When a contact lens tears while being worn, the experience is immediately noticeable. The sudden shift from comfortable wear to sharp irritation signals that the lens is damaged. Continuing to wear a compromised lens poses a risk to the delicate surface of the eye. This discomfort is caused by the jagged edge of the material rubbing against the cornea and conjunctiva, prompting a reflex response.
Recognizing the Symptoms of a Torn Lens
The most common sensation described is a persistent, sharp foreign body feeling that does not resolve with blinking or eye drops. Unlike the fleeting irritation caused by dust or an eyelash, the discomfort from a torn lens is sustained and localized. This feeling occurs because the normally smooth edge of the lens is replaced by a rough, uneven tear that irritates the eye’s sensitive surface with every movement.
The physical irritation often triggers defensive responses in the eye. This results in excessive tearing (lacrimation) as the eye attempts to flush out the perceived threat. The eye may also become red or bloodshot as the tiny blood vessels in the conjunctiva dilate in response to the inflammation.
Visual disturbances are another sign that the lens integrity has been compromised. A torn lens cannot maintain the precise curvature needed to focus light, leading to sudden or fluctuating blurriness. The lens may also fail to stay centered on the cornea, causing it to shift excessively when blinking, which further distorts vision. If the lens tears into multiple pieces, the optical center is lost, making clear vision impossible until the pieces are removed.
Immediate Steps for Safe Removal and Inspection
The moment a torn lens is suspected, the priority is immediate removal to prevent damage to the cornea. Before touching the eye, hands must be washed thoroughly with soap and water to prevent the introduction of bacteria. Hands should then be dried with a clean, lint-free towel.
Removing the lens requires a gentle approach to avoid scratching the eye with the torn edges. If the lens is stuck or dry, applying sterile saline solution or approved rewetting drops can help lubricate the lens and loosen it from the cornea. After lubrication, the lens can be removed by gently pinching the larger section with the pads of the index finger and thumb.
Inspect the removed lens carefully for any missing fragments, using a light source if necessary. If a piece is missing, a fragment likely remains in the eye, typically lodged under an eyelid. To dislodge a retained fragment, the eye can be flushed with saline solution while blinking repeatedly. Alternatively, the closed eyelid can be gently massaged to encourage the fragment to move to the corner of the eye for removal.
Potential Complications and When to Consult an Eye Doctor
Wearing a torn contact lens, even briefly, carries a risk of corneal abrasion. The sharp, irregular edge of the tear can scrape the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. Corneal abrasions are painful and create an opening that makes the eye susceptible to infection from bacteria or other microorganisms.
A torn lens introduces a heightened risk of ocular infection, as the damaged material may accumulate debris and provide a site for bacteria to colonize. Infections can range from mild irritation to serious conditions that may permanently affect vision if left untreated. The presence of a retained lens fragment that cannot be located or removed increases the risk of both abrasion and infection.
An eye doctor should be consulted immediately if any piece of the torn lens cannot be located or removed. Professional attention is also necessary if pain or discomfort persists after the lens has been removed. Symptoms that require an urgent visit include persistent blurry vision, increasing sensitivity to light, discharge from the eye, or visible damage to the corneal surface. These symptoms can indicate a developing corneal abrasion or a serious infection that requires prompt medical treatment.