Torn contact lenses are a common frustration among soft contact lens wearers. Understanding reasons why this occurs and ways to avoid it are the first step in preventing it. More than 45 million Americans wear contact lenses and a vast majority choose soft contact lenses because of the comfort, convenience, and ease of use.1 However, the same properties that make soft contact lenses comfortable can also make them susceptible to tears or rips when improperly handled. To minimize the risk of this occurring, included are some tips to utilize during contact lens care:
1. Avoid using fingernails
Fingernails are one of the most common causes of contact lens tears. To avoid, keep fingernails trimmed and short. Additionally, always use the soft pads of your thumb and forefinger when handling the contact lens during insertion and removal. Especially when removing the lens either from the blister packet, contact lens case, or the eye, avoid pinching the lens with your nails, which can lead to a tear in the lens or even a scratch on the eye itself.
2. Unfold lenses within saline or contact lens solution
If a lens folds, do not attempt to pull the edges apart using your fingers as this can result in a tear. Instead, place the lens in the palm of your hand and slowly dispense a small amount of contact lens or saline solution over the lens until it is fully submerged in the liquid. Next, gently massage the lens within the solution until the moisture helps to open it without damage.
3. Maintain proper lens hydration
Dry contact lenses are significantly more prone to tears. Due to this, always store them in contact lens solution to prevent them from becoming dry. Never use water or other solutions as this can lead to infection and serious complications. If your lenses have become uncomfortable or feel dry during wear, instill rewetting drops in the eyes before removing the lens to avoid the risk of tearing.
4. Fill the lens case completely with solution
Being conservative can be a virtue but not when it comes to filling your contact lens case with solution. If the case is only partially full of contact lens solution, the lens can adhere to the dry wall. This can lead to a tear in the lens when attempting to remove. Therefore, it’s always important to fully fill the contact lens solution with fresh solution each time it is used.
Time and Experience
With continued use of proper techniques and handling behaviors, tearing will become less frequent. If you’re new to contact lenes or if frequent tearing and handling is an issue, CooperVision’s clariti® 1 day contact lenses are unbeaten for handling.*2 The lens is designed to hold its shape on the finger, making it simpler for patients to place into or take out of the eye.3
What to do if you tear a lens during wear
Never continue to wear a torn contact lens. Even if the tear seems minor, any rough edge can cause discomfort, a scratch on the eye, or lead to further complications.
To safely remove:
1. Ensure clean hands by washing them thoroughly.
2. Instill rewetting drops into the eye to fully lubricate the eye to avoid any portions from sticking to the surface of the eye.
3. Pull your eyelids apart by using both forefingers to create a wide opening.
4. Use the index finger to slide the largest part of the torn lens down to the lower part of the eye while you slowly move your gaze upwards to ensure the lens is no longer on the cornea and only on the white portion of the eye.
5. Use your thumb and forefinger to gently remove the lens from the eye.
6. Examine your eye for any pieces that may remain, especially if the eye feels uncomfortable.