this with your eye care professional, as you might need different base curves or even different lens designs for each eye.
Q: Can LASIK help if I can't find contacts that stay in place?
A: LASIK or other refractive surgeries might be options worth considering if you've consistently struggled with contact lens stability. These procedures reshape the cornea to correct vision without external lenses. However, not everyone is a good candidate for refractive surgery. Consult with a refractive surgeon to determine if these options might work for you.
Conclusion: Enjoying Stable, Comfortable Contact Lens Wear
Contact lenses that move excessively can be frustrating, but with the right approach, most people can achieve stable and comfortable lens wear. The key is understanding that contact lenses aren't one-size-fits-all—finding your perfect match often requires professional guidance, experimentation with different lens types, and attention to proper insertion and care techniques.
Remember that your eyes change over time, so what worked perfectly in the past might need adjustment now. Regular eye exams ensure your contact lens prescription remains appropriate for your current eye health and shape.
Whether you're seeking clear contacts for vision correction or exploring colored contact lenses to enhance your look, Bella Lense offers solutions designed for stability and comfort. Visit Bella Lense to explore their range of contact lens options and find your perfect fit.
Your eyes deserve contact lenses that stay exactly where they should—giving you clear vision and all-day comfort without constant adjustments or distractions.
