How to avoid ripping contact lenses

Ripping a contact lens is an inevitable but frustrating part of wearing contact lenses. You might be tempted to soldier on and just wear your torn lens anyway, especially if you’re trying to save money, but there are a number of reasons why that’s a bad idea. Read on to learn more about torn lenses, what to do about them, and how to prevent your lenses from tearing.

Why Ripped Contact Lenses Are a Problem

Torn contact lenses should always be disposed of immediately. They can not only cause discomfort and blurry vision, but they can also trap debris and bacteria, which can lead to potential eye infections and damage.

Common Reasons Contact Lenses Rip

There are many reasons why your contact lenses might rip. Knowing the causes can help you prevent tears from happening in the future. Knowing how to put in contact lenses the correct way is the first big step to prolonging their lifespan and preventing rips. But there are some other things you can do to help keep them in the best condition.

Handling Lenses Too Roughly

Your contact lenses are delicate so gentle handling is essential to preventing tears and rips. Don’t be too rough or forceful when inserting or removing your lenses to keep them in the best condition.

Using Dry Fingers

Before you touch your eyes at all, and especially when you’re putting in or removing contact lenses, you should wash your hands with soap and water. Doing so ensures no dust or debris can affect your lenses and will reduce friction which can cause tears. Additionally,dry fingers can cause friction, which can tear your lenses. Therefore, it’s best to keep your hands slightly damp when handling your contacts.

Long Fingernails

Your nails can easily catch on your lenses which can damage them. Make sure you keep them short and filed to get rid of any sharp edges that can scratch or tear your lenses.

Wearing Lenses Beyond Their Lifespan

Overuse of your lenses weakens them and makes them more susceptible to tears. Make sure you’re sticking to a regular replacement schedule to help minimise the risks of ripped lenses.

Incorrect Lens Cleaning

Just like gentle handling, cleaning your lenses correctly will help them last as long as possible. Rubbing too hard and using the wrong cleaning or storage solution can wear down your lenses over time, making them easier to tear. Make sure you take proper care of your lenses and use the correct solutions to clean and store them (where applicable). It’s advisable to rub your contact lens clean with the flat part of your finger (where your fingerprint would be found), not the end of your finger, as that makes it easier for your fingernail to inadvertently slice or tear the lens.

What To Do If Your Contact Lens Rips

Guide readers through the steps they should take if they notice a torn lens.

Never Wear a Ripped Lens

It’s important to never wear your torn lens. Not only will the ripped lens not stay in place in your eyes, it can also cause discomfort or damage to your eye. It can also potentially introduce bacteria to your eye which can cause infection. Always dispose of a torn lens and replace them with a fresh pair of lenses.

Remove the Lens Immediately

If your lens tears while you’re wearing it or you only notice the rip once you’ve put the lens in, remove it immediately. Make sure you’re gentle to make sure you don’t scratch your eye or tear the lens even further.

Check for Any Leftover Fragments

Gently examine your eyes for any leftover pieces of lens. If some small fragments remain, rinse your eyes with saline solution and blink to help dislodge them. If you’re not sure you’ve successfully removed all lens fragments, please contact your closest Leightons Opticians to arrange an urgent appointment for this to be checked.

Replace the Lens or Swap to Glasses

Always replace torn lenses with a fresh pair, especially if you wear disposable dailies. Make sure you have your glasses with you just in case a lens rips unexpectedly and you don’t have a replacement pair.

Which Lenses Are The Most Durable?

There are many different types of contact lenses. Softer lenses such as dailies can be more prone to ripping whereas more stiff varieties such as Rigid Gas Permeable types are more sturdy. However, the type you use will depend on your prescription, eye health, and personal preferences. A thicker lens might be more durable but may be a bit less comfortable because it's thicker. Your optometrist will be able to help you find the best option to suit your needs and lifestyle.

When To See an Optician

If you are experiencing any ongoing discomfort, redness, or irritation after wearing a torn lens, it’s time to book an eye test.

Takeaways

Finding a rip or tear in your contact lenses can be really frustrating and unfortunately, most contact lens wearers will experience it at some point in their lens journey. It’s important not to wear a torn lens, remove ripped lenses right away, and take proper care of your lenses to prevent rips in the future.