Contact lenses offer a wonderful sense of freedom for your vision. But whether you’re new to them or even a long-time wearer, you might still have questions about safety.
One of the most common concerns is whether a contact lens can actually scratch your eye. Yes, it’s possible for a contact lens to scratch your cornea, but this is typically preventable. Following a few simple routines and working with your eye doctor can help you wear your lenses comfortably and safely.
How a Contact Lens Can Scratch Your Eye
A scratch on the clear, front surface of your eye is called a corneal abrasion. Because contact lenses rest directly on your cornea, it’s possible for them to cause abrasions in certain situations, though these risks can be minimized with proper lens care.
Damaged or Old Lenses
A contact lens with a small rip or a rough, chipped edge can easily irritate the sensitive surface of your eye. Even a microscopic tear can cause discomfort when you blink. Lenses that are past their replacement date also collect protein deposits, which can create a rough surface and cause friction.
Poor Lens Hygiene
Proper cleaning is a key part of safe contact lens wear. If you don’t clean your lenses correctly, tiny particles like dust or makeup can get trapped underneath the lens. As your eye moves and blinks, these particles can rub against your cornea and lead to a scratch.
Improper Handling & Fit
Your technique for putting in and taking out your lenses matters. Handling lenses with long or sharp fingernails can accidentally cause a tear in the lens or a scratch on your eye. Additionally, a lens that doesn’t fit the shape of your eye can shift around, resulting in friction and irritation.
Dry Eyes or Overwear
When your eyes are dry, there isn’t enough lubrication for the contact lens to float smoothly on your cornea. This can cause the lens to feel like it’s sticking to your eye, increasing the risk of an abrasion. Wearing your lenses longer than recommended also deprives your cornea of oxygen, which can make it more vulnerable to injury.
What a Corneal Scratch Feels Like
You’ll probably know right away if your eye has a scratch. The symptoms of a corneal abrasion can be quite uncomfortable and often appear suddenly. Pay attention to what your eyes are telling you.
If you experience any of these signs, it’s important to act quickly to avoid further irritation. Here are some common symptoms:
- A strong and persistent feeling that something is in your eye
- Sharp pain, a gritty sensation, or general discomfort
- Noticeable redness and excessive watering or tearing
- Blurred or hazy vision
- Increased sensitivity to light
- A dull headache
What to Do for a Scratched Eye
If you suspect you’ve scratched your eye, taking the right steps immediately can help protect it and prevent the scratch from getting worse. For any significant discomfort or vision changes, it’s always best to seek prompt care for an eye injury. In the meantime, your goal is to keep the eye clean and comfortable while it begins its natural healing process.
Here are five simple steps you can take if you think your cornea is scratched:
- Remove your contact lens. Carefully and gently take the lens out of the affected eye as soon as you can.
- Do not rub your eye. Although it’s a natural reflex, rubbing can make the scratch worse or introduce more irritants.
- Rinse your eye gently. Use a sterile saline solution or clean, lukewarm water to flush out any small particles that may still be in your eye.
- Blink several times. Blinking is your body’s natural way of producing tears, which can help wash away any lingering debris.
- Use preservative-free artificial tears. Lubricating drops can help soothe irritation and keep the surface of your eye moist.
How to Prevent Scratches from Contact Lenses
The good news is that preventing a corneal abrasion is straightforward and mostly comes down to developing good habits. A consistent and careful routine can significantly lower your risk of experiencing this kind of discomfort. These practices can become a simple part of your daily life.
Practice Good Hygiene
This is the foundation of safe contact lens wear. Always wash your hands with soap and dry them with a lint-free towel before you touch your lenses or your eyes. Use fresh contact lens solution every time you clean and store your lenses. Never top off old solution or use tap water.
Follow Your Replacement Schedule
Your lenses are designed to be worn for a specific period of time. Whether you use daily disposables, bi-weeklies, or monthlies, stick to the schedule that your eye doctor recommends This helps you avoid issues associated with worn-out lenses, which can harbor protein deposits and bacteria.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Your vision and the health of your eyes can change over time, even if you don’t notice them. A regular comprehensive eye exam with your eye doctor helps confirm that your prescription is current. It also allows us to check that your contact lenses still fit your eyes correctly and comfortably.
The Importance of a Proper Lens Fit
Not all contact lenses are created equal, and neither are our eyes. Each eye has a different size and curvature, and your lenses need to match those dimensions for safe and comfortable wear. A lens that is too loose can slide around, causing constant irritation that could lead to a scratch.
An ill-fitting lens can also be too tight, which can restrict the flow of tears and oxygen to your cornea. During a contact lens fitting, your eye doctor takes precise measurements of your eyes. This information helps them find a lens that provides clear vision while moving just the right amount with each blink.
This personalized fitting is a key part of your long-term success and safety with contact lenses.
Your Partners in Eye Health
Wearing contact lenses can be a great experience when you prioritize safety and proper care. By maintaining good hygiene, following your replacement schedule, and ensuring you have a professional lens fit, you can enjoy clear vision with comfort.
At Total Vision Ladera Ranch, we can answer your questions and help you find the right contact lenses for your lifestyle. Come and see us today for your next eye exam.
