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Wearing contact lenses provides convenience and clear vision, but they require proper handling to prevent damage. Soft contact lenses, preferred by millions of wearers, are designed for comfort and oxygen flow to the cornea. Their delicate nature makes them prone to tears, which can be frustrating and costly.
A torn contact lens disrupts your day and can cause discomfort or even minor eye injuries if worn. Understanding why lenses tear and how to handle them properly can help extend their lifespan and keep your eyes healthy. Below are the best practices to prevent your contacts from tearing and what to do if a lens rips.
Why Do Contact Lenses Tear?
Soft contact lenses are designed for comfort, allowing oxygen to reach the cornea while maintaining flexibility. Their thin material makes them more prone to tearing if not handled properly. One of the most common causes of lens damage is using fingernails during insertion or removal. Sharp edges can easily snag and tear the lens, making it important to use only fingertips when handling them. Dry lenses are also more fragile when they lose moisture, they become brittle and are far more likely to rip. This is why keeping lenses properly hydrated, both while wearing and storing them, is essential.
Improper storage is another major reason lenses tear. If a lens sticks to the case due to low solution levels, peeling it off can lead to rips or deformations. Similarly, handling mistakes such as forcefully unfolding a folded lens can weaken its structure, increasing the risk of damage. Also, the material of the lens plays a role. Some lenses, particularly those with a lower modulus, are more flexible and comfortable but can be more prone to tearing. Understanding these factors can help prevent unnecessary damage and extend the life of your lenses
How to Keep Contact Lenses from Ripping
Even with daily use, taking the right precautions can help prevent your contact lenses from tearing, saving you the frustration of replacing them too soon. Proper handling, storage, and hydration all play a role in maintaining the integrity of your lenses, ensuring they remain comfortable and effective for as long as possible.
1. Be Gentle When Handling Lenses
The way you insert and remove your lenses plays a big role in their durability. Always use your fingertips rather than your nails, and avoid pinching the center of the lens. Instead, slide the lens down to break suction before removing it from your eye. Keeping your nails short and smooth can also help prevent accidental nicks.
2. Keep Lenses Hydrated
A dry lens is more fragile and prone to tearing. If your lenses feel dry while wearing them, apply rewetting drops before removal. When storing them, always use fresh contact lens solution never water or saliva to keep them clean and hydrated.
3. Properly Unfold Bent or Folded Lenses
If a lens folds over itself, resist the urge to pull the edges apart. Instead, place it in your palm with a few drops of saline solution and gently massage it open. This method prevents stress on the lens and reduces the chance of rips.
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4. Keep Your Lens Case Full
When storing lenses, make sure your case is filled with enough solution to fully submerge them. If lenses stick to the case’s dry surface, they can tear when you try to remove them. Using a high-quality lens case and replacing it every three months can help maintain lens safety.
5. Choose Lenses with the Right Modulus
Different lenses have varying levels of flexibility. Some lenses, such as those in the Coopervision Proclear line, are designed with high water content for enhanced comfort but may be more prone to tearing. If you frequently experience rips, ask your eye care professional about lenses with a slightly higher modulus, which may be easier to handle. Brands like Biofinity contact lenses are known for their balance of durability and moisture retention, making them a great choice for wearers seeking comfort and resistance to tearing.
What to Do If a Contact Lens Tears
If you tear a contact lens, it’s important to dispose of it immediately. Even a small rip can cause discomfort and increase the risk of scratching your cornea. Wearing a torn lens can also lead to irritation, redness, and potential infection.
To safely remove a torn lens:
- Wash your hands thoroughly to avoid introducing bacteria to your eye.
- Apply rewetting drops to lubricate the lens and prevent any fragments from sticking to your eye.
- Gently slide the largest part of the lens downward with your index finger.
- Use your thumb and forefinger to remove the lens carefully.
- Check for any remaining fragments in your eye by looking in the mirror and blinking a few times.
If irritation persists or if you suspect a piece of the lens is still in your eye, contact an eye care professional for assistance.
FAQs
Can I Wear a Contact Lens with a Small Tear?
No, even minor tears can create rough edges that irritate your eyes or cause scratches on the cornea. Always replace a torn lens with a new one.
Why Do My Lenses Keep Ripping?
Repeated tears could be due to improper handling, dry lenses, or using a brand with a lower modulus. Consider switching to a sturdier lens type if this issue persists.
Can a Torn Lens Get Stuck in My Eye?
While pieces of a torn lens can temporarily adhere to the eye, they cannot get lost behind it. Using lubricating drops can help remove any lingering fragments. If discomfort continues, visit an eye care professional.
Find Durable Contact Lenses at Lens.com
If you frequently experience torn lenses, switching to a more durable option may be the solution. Lens.com provides a variety of contact lenses designed for comfort and longevity. Browse other high-quality options like 1-Day Acuvue Moist, Air Optix Aqua, Acuvue Oasys contacts, take an online vision test to renew your prescription, and enjoy competitive pricing on top brands.
By handling your lenses carefully and choosing the right type, you can keep your contacts in great shape and enjoy clear, comfortable vision every day.
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