A ripped contact lens fragment lodged in the eye causes immediate discomfort and can irritate the delicate surface of the cornea. The jagged edge of a torn lens can scratch the eye, and any foreign material left increases the risk of infection. A torn lens cannot travel “behind” the eye because the conjunctiva, a continuous membrane lining the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye, forms a natural barrier.
Step-by-Step Guide for Gentle Removal
The first step is to thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. This prevents introducing bacteria or oils into the eye. Next, apply several drops of a sterile rewetting solution or preservative-free saline to the affected eye. This rehydrates the soft lens fragment, allowing it to float more freely if it has dried out and stuck to the surface.
After lubricating the eye, blink slowly and repeatedly to encourage the fragment to move towards a more accessible area, usually the outer corner of the eye. If the fragment is visible on the white part of the eye, you can attempt to gently slide it off the eye’s surface. Use the pad of a clean finger, not a fingernail, to gently push the fragment toward the lower or outer lid margin.
Once the fragment is positioned on the white part of the eye or at the edge, carefully pinch it with your thumb and forefinger to remove it. If the piece remains elusive, a gentle flush with a continuous stream of sterile saline solution can sometimes dislodge it. Avoid rubbing the eye, as this can press the jagged edge of the lens fragment against the cornea, potentially causing an abrasion. After removal, immediately inspect the torn contact lens to ensure all parts have been accounted for.
Techniques for Locating Missing Fragments
If you have removed the main part of the lens but still feel a persistent sensation of something being present, a fragment has likely migrated. The piece is often lodged in the upper or lower cul-de-sac, the loose fold of conjunctiva under the eyelids. To check the lower cul-de-sac, gently pull down the lower eyelid while looking up into a mirror.
Locating a fragment under the upper eyelid is more challenging. Gently grasp the lashes of the upper lid and pull the lid away from the eye. While holding the lid, look as far down as possible to expose the underside of the lid and the upper conjunctival fold. If the piece is still not visible, close your eye and gently massage the outside of the upper lid, moving your finger from the outer corner toward the nose.
If the fragment is not immediately visible, applying more rewetting drops and blinking can help move the piece. You can also try moving your eyes in all directions—up, down, and side to side—to manipulate the fragment out of the folds of the eyelid. It is helpful to have another person assist, as they may be able to spot the small, translucent piece more easily when you look in different directions.
When to Stop Trying and Seek Medical Help
There are clear signs that indicate you should stop self-removal attempts and seek professional care. If you experience severe or increasing pain, excessive redness that does not subside, or a noticeable change in your vision, stop immediately. You should also seek help if you have been trying for more than 10 to 15 minutes without success, as prolonged manipulation increases the risk of damaging the cornea.
Leaving a fragment lodged in the eye can lead to complications such as a corneal abrasion or a serious eye infection like ulcerative keratitis. If you are certain a fragment remains but cannot locate it, an optometrist or ophthalmologist can use specialized tools, such as a slit lamp, to thoroughly examine the eye and safely remove the piece. After successful removal, do not wear a new contact lens until your eye care professional confirms the eye is fully healed and free of irritation.