Ripped or torn contact lenses

Torn contact lenses are frustrating. They’re uncomfortable on your eyes and can also cause harm. But don’t worry too much. Tearing a contact lens happens to most wearers sooner or later (and 1-800 Contacts does ripped lens replacement).

Ripped contacts are common, especially among people who are new to wearing them. You handle your contacts daily, so expect accidents to happen as you learn what to do and what not to do. Contact lenses are more likely to tear as they get older and overworn, which is why it’s so important to replace your lenses according to your manufacturer’s and doctor’s recommendations.

Some contact lens materials and designs are more prone to tearing than others, so if you have issues with frequent lens tears, you should talk to an eye doctor.

Is it safe to wear a torn or ripped contact lens?

It is NEVER safe to wear a torn contact lens, even if it feels fine in your eye. A torn lens will have jagged edges that can scratch the delicate front surface of your eye, called the cornea. When a lens is torn, it can no longer maintain the shape it needs to match the front of your eye, so it will not fit your eye properly. If the lens does not stay centered on your eye or moves too much, your vision can be blurred. An off-center lens can also get trapped underneath your eyelid and be difficult to remove.

Also, scratches on soft contact lenses are rare, but you shouldn’t wear a scratched contact, either.

What do I do if my lens tears or rips?

Before putting a contact lens into your eye, you should always put it on the end of your finger with all the edges up and inspect it for any tears, scratches, chips in the edge, cracks, or rips. If you see any of these, just throw away the lens and start with a new one. And did we mention that you should NEVER put a ripped contact lens in your eye?

If your lens tears after you have put it in your eye, carefully take it out and throw it away. This is one good reason to always keep backup lenses handy.

1-800 Contacts torn lens replacement 

Did you get your contacts from 1-800 Contacts? If so, you’re covered by our Gajillion Percent Promise, the best satisfaction guarantee in the biz. We’ll replace any problematic lenses, including those that are ripped or scratched. To get a replacement lens, simply call us at 1-800-266-8228 or chat with us online.

What if a piece of the lens gets stuck in my eye?

If you remove a torn contact lens and a piece of it stays in your eye, it can be hard to get out the small piece. Try to find the piece of torn lens and slide it to the outside corner of your eye with your finger. If you can drag it to the corner, you may be able to pull it out. If you can’t locate a part of the lens, or if you find it but can’t remove it, see your eye doctor as soon as you can. Your eye doctor will be able to find the piece of lens and remove it using a microscope and special-colored dyes.

Is it OK to wear one contact lens?

You’re best off wearing contacts in both eyes if you have a prescription for both eyes, but what if you’re on your last pair of contacts, and one of them tears? In that case, you can wear a lens in one eye only. You obviously won’t be able to see as well out of the contactless eye, but it won’t hurt that eye. In fact, some people need vision correction in one eye only, so wearing a single contact is normal for them. Just order new contacts as soon as you can, and you’ll be just fine. Oh, and consider getting a pair of backup glasses if you don’t have one already.

Tips for preventing and dealing with torn or ripped contact lenses:

• Don’t pinch a contact lens tightly in the center. This can cause the lens to crack and tear.
• Keep your fingernails trimmed (especially when you’re learning how to handle contacts), and never use fingernails to remove a contact lens from your eye. Instead, use the tips of your thumb and index finger to slide and remove your lenses.
• When you take out your lenses and put them in the case, be sure they are floating and completely covered in solution before closing the case. If a lens is folded over the edge of the case, you can create a chip in the lens edge when you screw on the cap.
• Don't pull the edges of a folded lens apart to try to unfold it. Submerge the folded lens in solution and massage it until it unfolds. 
• Inspect your lenses carefully each time you put them into your eye. And we beg of you, never put a torn or ripped contact lens in your eye.
• Don’t stretch your contacts. Replace contact lenses as recommended by the lens manufacturer and your eye doctor. Contact lenses that are older than they should be are much more likely to tear and cause eye infections.
• Keep your lenses moist. And don’t try to save a lens that has dried out from not being soaked in solution. Contact lenses never fully rehydrate once they have dried out.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes. We know, we know. It’s a hard habit to break. Rubbing your eyes can feel so good. But it can also tear your contacts and damage your eyeballs. Here’s another blog post that discusses the dangers of rubbing your eyes, as well as safer things you can do to relieve itchy eyes.
• Remove a torn contact lens from your eye immediately, even if it does not feel uncomfortable. If you can’t remove any part of the lens from your eye, get to your eye doctor as soon as possible to have it removed.
• Always keep extra contact lenses available at home, at school, or at work—and when traveling—so that you won’t be stuck without contacts if you experience a torn lens.

Original publish date: 1/24/2020

Updated: 7/20/2022