Wearing a ripped contact lens is strongly advised against by eye care professionals due to the immediate risks it poses to the eye’s delicate surfaces. A tear compromises the lens’s structural integrity, transforming it from a vision correction device into a source of potential injury and infection. If a tear is suspected, the primary goal is immediate removal and a thorough assessment of the eye’s health.
Why Torn Lenses Pose an Immediate Risk
A tear in a soft contact lens instantly creates a jagged, rough edge that can mechanically damage the eye’s surface. This sharp, uneven material can scrape the cornea, the clear, dome-shaped tissue covering the front of the eye. Such damage is known as a corneal abrasion, which is extremely painful and makes the eye susceptible to further complications.
A damaged lens also significantly raises the risk of infection by providing an easier pathway for harmful microorganisms to reach the cornea. The tear can harbor debris and bacteria, and the resulting abrasion offers a direct entry point into the corneal tissue. This can lead to a serious condition called microbial keratitis, an infection that can quickly threaten vision if not treated promptly. Furthermore, a torn lens no longer maintains its specific curvature, leading to a poor fit and excessive movement on the eye.
Recognizing Symptoms of Corneal Damage
The first and most common sign of corneal irritation or damage is a distinct foreign body sensation, often described as feeling like sand or grit in the eye. This discomfort is frequently accompanied by visible redness and excessive tearing, which is the body’s natural response to irritation. The jagged edge rubbing the cornea can also trigger intense, sharp, or stinging pain that does not subside.
A damaged cornea can lead to light sensitivity, known as photophobia, where normal levels of light become painful or unbearable. Any noticeable blurring or reduction in visual clarity while wearing the lens is a serious warning sign. These symptoms may signal a corneal abrasion or the beginning of an infection and require immediate attention from an eye care professional.
Immediate Actions and Safe Lens Handling
If you feel sudden discomfort or suspect a tear, the first step is to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water and dry them with a clean, lint-free towel. You must then remove the main portion of the contact lens as gently as possible, using the pad of your finger and avoiding the use of fingernails.
Immediately after removal, inspect the lens to confirm it is whole. If a fragment is missing, you may need to flush the eye with sterile, preservative-free saline solution to dislodge any remaining pieces. Never rub your eye or attempt to retrieve a fragment with a cotton swab, and do not use tap water for rinsing, as it can contain organisms like Acanthamoeba that cause severe infection.
If discomfort persists or if you cannot remove the entire lens, switch to glasses and contact an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately for a professional examination.
To prevent future tears, always handle lenses with moisturized fingertips, keep your fingernails short and filed, and ensure your lens case is completely filled with fresh solution to prevent the lens from drying out and sticking to the side.