Contact lenses are specialized medical devices worn directly on the eye to correct vision. Many users, especially those new to wearing lenses, experience anxiety over the possibility of the lens breaking or shattering while in use. This concern often stems from the sudden feeling of irritation, leading to the fear of rigid fragments damaging the eye. Understanding the composition of modern lenses clarifies why this common fear is largely unfounded.
The Physical Reality of Contact Lens Integrity
The structure of modern soft contact lenses makes true shattering inside the eye virtually impossible. These lenses are crafted from flexible polymer materials, primarily hydrogels or advanced silicone hydrogels. These polymers are designed to hold significant amounts of water, which keeps them pliable and soft.
This high hydration level gives the lens viscoelastic properties, allowing it to stretch and conform to the eye’s natural shape. The lens material lacks the rigid, crystalline structure necessary for brittle fracture or shattering into sharp pieces. When subjected to stress, a hydrated soft lens will typically tear, fold, or wrinkle, manifesting as a simple tear rather than fragmentation.
What Causes Discomfort or a Sensation of Damage?
The sensation that a lens has broken often results from minor damage or displacement of the lens itself. Small tears or nicks, particularly along the edge, can cause significant irritation because the torn polymer edge repeatedly rubs against the sensitive cornea or conjunctiva. This feeling of a sharp object can easily be mistaken for a broken piece of the lens.
Lenses can also become extremely dry, particularly during extended wear. When severely dehydrated, a soft lens can stiffen and adhere to the eye’s surface, creating a tight, uncomfortable sensation. A more common scenario involves the lens folding over onto itself or migrating slightly from its central position. If a lens folds, the thickened edge can feel like a misplaced fragment or a foreign object trapped beneath the eyelid.
Foreign Objects and Deposits
Foreign particles like dust, cosmetics, or lint trapped between the lens and the eye are frequent culprits, creating acute, localized discomfort. Another source of irritation is the buildup of protein or lipid deposits from the tear film. These deposits roughen the lens surface, leading to a gritty feeling that is mistaken for fragmentation.
Immediate Steps If a Piece is Missing or Stuck
If you suspect a piece of a contact lens is missing or stuck, first wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water to prevent introducing bacteria. The safest initial approach is to attempt to rehydrate the eye and flush the suspected fragment out. Apply several drops of sterile saline solution or approved rewetting drops to the eye, then close your eyelid and gently massage the area.
This often allows the trapped piece, or the folded lens, to unfold or reposition itself. After blinking several times, if the lens or fragment is visible, gently slide it toward the white part of the eye before carefully removing it with clean fingers. Never attempt to remove a lens or fragment directly from the center of the cornea, as this risks scratching the surface.
When to Seek Professional Help
If the discomfort persists, or if you cannot locate the lens after a few minutes of gentle attempts, stop immediately. Continuing to rub or probe the eye can cause a corneal abrasion. Leaving a lens fragment lodged in the eye carries the risk of infection or inflammation. If irritation continues for more than an hour after removal attempts, or if the eye becomes red and painful, seek prompt care from an optometrist or ophthalmologist.