Few things are as frustrating as a torn contact lens.
You’re rushing to get ready, you peel open the blister pack—and then, before you know it, your perfectly crafted lens is a ripped mess. Contact lenses are fantastic for clear vision without the hassle of glasses, but when they tear, it can throw your whole lens routine out of balance.
Certain factors can weaken or damage your lenses, making them more likely to tear, including:
- Poor handling
- Dry lenses
- Old or expired lenses
- Improper cleaning and storage
- Low-quality or damaged lenses
We’re happy to guide you through proper handling, cleaning, and storage techniques so you can avoid future mishaps and make the most out of your contact lenses.
What Causes Contact Lenses to Tear?
Soft contact lenses are popular for their comfort and convenience. While they’re designed to be durable, they’re also incredibly thin and delicate. It’s no wonder that they rip unexpectedly from time to time, but if your contact lenses are tearing often, it’s worth looking into.
Poor Handling
The biggest culprit behind torn lenses is poor handling techniques.
Handle your contact lenses with care. Pinching too hard while cleaning or inserting the lens can easily cause rips or nicks. Long nails, rough fingers, or even rushing the process can lead to unintended damage.
Dry Lenses
If a contact lens dries out, it becomes less flexible and more prone to tearing. This can happen if the lens isn’t stored properly in a case with enough solution or if it’s exposed to air for too long during handling.
If you have dry eyes, leaving them unmanaged can also affect your wear experience. When the eye craves hydration, it can absorb moisture from the lens. Look for preservative-free artificial tears that are contact lens compatible (so the solution can penetrate the lens and target the eye) for added hydration and moisture.
Old or Expired Lenses
Contact lenses have a specific lifespan, and adhering to this schedule is non-negotiable.
Wearing lenses beyond their recommended duration can lead to thinning and structural weakening, increasing the chances of a tear.
Besides, continuing to wear lenses past their wear schedule can increase the risk of infection due to the accumulation of debris, bacteria, or pathogens, even if you properly store and clean the lenses.
Improper Cleaning & Storage
Using the wrong products or failing to clean your lenses properly can cause buildup over time. This buildup, along with inadequate storage, can make your lenses brittle and increase the risk of infection.
Low-Quality or Damaged Lenses
Sometimes, manufacturers make mistakes. Every so often, contact lenses come damaged straight out of the blister pack. Missing a minor tear and proceeding to wear a damaged lens can make that lens more susceptible to tearing.
On top of that, lens quality matters. Lower quality online contact lens brands might work well in a pinch, but might not hold up well for regular everyday use like reputable contact lens brands.
How to Prevent Contact Lens Tearing
The inconvenience of a torn contact lens is real, but please, don’t let it ruin your day.
With a few simple adjustments, you can extend the life of your contact lenses and enjoy a better wearing experience.
Handle with Care
Your contact lenses are an investment, so treat them gently with the care they deserve.
Follow these tips for careful handling:
- Always wash and dry your hands before touching your lenses. Avoid hand sanitizers as the alcohol can damage the lens material (and can sting your eyes).
- Use your fingertips rather than your nails to pick up and place lenses. Long nails can easily nick or tear soft lenses.
- When removing or cleaning lenses, avoid folding or squeezing them too hard. Try to maintain the shape of the lens, even when placing it back in its case.
Use the Right Solution
Only use the proper cleaning solution. Alternatives like water or saline may make your lenses susceptible to bacteria and may cause them to dry out, which could lead to brittleness and tearing.
Make sure your storage case is filled with fresh solution every day to keep your lenses hydrated and flexible. Tossing out older solution (and replacing your storage case) every 90 days helps prevent bacteria from building up over time.
Replace Your Lenses on Time
Always follow your contact lens replacement schedule.
Don’t try to stretch the lifespan of your lenses to save money or time. Even if they appear intact, worn-out lenses are more fragile and prone to tearing.
If you’re unsure about when to replace your lenses, a simple guideline is:
- Daily Lenses: Replace after one use.
- Bi-weekly Lenses: Replace every 14 days.
- Monthly Lenses: Replace every 30 days (or as advised by your doctor).
Do not reuse your old lenses. Connect with your optometrist and see if they can provide you with a trial pair.
Invest in Quality Lenses
Low-quality lenses can be more prone to ripping and damage. Trust reputable brands and consult your optometrist to find lenses that are durable yet comfortable for your specific eye needs.
If you frequently deal with tears, it might also be worth switching to dailies, which are replaced daily and require less maintenance than monthly or bi-weekly lenses.
Besides, ordering contact lenses from your optometrist means a better patient experience. If you open a fresh contact lens straight from the blister pack and notice visible damage, we can help you replace the lenses at no additional cost.
Working with contact lens manufacturers has its perks!
Expert Help is Just an Appointment Away
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, a lens might tear.
If your lenses feel uncomfortable right after insertion, remove them immediately and look for signs of damage, like irregular edges, small tears, or even creasing.
Avoid wearing damaged lenses, even if the tears are tiny; they can irritate your eyes or scratch your cornea, increasing your risk of severe infection.
Check your eyes thoroughly for any remaining fragments to avoid discomfort. If you’re unsure or unable to remove fragments, connect with our team at Total Vision Golden Hills Optometry for an emergency visit.
