It happens to the best of us. You go to take your contact lens out of the case, or you're handling it during cleaning, and you feel an unusual flimsiness. You look closer, and your heart sinks—there's a clean tear in the lens. Your first instinct might be to panic, especially if it's your last pair or a favorite colored lens.
Take a deep breath. While a ripped contact lens is a situation you should never ignore, it's almost always something you can handle quickly and safely at home. Here’s your step-by-step guide on what to do (and what NOT to do).
Step 1: The Immediate "Don't Panic" Actions
Stop. Do Not Put It In Your Eye. This is the most critical rule. A torn lens has jagged edges that can scratch your cornea (the clear front surface of your eye). This scratch can lead to pain, redness, sensitivity to light, and make your eye susceptible to infection.
Inspect Your Eye (If the Lens Ripped While Wearing). If you felt the lens tear while it was in your eye, remain calm.
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly.
Gently open your eye and look in a mirror. If you can see a piece of the lens, carefully remove it with your clean, dry fingertips.
If you feel persistent discomfort, pain, or blurred vision and cannot find or remove the piece, do not rub your eye. Move to the next step immediately.
Step 2: Assess and Address Any Discomfort
Flush if Necessary. If your eye feels irritated after removing a torn lens, rinse it with a sterile, preservative-free saline solution. This can help flush out any tiny debris.
Listen to Your Body. It's normal to feel a little residual irritation. However, if you experience severe pain, persistent redness, worsening vision, or sensitivity to light, these are signs of a possible corneal abrasion. Contact your eye doctor right away.
Step 3: The "Don't Ignore It" Part: Proper Disposal
A torn lens is a dead lens. It is beyond repair.
Discard It Immediately. Throw the torn lens in the trash. Do not attempt to "fix" it by placing it back in solution to "heal." It won't.
Do Not Flush It. Do not flush it down the sink or toilet, as the plastic material is not environmentally friendly.
Step 4: Identify the Cause (To Prevent It from Happening Again)
Why did the lens rip? Common causes include:
Long or Sharp Nails: This is the #1 culprit. Always handle lenses with the pads of your fingers, not your nails.
Dryness: A lens that has dried out is brittle and prone to tearing. Always store lenses in fresh solution and ensure the case is sealed tightly.
Poor Lens/Case Quality: Damage can occur if the lens gets caught in the hinge of a clamshell case or on a rough edge.
"Auto-Pilot" Handling: Rushing through your routine can lead to careless handling. Slow down and be mindful.
Your Go-To Checklist:
DID NOT try to wear the torn lens.
REMOVED any lens pieces from my eye.
DISCARDED the torn lens properly.
MONITORED my eye for pain or redness.
CONTACTED my eye doctor if symptoms are severe.
The Bottom Line:
A ripped contact lens is a minor setback, not a major catastrophe. By staying calm and following these simple steps, you can protect your eye health and get back to clear, comfortable vision with your next pair.
Always have a backup plan! Explore our collection of reliable and affordable colored contacts to ensure you're never caught off guard.
