How to Avoid Ripping Contacts

contact lens on finger

If you wear contact lenses, you know that they can be delicate. It doesn’t take much to rip or tear a lens, and once that happens, it’s game over. No more lens for you. Read on to learn tips to help you avoid ripping your lenses—your eyes and your wallet will thank you!

Don’t Handle Lenses with Fingernails

This one seems like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how often people do it. Your fingernails are sharp and can easily puncture a lens. Avoid touching them with your fingers as much as possible. When inserting or removing your contacts, be gentle. Don’t try to force them in or out.

Inspect Your Contacts Regularly

Inspect your contacts regularly for signs of wear and tear. If you see any damage, replace the contact immediately.

Use Only Approved Cleaning Solutions

If you need to clean your contacts, use only approved cleaning solutions, and follow the instructions carefully. Never use water or saliva to clean your contacts.

Always Store Your Lenses with Solution

If you store your lenses dry, they can become brittle and more susceptible to tearing. So always store them in a lens case filled with solution. Also, store your contacts in a clean, dry place. This will help keep them free of dust and debris that could cause irritation

Discard Old Lenses

Just like anything else, lenses have a shelf life. After a certain amount of time, they can dry out and become brittle, which makes them more likely to tear. If you’ve had your lenses for awhile, it might be time to get new ones.

Use Solution to Unfold a Folded Lens

If you find that your lens is folded, don’t try to unfold it with your fingers. This can cause the lens to tear. Instead, use a few drops of solution to wet the lens and then gently unfolding it.

Make Sure Your Lens Case is Full of Solution

If your lens case isn’t full of solution, your lenses can dry out. And as we mentioned before, dry lenses are more susceptible to tearing. Make sure you keep that lens case filled!

Consider Changing the Material of Your Lens

If you find that you’re constantly ripping your lenses, it might be time to switch to a different material. There are many different types of lenses available these days, so talk to your eye doctor about which one might be right for you.

What to Do if You Tear a Lens

If worst comes to worst and you do rip your lens, don’t panic. Just remove the lens from your eye and discard it. Then insert a new lens and be more careful with it!

Signs You Have a Torn Contact Lens

If you wear contact lenses, it’s important to know the signs of a torn lens. A torn lens can cause serious eye damage and even blindness.

Here are some signs that you may have a torn contact lens:

  • Your eye feels scratchy or irritated.
  • You see spots or floaters in your vision.
  • Your vision is blurry or distorted.
  • You have pain in your eye.
  • You have redness in your eye.

If you experience any of these symptoms, remove your contact lens and seek medical attention immediately. Wearing a torn contact lens can cause irreparable damage to your eye.

By following these simple tips, you can help avoid ripping your lenses. And that means you’ll be able to keep wearing them for a long time to come.

If you’re looking for the best place to get your contact lenses in New Hampshire, look no further than Spindel Eye Associates. We offer a wide variety of contact lens options, expert fitting services, competitive pricing, and convenient hours. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!