Contact lenses are designed to rest smoothly on the delicate surface of the eye. When the lens integrity is compromised, the experience can be alarming. Damage to a soft contact lens is common, ranging from a tiny chip to a complete tear. Understanding the specific sensations a damaged lens creates allows for quick identification and proper action to protect eye health.
Recognizing the Sensation of a Torn Contact
A torn contact lens creates immediate and noticeable discomfort because the smooth, uniform edge is replaced by a jagged or rough surface. This sensation is frequently described as a persistent foreign body feeling, similar to having sand, grit, or a sharp speck lodged in the eye. Since the cornea is densely packed with nerve endings, any disruption from a non-uniform edge causes significant irritation and localized pain.
The rough edges of the tear repeatedly scrape against the cornea and the conjunctiva (the thin membrane covering the white part of the eye and inner eyelid). This friction triggers excessive tearing and redness as the eye attempts to flush out the foreign object. If the tear is small, the sensation may only be a sudden discomfort upon blinking or a subtle, nagging irritation.
Vision changes can also signal a torn lens, even if the pain is mild. A damaged lens no longer sits properly or maintains its intended curvature, causing light to refract incorrectly. This misalignment leads to blurry, distorted, or foggy vision, or the lens may shift excessively on the eye’s surface. If the lens has split or a piece has folded underneath the eyelid, the foreign body feeling becomes more pronounced and requires immediate attention.
Immediate Action Steps for Removal
The moment a torn lens is suspected, the immediate action is safe and gentle removal to prevent further injury to the eye’s surface. Begin by thoroughly washing and drying your hands with soap and a clean, lint-free towel to avoid introducing bacteria. Never rub the eye, as this action can cause the jagged edge to scratch the cornea or push a broken piece further under the eyelid.
To remove the lens, gently pull down the lower eyelid and look up. Use a finger to slide the main body of the lens onto the white of the eye before pinching it off. Once the lens is out, inspect it carefully to confirm that the entire lens has been removed, then discard it immediately and wear glasses until a fresh replacement can be used.
Potential Damage and When to Seek Professional Care
Wearing a torn lens, even briefly, poses a risk of corneal abrasion (a scratch or cut on the clear, outer layer of the eye). The sharp, uneven edge of a damaged lens can disrupt the corneal epithelium, the outermost protective layer. This abrasion causes severe pain and creates a direct entry point for bacteria, significantly increasing the risk of a serious eye infection like keratitis.
If a lens fragment is retained in the eye, or if the cornea has been scratched, professional assessment is necessary. Consult an optometrist or ophthalmologist immediately if you experience persistent or severe pain after removing the lens. Other warning signs include excessive redness lasting longer than an hour, discharge, increased light sensitivity, or any lasting decrease in visual clarity. These symptoms suggest a potential abrasion or the onset of an infection requiring prompt medical treatment.