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Ripped Contact Lens? What to Do (and What Not to Do)

17th Dec 2025

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Realising a contact lens has torn while it’s still on your eye can trigger immediate panic. Many people instinctively blink harder, rub their eyes, or try to reposition the lens. Unfortunately, those reactions can increase the risk of injury.

There is one rule that overrides everything else: NEVER wear a torn, chipped, or ripped contact lens — even if the damage looks minor.

A damaged lens can scratch the eye or allow infection to develop. Acting calmly and following the correct steps can significantly reduce the risk of complications.

>> SKIP TO 5-Step Emergency Protocol

Why a Tiny Tear Is a Big Deal

Corneal Abrasion and Scratch Risk

Contact lenses are designed to sit smoothly against the surface of the eye. When a lens tears, the edges become uneven and can scrape the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.

A corneal abrasion may cause:

  • Sharp or stinging pain

  • Redness and watering

  • Blurred vision

  • Sensitivity to light (photophobia)

  • A persistent gritty or foreign-body sensation

Even small abrasions can be painful and should be taken seriously.

Infection Risk and the Tap Water Warning

A torn lens also increases the risk of infection by allowing microorganisms to reach the cornea. One possible complication is keratitis, an infection that can threaten vision if not treated promptly.

In New Zealand, there is an additional and critical safety concern:

Tap water must never be used on contact lenses or eyes.

Tap water can contain Acanthamoeba, a microorganism found in water and soil. This organism can cause Acanthamoeba keratitis, a rare but severe eye infection that is difficult to treat and can result in long-term vision loss.

If the eye needs to be rinsed, use preservative-free sterile saline or eye wash, such as single-use saline ampoules available from New Zealand pharmacies. Always check the label to confirm the product is preservative-free and intended for eye use.

The 5-Step Emergency Protocol

If a contact lens rips while you are wearing it, follow these steps carefully and in order:

  • Wash your hands thoroughly
     Use soap and dry with a clean, lint-free towel.

  • Gently remove the main piece of the lens
    Use the pad of your finger, not your fingernails. Move slowly and avoid squeezing or rubbing the eye.

  • Inspect the removed lens
    Check whether the lens appears complete or if a piece may be missing.

  • Flush the eye with preservative-free saline
    If you suspect a fragment remains, gently rinse the eye. Do not rub the eye and never use tap water.

  • Switch to glasses immediately
    Do not insert another contact lens into that eye, even if discomfort improves.

When to Seek Professional Help

Arrange urgent optometric or medical care if any of the following symptoms persist longer than one hour after lens removal, or worsen at any time:

  • Ongoing or increasing eye pain

  • Persistent redness

  • Blurred or reduced vision

  • Sensitivity to light

  • A continuing feeling that something is stuck in the eye

ACC Coverage

In New Zealand, eye injuries such as corneal abrasions caused by contact lenses are often covered by ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation). An optometrist can assess the injury and submit an ACC claim if appropriate, which may reduce or remove treatment costs.

How to Prevent Contact Lens Tears

Many torn lenses are preventable. Practical habits that reduce risk include:

  • Always use the pad of your finger, not fingernails
     Fingernails are a common cause of ripped soft contact lenses.

  • Ensure lenses are moist before handling
     Dry lenses are more fragile and more likely to tear.

  • Use fresh contact lens solution every time
     Old or reused solutions can weaken lenses and increase infection risk.

  • Inspect lenses before insertion
     Check for small tears, chips, or uneven edges before the lens touches your eye.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Can a contact lens get stuck behind my eye?
No. A contact lens cannot go behind the eye. However, a torn lens can fold or lodge under the eyelid, which is why safe removal and flushing are important.

Should I keep looking for a missing lens piece?
Avoid repeatedly touching or rubbing your eye. If flushing with saline does not relieve the sensation, seek professional care.

Can I wear a new contact lens later the same day?
It is safer to wait until the eye feels completely normal and has been checked for symptoms. Glasses are recommended until then.

Is mild irritation normal after removal?
Mild irritation may settle, but pain, redness, blurred vision, or light sensitivity that persists should be assessed by an optometrist.

Conclusion

A ripped contact lens is not just an inconvenience — it is a potential eye injury. The most important safety points to remember are:

  • Never wear a damaged lens

  • Never use tap water

  • Remove the lens gently and flush safely

  • Seek professional care if symptoms persist

If anything feels wrong, switch to glasses and book an optometry appointment promptly. Early action is the best way to protect your vision.

This article is for general information only and does not replace professional eye care advice. Contact lenses should be assessed and fitted by a registered optometrist.

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