Systems and methods for detecting textured contact lenses in an iris image are disclosed. Initially, “K” images are taken of an eye in near-infrared light, each for a different positioning of the illuminant. Three-dimensional properties of the hypothetical iris are estimated based on image processing methods. The variability of the estimated three-dimensional properties is calculated, and a classification into two classes is made based on the variability. A low variability denotes that an authentic iris pattern was presented to the sensor, whereas a high variability denotes that the sensor observes an eye wearing a textured contact lens. The systems and methods disclosed allow for detecting presentation attacks to iris recognition systems/sensors based on presentation of an eye wearing a textured contact lens in an automatic and accurate way.