You know the scene, panicking when your contact lens gets stuck in your eye, or worse, before you have to take them out for a workday? That’s not unusual. Torn or broken contact lenses are a terrible, but fairly normal situation for most contact lens users. But here’s the thing: you can deal with it, without sacrificing your vision. Here we’ll show you what to do when your lens tears or becomes damaged and how to keep it from happening in the first place. So, let’s jump in!

Why Do Contact Lenses Tear?

Before we talk about what to do when you get yourself into a lens crisis, let’s first discuss why it happens. These contact lenses are made of thin, flexible materials that are intended to fit comfortably and allow air to flow into your eyes. But their fragile structure also makes them vulnerable to breaking. Here’s a little rundown on some of the most frequent causes of lenses tears:

Incorrect handling

If you’re hurrying around, or grabbing the lenses with your fingernails, chances are high that you’ll scratch them.

Old or expired lenses

Lenses tend to become more sensitive as time goes by, especially daily disposables if you’re using them longer than recommended.

Dryness

When the lenses get dry, they can break more easily which can happen if you’re using too little solution or are wearing it too long.

Poor storage

If you store your contact lenses in the wrong case or are using too little solution, lenses can get damaged, and you might not notice until it is too late.

But what if your contact lens tears? Continue reading because we’ve got the answer.

What to Do When Your Contact Lens Tears in Your Eye

First things first: don’t freak out. Remain calm and do the following in order to correctly remove a broken or torn lens out of your eye:

Wash your hands thoroughly

You always wash your hands before touching the eye with soap and water. This eliminates the possibility of getting bacteria into your eye.

Gently blink

If your lens tears and is not yet dry in your eye, blink slowly so your eye stays moist. Don’t rub the eye— it’s going to aggravate it and scratch your cornea.

Find the pieces

See yourself in the mirror and slowly try to find any remnants of the snapped lens. In case you don’t see it, blink again or apply some rewetting drops.

Pull out the lens with care

Remove the lens with your finger pad (not your fingernail). If the lens is bent and pieces are missing, you’ll probably have to peel it off one by one.

Apply saline solution

If some pieces are still left, flush your eye with saline solution. This will also move any remaining granules to a place you can see so that they are easier to scrape away.

Get some advice from a professional

If the lens won’t come out or you experience any pain, contact your eye doctor right away. Always remember, you’d rather be safe than sorry when it comes to your eyes.

Handling Torn Lenses Outside the Eye

When you know your lens is cracked before you can even blink, it isn’t as depressing as it sounds. Here’s what you do when the lens breaks outside your eye:

Throw it out right away

Never try to "fix" a damaged lens or put it back together. If your lens is even a little chipped, your cornea will become red, painful or scratched.

Check your supply

Have emergency lenses or glasses close by so you don’t need to look for a spare. If you find your contacts constantly tearing, check your lenses’ expiration date and stock up as needed.

Don’t try to stretch out wear

If you’re on your last pair, don’t risk a chipped lens. Put your glasses on for a few hours rather than risking eye trauma.

How to Prevent Contact Lens Damage

Prevention is always better than cure, right? Listed below are some tried-and-true tips on how to keep your lenses from tearing or becoming damaged in the first place:

Be gentle

Take good care of your lenses. Do not pick them up and stick them into your eyes with your nails. Rather, press the pads of your fingers gently and take it easy.

Keep them hydrated

The lenses will tear faster if they are dry. Always put your lenses in a new solution at all times, and keep them thoroughly submerged. If you use daily disposable lenses, do not use them more than once a day.

Replace and clean them regularly

Follow your optometrist’s recommendations for cleaning and replacing your lenses. Older lenses are also susceptible to damage, and cleaning can compromise their structural integrity.

Keep up with your eye health

Periodic eye checks are important. Your optometrist will be able to identify problems before they develop into major headaches, and can make sure you’re wearing the lenses that work best for you..

Invest in a high-quality lens case

There are different cases for different purposes. Look for one that’s big enough to hold your lenses comfortably without pinching them or tearing them.

Can You Wear a Torn Lens? (Hint: No)

You might feel compelled to wear a lens that’s barely broken, particularly if you’re strapped for cash. But the reality is, you should never wear a broken contact lens. The slightest tear could cause pain, eye infection and in the worst case, permanent eye damage. It is just not worth the risk.

A ripped lens will leave your cornea with sharp edges that scratch the cornea, which could blur your vision and increase your risk of developing an eye infection. So throw a broken lens away and replace it.

When Should You See a Doctor?

When you notice any of the following symptoms following treatment for a worn or scratched lens, contact your optometrist:

• Redness or irritation continues: If your eye remains red or irritated even after you remove the lens, it could have been scratched or damaged.
• Vision deterioration: If your vision continues to blur even after wearing a new lens or glasses, then something is not right.
• Inflammation: Inflammation should be treated promptly if you feel any pain in your eyes.

Safely Handling Contact Lens Tears or Damage

Getting your contacts ripped or damaged is an inconvenience but it doesn’t need to be a nightmare. If you stay cool, treat the situation responsibly and learn how to avoid a repeat injury, you can still keep your eyes clear. And remember, your eyes matter far more than some minutes of inconvenience.