Can contacts scratch your eye?
"Can contacts scratch your eye" is the Google search you hoped you'd never have to run because "scratch" and "eye" are not fun words to have together in a sentence. It can happen, though, and when it does, you might need help. Take heart because it's not inevitable, and with proper care, you can go your whole life without having to look up "contact scratched eye near me" on your phone.
How contacts can scratch your eyes
Like anything else in this world, contacts are most likely to cause a problem if they're handled wrong. Improper handling, cleaning and/or insertion all make contacts more likely to scratch your eye. Wearing an old set for too long can also do this (Hey! You can totally just order fresh contacts right to your house!) And we shouldn't have to say this, but it's the internet, so we will: Never insert visibly damaged or dirty contact lenses into your eyes (the 3-second rule doesn't apply to contacts).
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Signs you've scratched your eye
If you've never scratched your eyes before, well done. But if you're new to the contact scratched eye community, you may not know at first whether it's even happened. After all, sometimes your contacts give you a really mild abrasion that just kind of gets worse rather than something big and dramatic that happens all at once. Here are some of the symptoms of the problem:
- Eye pain (obvious one here, but it has to be said)
- Redness of the white parts of the eyes
- Sensitivity to light (think moderate hangover or prolonged visit from in-laws kind of ache)
- Blurred vision beyond what's normal
Types of eye scratches some contacts can cause
Let’s scratch the surface on what can go wrong with contacts – literally.
Foreign body abrasions
Foreign body abrasions are scratches caused by particles of grit and other stuff getting under your contact lenses. Once there, these tiny pieces of grit act like sandpaper and cause small abrasions to the delicate surface of the eye. If you have lots of small scratches caused by large amounts of small grit, you might feel general irritation. If you have larger objects under the contacts, you could get a visible cut that causes immediate distress.
Corneal abrasions
Corneal abrasions can also happen without any foreign objects at all. If your contacts don't fit very well, have gotten old, have been damaged, or are dry, the interior surface can cause everything from mild irritation to serious scratches. If the irritation is mild, you might be able to handle this issue with some drops prescribed by your eye care professional after an examination.
If the scratches get infected, you may need antibiotics to get the inflammation under control. Steroidal eye drops might also help, but these should only be prescribed by your eye care professional. (Generally, try to avoid unregulated steroid treatments; it's just common sense.)
Preventing eye scratches from contact lenses
Before we dive deeper, let's clear the way to safe lens practices to keep those peepers scratch-free.
Choose the right contacts for you
You can get around a lot of these issues by choosing the right contact lenses and making sure they're properly fitted. Get a proper fitting during your initial eye exam, and make sure you have both the right prescription and the right size for your eyes.
You also have a choice in lens material. Most contacts are made from silicone hydrogel, which is nice and soft and helps keep the eyes moist. Harder contacts might be more likely to scratch the eyes, but they tend to be more resilient and easier to maintain.
Lens care and handling
Proper handling and care of your lenses also helps prevent scratches from contacts. Always use fresh lens solution and follow the lens manufacturers' recommendations for care.
Treating eye scratches from contact lenses  
Untreated eye scratches can be a serious issue. In addition to the discomfort, scratched eyes can also harbor bacteria and other issues. Untreated eye scratches might impair vision or cause persistent redness and pain. Redness and pain, drainage or signs of infection are signs there could be a more serious issue, and it's time to seek professional help.
Eye scratches from contact lenses are preventable
Contacts are great for a lot of people, but you have to be careful how you use them. Get fitted for the right lenses, exercise proper care, and make sure your lenses are fresh and clean. With a bit of care, you can use these lenses for years without ever getting scratches from contacts. Set up an appointment online for an eye exam today.
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FAQs
Can wearing old contacts scratch your eye?
Old contacts can dry out, change shape, or accumulate dirt and grit over time. This makes them more likely to cause scratches.
Can eye scratches from contacts cause permanent damage?
Most of the time, eye scratches heal on their own. In rare cases, these abrasions might cause lasting damage and need professional care.
How can I tell if my contact lens is damaged?
Visually inspect your contacts for tears, cracks, or signs of dirt. Also, be aware of any blurred vision, halos, or other aberrations that could be a sign of lens damage that might cause scratches.