Contact lenses are delicate medical devices requiring careful handling. Physical damage, such as a scratch, poses a risk to both the lens and the eye’s surface. Recognizing the signs of a scratched lens is necessary for maintaining clear vision and protecting eye health. Identifying a damaged lens immediately can prevent discomfort and serious complications like a corneal abrasion.
Identifying Physical Damage on the Lens
Visually confirming a scratch on a soft contact lens can be difficult because the material is thin, transparent, and flexible. To examine a lens, place it on the pad of a clean fingertip and hold it up to a bright, focused light source, such as a lamp or daylight against a white background. This inspection should be performed before insertion or immediately after removal if irritation occurs.
A scratch often appears as a faint, fine linear mark or a slight disruption in the smoothness of the lens surface. Damage may also manifest as a localized cloudy or hazy area where the material has been compromised. More severe damage might look like a small tear or a jagged edge. Any visible imperfection compromises the lens’s integrity and requires disposal.
Recognizing Symptoms While Wearing the Lens
The most immediate sign of a damaged lens is the subjective feeling it creates when worn. A scratched lens disrupts the smooth interface with the cornea, causing a sudden and persistent foreign body sensation, often described as grit or sand trapped in the eye. This discomfort can range from mild irritation to sharp pain, often increasing with every blink.
The physical irritation leads to reflex responses such as excessive tearing and noticeable redness in the white of the eye. A scratch on the lens surface can also distort incoming light, causing a noticeable blurring or haziness of vision that does not clear up after blinking.
Common Causes of Lens Scratching
The delicate nature of contact lens material means that damage can be caused by various mechanical and environmental factors. Improper handling is a frequent cause, particularly when lenses are scraped against a case, countertop, or fingernails during insertion or removal. Even minor contact with a hard or sharp surface can create microscopic damage.
Environmental factors can also lead to scratching when small, abrasive particles become trapped between the lens and the eye. Debris such as dust or sand can rub against the lens as the eye moves, scratching the surface over time. Additionally, using expired or non-recommended cleaning solutions can affect the lens material, making it more susceptible to physical damage.
Immediate Action and Preventing Future Damage
If a scratch is suspected or confirmed, immediately and gently remove the contact lens from the eye. The damaged lens must be discarded, as wearing it further risks scratching the sensitive corneal surface. Do not attempt to clean or re-wear a compromised lens.
If discomfort, redness, or blurred vision persists after removal, contact an eye care professional for an examination to ensure the eye has not been damaged. Prevention involves gentle handling, always using the pads of the fingers rather than fingernails when touching the lens. Maintaining hygiene and following the recommended replacement schedule minimizes the accumulation of deposits that contribute to lens damage.