Can Contact Lenses Rip On Your Eye?

Contact lenses can rip while they're on your eye, although it doesn't happen very often.

Why Do Contact Lenses Rip?

Contact lenses are made to be soft and flexible so they feel comfortable on your eyes. Since they're also very thin, they can tear if they aren't handled carefully.

Most torn contact lenses happen while you're taking them out. If the lens has dried out, your fingernail catches the edge, or you accidentally pinch it too hard, it can rip.

It's much less common for a contact lens to tear while you're wearing it. This typically happens if the lens has become really dry during the day, or was torn slightly while being put in. If you ever notice a tear, crack, or small nick in a contact lens before putting it in your eye, always throw it away and use a new one. It's never worth trying to wear a damaged lens.

What Does a Torn Contact Lens Feel Like?

Most people notice the torn lens pretty quickly after putting it in. A torn contact lens may suddenly feel scratchy or irritating, almost like there's something stuck in your eye. Your vision may become blurry, or the lens may feel like it keeps moving around every time you blink. If your contact lens suddenly becomes uncomfortable for no obvious reason, it's best to remove it and inspect it before putting in a fresh lens.

Can Half of a Contact Lens Stay in Your Eye?

It's absolutely possible for part of a torn contact lens to remain in your eye after the rest of the lens has been removed. If this happens, the remaining piece is usually tucked underneath your upper eyelid or sitting on the surface of your eye. It won't move behind your eye, which is a very understandable and common fear that contact wearers have.

You may notice that your eye still feels irritated even after you've removed what you thought was the entire lens. Blinking a few times or using preservative-free lubricating eye drops can sometimes help move the remaining piece into a spot where it's easier to remove.

If the irritation doesn't improve or you aren't able to remove the remaining piece, contact your eye doctor.

Can a Contact Lens Get Lost Behind Your Eye?

No, but understandably, this is one of the biggest fears contact lens wearers have. Your eye is covered by a thin membrane called the conjunctiva. This membrane connects the inside of your eyelids to the white part of your eye, creating a barrier that prevents a contact lens from moving behind your eyeball.

Sometimes a contact lens folds in half and slides underneath your upper eyelid, which can make it feel like it disappeared, or rolled behind your eye. However, it's still in the front of your eye when it gets tucked under your eyelid and can typically be removed pretty easily.

What Should You Do If Your Contact Lens Rips?

If your contact lens tears while it's in your eye, the first thing to do is stay calm. Wash your hands before touching your eye. Then blink a few times to see if the lens moves into a position where it's easier to grab. If your eye feels dry, using a few lubricating eye drops can help loosen the lens.

Remove the torn pieces gently, making sure you've removed the entire lens. Once you've taken it out, don't try to wear it again. Open a fresh contact lens instead. If your eye continues to feel irritated after you've removed the lens, or you think part of the lens is still in your eye, it's a good idea to contact your eye doctor.

How Can You Prevent Contact Lenses From Tearing?

Here are a few things that can make a torn lens much less likely:

• Try to use the pads of your fingers instead of your fingernails when inserting or removing them.
• Replace your contact lenses on schedule, even if they still feel comfortable. Older lenses are more likely to become damaged over time.
• If your eyes tend to get dry, lubricating eye drops that are approved for contact lens wear may help keep your lenses comfortable throughout the day.
• Finally, inspect your contact lenses before putting them in. If you notice even a small tear or damaged edge, throw the lens away and use a fresh one.

Most torn contact lenses can be removed safely at home, and they cannot disappear behind your eye. If your eye still feels irritated after removing the lens, you can't find all the pieces, or your vision doesn't return to normal, contact your eye doctor for an evaluation.

When in doubt, it's always better to replace a damaged contact lens with a new one than to risk wearing one that's already torn.

FAQ

Can I keep wearing a contact lens if it has a small tear?

No. Even a small tear can make the lens uncomfortable and increase the risk of scratching your eye. If you notice any damage, throw the lens away and use a new one.

Can daily contact lenses tear more easily than monthly lenses?

Not necessarily. All soft contact lenses are thin and flexible, so any of them can tear if they're handled roughly or become dry.

Can sleeping in contact lenses make them tear?

Sleeping in contact lenses can cause them to dry out and stick more tightly to your eye, which may make them more likely to tear during removal. Unless your eye doctor has prescribed lenses that are approved for overnight wear, you should always remove your contacts before going to bed.

What if I can't find part of the torn contact lens?

If you think a piece of the lens is still in your eye, don't keep rubbing it. Try using lubricating eye drops and blinking several times. If your eye continues to feel irritated or you still can't find the missing piece, contact your eye doctor.

Should I wear a new contact lens after removing a torn one?

If your eye feels completely normal after removing the torn lens, you can usually wear a fresh lens. If your eye is still red, painful, or irritated, wait until you've been evaluated by your eye doctor before wearing contacts again.