Contact lenses are medical devices that require an intact structure to safely provide vision correction. Even minor damage, such as a microscopic tear or unseen deposits, can compromise the lens’s function and put the delicate tissues of the eye at risk. An irregular lens surface can cause a corneal abrasion, potentially leading to bacterial or fungal infection and serious complications like a corneal ulcer. Understanding how to quickly identify a compromised lens is the first step in preventing irritation and preserving your vision.
Visible Signs of Physical Damage
Before inserting a contact lens, visually inspect it to confirm its physical safety. Place the lens on the tip of your clean, dry index finger and hold it up against a bright, neutral background, such as a white surface or a well-lit wall. This contrast makes it easier to spot minute imperfections that may otherwise be difficult to see.
Look closely for any full tears or rips that extend through the lens material. Also, examine the edge for small chips, nicks, or jagged irregularities, which can scrape the cornea with every blink. Foreign deposits, such as protein buildup or cosmetic residue that do not rinse off easily, also indicate a compromised lens surface.
Structural changes, like significant folds, creases, or warping in the lens’s natural bowl shape, are serious indicators of damage. A warped lens will not sit correctly on the eye, leading to discomfort and poor vision correction. If the lens does not easily return to its smooth, symmetrical dome shape after gentle handling, discard it immediately.
Symptoms and Sensations Indicating Lens Compromise
When a lens is worn, your body may signal damage that was too small to spot during a visual inspection. The first indicator is often immediate discomfort, stinging, or a burning sensation upon insertion, suggesting a rough edge or irritant. This is distinct from the normal brief adjustment period that occurs with a new lens.
A persistent gritty or foreign body sensation, often described as feeling like sand under the eyelid, strongly suggests a compromised lens. If a small piece of the lens has folded or torn, the jagged edge triggers constant irritation, causing excessive tearing.
Other physical symptoms include sudden blurring of vision that does not resolve after blinking, indicating a warped lens that is not focusing light correctly. The eye may also react with pronounced redness, inflammation, or increased light sensitivity (photophobia). These reactions indicate the cornea is being stressed or abraded by the irregular lens material, necessitating immediate removal.
Immediate Action When Damage is Confirmed
Upon recognizing visible damage or experiencing symptoms of a compromised lens, gently remove it immediately. Do not rub the eye, as this risks scratching the delicate corneal tissue with a jagged fragment. Once removed, the damaged lens must be discarded, as it cannot be repaired or safely worn again.
Switch to wearing glasses to allow the eye to recover and monitor for lingering irritation. If the eye feels scratchy or uncomfortable, use preservative-free comfort drops or saline solution to gently flush the eye. The eye should begin to feel significantly better within a few hours of lens removal.
If eye pain, redness, or blurred vision persists for more than a few hours, contact an eye care professional. Lingering symptoms suggest the damaged lens may have caused a corneal abrasion or introduced an infection, requiring professional examination and treatment.