A ripped or torn contact lens compromises the material integrity of the device, which is engineered to rest smoothly on the delicate surface of the eye. A damaged lens shifts from being a vision correction tool to a potential irritant. Structural failure, whether a small nick or a large tear, means the lens can no longer maintain its precise shape and smooth edge profile.
The Definitive Answer
The direct and immediate answer is that a ripped contact lens cannot be fixed, glued, or patched. Soft contact lenses are constructed from hydrogel or silicone hydrogel materials, which are designed to be thin, flexible, and highly permeable to oxygen. Once the material integrity is broken, any attempt at repair would introduce foreign substances or uneven surfaces, making the lens unsafe for wear. A damaged lens must be disposed of immediately because wearing it risks scratching the cornea or introducing bacteria that can lead to severe eye infections.
What To Do If It Rips
If you detect a rip while the lens is in your eye, whether through feeling a jagged edge or experiencing sudden discomfort, the first step is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Never rub your eye, as this can push the torn piece further beneath the eyelid or worsen the corneal scratch. The goal is to remove the lens or any fragments as gently as possible to avoid further irritation to the corneal surface.
Applying a few drops of sterile saline solution or lubricating eye drops can help moisten the eye and the lens fragments, making them easier to slide out. Blink slowly a few times to encourage the lens or pieces to move toward the outer corner of the eye. Once the fragment is visible, use the pad of your clean index finger to gently slide it to the white of your eye or the inner corner before lifting it out.
After removing the visible pieces, rinse your eye with sterile saline to flush out any remaining micro-fragments. If you feel a persistent foreign body sensation, redness, or pain that does not resolve quickly, you must seek immediate attention from an eye care professional. These symptoms may indicate a retained fragment or a scratch on the cornea that requires medical evaluation and possible treatment to prevent infection.
Common Causes of Rips
A primary cause of contact lens damage is mechanical stress during handling, often involving fingernails. Even small nicks from a nail edge can quickly propagate into a larger tear once the lens is worn. The soft lens material, especially ultra-thin designs chosen for comfort and high oxygen transmission, is particularly susceptible to this type of damage.
Desiccation, or drying out, significantly reduces the flexibility and strength of the hydrogel material, making the lens brittle and prone to tearing. This occurs if the lens is exposed to air too long during insertion or removal, or if it is stored in a half-filled case where part of the lens adheres to the dry plastic wall. Using a lens beyond its recommended wear schedule also causes the material to degrade and weaken over time.
Rough cleaning techniques, such as pinching the lens too hard while rubbing, or aggressively rubbing the eyes while wearing the lenses can also cause tears. Sometimes, a lens may be damaged directly out of the blister pack due to a manufacturing defect or improper packaging, which should be inspected before insertion.
Safe Handling and Care
To proactively prevent rips, always handle your contact lenses with the soft pads of your fingertips rather than your fingernails. When removing the lens, use a gentle pinch or slide technique, ensuring your nails are trimmed and smooth to avoid accidental slices. If your eyes feel dry, use rewetting drops before attempting to remove the lens, as a well-lubricated lens is significantly less likely to tear.
If a lens folds over on itself, never attempt to pull the edges apart while it is dry, as this guarantees a rip. Instead, place the folded lens in your palm, add a few drops of sterile contact lens solution, and gently massage it until the moisture helps it unfold naturally. Maintain meticulous case hygiene by fully filling your lens case with fresh solution each night, preventing the lens from drying out and sticking to the plastic.