A broken contact lens fragment in the eye causes immediate discomfort and a distinct foreign body sensation. The sharp edges of the broken material pose a risk of scratching the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. The primary goal is to safely remove the fragment without causing an abrasion to this delicate surface. This guide provides steps to manage the situation safely and effectively.
Immediate Preparation Before Attempting Removal
Before touching your eye or the lens fragment, thorough hand washing is essential for preventing infection. Use a mild, non-perfumed soap and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds, paying attention to the areas under your fingernails. Ensure your hands are dried completely with a lint-free towel to avoid introducing foreign fibers to the eye’s surface.
Remaining calm helps keep your hands steady and reduces the risk of accidentally scratching the eye during removal. Find a well-lit area and use a magnifying mirror to locate the exact position of the broken piece. The fragment often slides beneath the upper or lower eyelid, away from the central cornea.
Apply several drops of sterile saline solution or preservative-free lubricating eye drops. Dry contact lens material adheres strongly to the eye’s surface, so rehydrating the fragment helps it float freely on the tear film. Blink gently a few times after applying the drops to encourage the piece to move toward the outer corner of the eye.
Step-by-Step Safe Removal Techniques
The gentlest technique is flushing the eye, which uses liquid to dislodge the fragment. Tilt your head over a sink and use a steady stream of sterile saline solution to rinse the eye continuously for a few seconds. The force of the flow may be sufficient to wash the small piece out, especially if it is already moistened.
If flushing is unsuccessful, attempt gentle lid manipulation to move the piece. Look up and gently pull your lower eyelid down to check for the fragment on the white part of your eye. If the piece is under the upper lid, look down and gently pull the upper lid away from the eye, rolling it over the lower lid. This action can sometimes catch the fragment and pull it free or move it to a more accessible location.
If the fragment is visible on the white of the eye, attempt to remove it with a gentle touch. Use the soft pad of a clean, wet finger to carefully slide the piece toward the outer corner of the eye. Once the fragment is positioned on the white part of the eye, gently pinch it between the pads of your thumb and index finger. Never use your fingernails, as they are a common cause of corneal abrasions.
If the piece feels stuck or if you experience sharp, increasing pain, stop immediately. Do not rub your eye, as this can press the jagged edge of the fragment against the cornea, potentially causing a scratch. Keep all removed pieces in your lens case so an eye doctor can confirm that the entire lens has been accounted for.
Recognizing When Professional Medical Help Is Needed
Stop self-removal efforts immediately if you cannot locate the fragment after a few attempts or if your discomfort increases. Seek professional medical attention from an optometrist or ophthalmologist if you experience severe or increasing eye pain. Pain that does not resolve shortly after removal may indicate a corneal abrasion, requiring professional examination.
Persistent symptoms, such as the feeling of a foreign object in the eye after removal, warrant a medical visit. Other indicators include spreading redness, unusual light sensitivity, or any discharge from the eye. Any sudden change in vision, such as blurriness or cloudiness, signals an urgent need for an eye care professional. The doctor can use specialized tools and dyes to confirm the complete removal of all fragments and check for damage to the corneal surface.
Post-Removal Eye Care and Prevention
After successfully removing the broken fragment, rest the affected eye by avoiding contact lens wear for at least 24 hours. During this period, switch to wearing glasses to prevent further irritation and allow the eye’s surface to recover fully. You may use preservative-free artificial tears to soothe the eye and maintain surface hydration.
Monitor the eye closely over the next day for signs of infection, such as worsening redness, persistent discharge, or increased sensitivity to light. Contact lenses most commonly break due to improper handling, such as using sharp fingernails during insertion or removal. Always use the soft pads of your fingers when manipulating the delicate lens material.
A common cause of breakage is the lens drying out, which causes the normally flexible material to become brittle. Avoid overwearing your lenses, especially in dry environments, and use rewetting drops throughout the day to keep the lens hydrated. Poor hygiene or failure to properly clean the lens can also lead to deposit buildup, which weakens the material and increases the risk of a tear.