Can I wear Ripped/Torn Contact Lenses?

The question should not be whether you can wear torn contact lenses or not; but rather it should be why on earth would you want to wear ripped contact lenses? This is definitely a bad idea; hence must not be given a second thought.

Also Read: Why do Circle Contacts Rip?

Contact lenses and circle lenses are water-loving medical devices. When they are deprived of enough moisture they turn dry which results in ripping them. Contact lenses though if not touched in their dry state; can retain the prior position when lubricated using multi-purpose solution. After; re-lubricating them, always inspect them closely for any scratches, cuts, notches & rips on the surface before attempting to wear them again. However; we warn you to wear such circle lenses that have been dried out even once.

Also Read: Can I wear Dried-out Circle Contacts?

What happens if I wear Torn Contact Lenses?

According to Dr. Andrew Shatz; certified Ophthalmologist “Torn contacts have sharp edges that can scratch the eye. This can in turn allow bacteria from the contact or eye surface to get under the skin and cause a serious eye infection. Do not use a torn contact lens”

Torn circle contacts cause severe stinging, burning sensation which sometimes may lead to potential damages such as corneal abrasions. One must avoid wearing circle contact lenses with any type of flaws in it since we all are aware of the fact that contact lenses are far more than mere fashion accessories. They are medical devices and should be dealt accordingly. It is advised to toss your torn/dried circle contact lenses immediately to prevent mixing them up with fresh pair of contact lenses.

Get yourself a new pair of colored contact lenses for as low as $1. Do not risk your eyes; they are precious!

Can Colored Contact Lenses Cause Eye Floaters?

Colored contact lenses neither cause eye floaters nor can they make it worse. Eye floaters are small moving protein blobs that drifts about in the field of your vision. They look like grey specks, strings or cobwebs. They are very normal and should not cause any hindrance in the vision. However; if they suddenly increase in numbers, one should immediately arrange a visit to eye doctor.

Floaters

Effect of Colored Contact Lenses on Floaters:

“Eye floaters” is an age-related problem; thus it occurs as you age. Floaters are more common in people between 50 to 75 years. It occurs when the gel-like substance (vitreous) in the eye become more liquid. Colored contact lenses have directly no relation with worsening the floaters. Therefore, it is completely safe to wear colored contact lenses for prescription purposes even if you are diagnosed with floaters.

According to Eye Professional John C Hagan III, MD, FACS, FAAO, “There is no cause-effect relationship between floaters and contact lenses”. Therefore; wearers of colored contact lenses should feel no fear or hesitation; since they do not need to discontinue wearing colored contact lenses due to floaters. They must however should stick to cleanliness & maintenance along with timely replacement of colored contact lenses.

Avoid Expired/ Old Colored Contact Lenses

Old colored contact lenses or those that have passed their expiry must be avoided. Such colored contact lenses are already possibly contaminated with viruses/ bacteria. Furthermore; protein deposits on old colored contact lenses may bring havoc to those having vision problems.

Also Read: Do Circle Lenses Really Expire?

People with floaters are recommended to stick to monthly disposable circle lenses that are meant for a month use or last three months at maximum.

“Contacts do not cause floaters to become larger, although you might become more aware of them with visual improvement. Contacts also do not cause flashes. If you have flashes and/or an increase or change in floaters, especially suddenly, this may be a sign of a more serious problem within the eye, having nothing to do with the contacts. You should have a dilated eye exam by a Eye M.D. (ophthalmologist) to be certain that you don't have problems within the eye”; Says Ivan Schwab-Ophthalmologist at American Academy of Ophthalmology's EyeSmart.

Reference:

WebMd- Eyefloaters (Benign)

Contact Lens’ Effects on Floaters

Why do Circle Lenses/ Contact Lenses Rip & How to Prevent?

Circle lenses/ Contact lenses are very fragile and need special care to be taken for. They float on your eye hence partially block oxygen permeability. Some people suffer from a special eye condition known as “Dry Eyes”. When people witch this condition wears circle lenses/ contact lenses; circle lenses might turn dry. This as a result rips off circle lenses/ contact lenses.

Damaged circle lens

Always remember; circle lenses or contact lenses do not rip on their own. The criminal act of keeping them dry & paying no attention towards lubricating them is often the main culprit. Circle lenses/ contact lenses when dry become crisp which makes it easier for them to get damaged by being scratched/torn and ripped.

How to Prevent Circle Lenses/ Contact Lenses from Being Ripped & Torn?

• Always follow the below notes religiously and you will never rip a lens!
• Keep your nails filed & neat always when you handle your circle lenses or alternatively use tweezers.
• Use rewetting drops if you have dry eyes syndrome
• Prevent your circle lenses from rough climatic conditions.
• Wear safety eye-wear whilst wearing circle lenses during sports like racketsetc
• Keep circle lenses completely immersed in solution
• After soaking them in the respective wells of storage case; slide them slightly to ensure that they do not adhere to the surface of the well but float.
• Before handling contact lenses; wet your finger tips with contact lens solution and gently rub. Avoid harsh touches
• Avoid applying eyeliner on your lower lash line/ tear-duct as it forms a thin coat and blocks tear-production. This will make your eyes dry and will be a painful experience
• Whilst removing your lenses; do not pinch them off from center
• Use quality cases of circle lenses

Courtesy: WANG HUI FENG

If you do not want to use tweezers ( as you will have to get them properly disinfected too) but love to keep nails long; then be very careful every time you wear them. To keep circle lenses safety dealing them with the pad of your thumb and index finger instead of nails. Take complete care of circle lenses and keep your eyes moist using quality and standard eye drops.While removing; pinch them from edges instead of pinching from at center.

What happens if I wear a torn/ripped contact lens?

Always be very careful & avoid wearing damaged circle lenses. Upon wearing torn circle lenses; bacteria may penetrate into your eye from over the surface of contacts and become the reason of serious eye infections and corneal abrasions.

How to remove a broken/ torn contact lens from eyes?

Do not panic. Learn how to remove ripped/torn/ broken circle lenses from eyes with the help of a friend and mirror.

Recommended:

Use Circle Lens/ Contact Lens Care Kit to prevent both your eyes & lenses from damage.

WARNING:

Never re-use a dried contact lens if it seems damaged. When you find your circle lenses have dried out-avoid handling them whilst they are crisp. Immediately soak them in disinfectant and let them there for 6 hours before any inspections.