SOS! How to Safely Remove a Broken Contact Lens: A Step-by-Step Guide

Finding yourself with a broken contact lens in your eye can be a stressful and uncomfortable experience. The sharp edges and potential for irritation can cause anxiety. However, with a calm approach and the right techniques, you can safely remove the broken pieces and minimize any discomfort or risk of injury. This comprehensive guide provides detailed, step-by-step instructions on how to remove a broken contact lens, along with important precautions and aftercare advice.

Understanding the Situation: Why Contact Lenses Break

Before diving into the removal process, it’s helpful to understand why contact lenses break in the first place. Several factors can contribute to this:

* **Age and Wear:** Contact lenses, especially older ones, become more brittle over time. Regular wear and tear can weaken the lens material, making it more susceptible to damage.
* **Handling:** Improper handling, such as pinching or pulling too hard when inserting or removing the lens, can cause tears or breaks.
* **Dryness:** When your eyes are dry, the contact lens can adhere more strongly to the surface of your eye. Attempting to remove a dry lens can lead to breakage.
* **Damage During Insertion/Removal:** Accidentally catching the lens on your fingernail or other objects during insertion or removal can cause immediate breakage.
* **Lens Defects:** In rare cases, a manufacturing defect can weaken the lens, leading to premature breakage.
* **Sleeping in Lenses:** While some lenses are approved for overnight wear, sleeping in contact lenses generally increases the risk of dryness, infection, and lens damage.

Immediate Assessment: Is the Lens Really Broken?

First, confirm that the lens is actually broken. Sometimes, a displaced or folded lens can feel like a broken one. Before attempting any removal techniques, take a moment to assess the situation:

* **Wash Your Hands Thoroughly:** Hygiene is crucial to prevent infection. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water, and dry them with a lint-free towel.
* **Look in a Mirror:** Examine your eye carefully in a well-lit mirror. Try to identify the location of the lens or any broken pieces.
* **Check for Sharp Edges:** Gently move your eyelid to get a better view of the lens. If you see jagged edges or feel a sharp sensation, it’s likely broken.
* **Assess Your Comfort Level:** Are you experiencing significant pain, redness, or excessive tearing? If so, proceed with extra caution and consider seeking professional help immediately.

Step-by-Step Guide: Removing a Broken Contact Lens

Follow these steps carefully to safely remove a broken contact lens. Remember to remain calm and gentle throughout the process.

**Step 1: Preparation and Lubrication**

* **Gather Your Supplies:** You’ll need the following:
* Contact lens rewetting drops or artificial tears (preservative-free is preferred).
* A clean mirror.
* Clean hands.
* A contact lens case to store the removed pieces.
* **Lubricate Your Eye Generously:** This is the most crucial step. Apply several drops of contact lens rewetting solution or artificial tears to your affected eye. This will help to lubricate the lens pieces and make them easier to dislodge and remove. Don’t be shy with the drops; the more lubrication, the better.
* **Wait a Few Moments:** Allow the lubricating drops to soak in for a minute or two. This will help to loosen the broken pieces from the surface of your eye.

**Step 2: Locating the Lens Fragments**

* **Look in the Mirror:** Position yourself in front of a well-lit mirror.
* **Gently Examine Your Eye:** Use your fingers to gently pull your upper and lower eyelids apart. Look carefully at the entire surface of your eye, including the corners and under your eyelids.
* **Move Your Eye Around:** Rotate your eye up, down, left, and right to help locate any hidden fragments.

**Step 3: Removing the Larger Pieces**

* **Use Your Eyelids:** Often, you can use your eyelids to gently coax the larger pieces of the broken lens towards the center of your eye.
* **Upper Eyelid Technique:** Gently close your upper eyelid and then gently massage it in a circular motion. This can help to dislodge the lens fragment and move it downwards.
* **Lower Eyelid Technique:** Similarly, gently pull down your lower eyelid and massage it upwards. This can help to move the lens fragment upwards.
* **Blinking:** Try blinking repeatedly. The natural action of blinking can sometimes help to dislodge and move the lens fragments.
* **If You Can See a Large Piece:** If you can clearly see a large piece of the lens, you can try to gently slide it off your eye using your fingertip. Make sure your fingertip is clean and dry. Gently touch the edge of the lens fragment and try to slide it towards the white part of your eye (the sclera). Once it’s on the sclera, you can carefully pick it up.

**Step 4: Removing Smaller Fragments**

* **Flush with Saline Solution:** If you suspect there are still smaller fragments remaining, use a sterile saline solution or contact lens rewetting drops to flush your eye. Tilt your head to the side and gently pour the solution into your eye, allowing it to flow across the surface and wash away any debris.
* **Eyelid Manipulation:** Gently pull your upper eyelid up and away from your eye, then blink. This can help to dislodge any small fragments that may be trapped under your eyelid. Repeat this process with your lower eyelid.
* **Cotton Swab (Use with Extreme Caution):** *Only* if you can clearly see a very small fragment and it’s easily accessible, you *might* consider using a clean, damp cotton swab to gently remove it. However, this should be done with extreme caution to avoid scratching your cornea. **Do not probe blindly with a cotton swab.** If you’re not comfortable with this technique, skip it and seek professional help.

**Step 5: Inspect and Repeat**

* **Carefully Inspect Your Eye Again:** After each attempt to remove fragments, thoroughly inspect your eye in the mirror to ensure all pieces have been removed. Look for any signs of irritation, redness, or remaining fragments.
* **Repeat Lubrication and Flushing:** If you still feel something in your eye, repeat the lubrication and flushing steps. Sometimes, it takes multiple attempts to remove all the pieces.

**Step 6: Post-Removal Care**

* **Re-Lubricate:** Once you believe you’ve removed all the fragments, apply more lubricating eye drops to soothe your eye and promote healing.
* **Avoid Rubbing:** Resist the urge to rub your eye, as this can cause further irritation or damage.
* **Observe for Symptoms:** Monitor your eye for any signs of infection or complications, such as:
* Persistent redness
* Pain or discomfort
* Excessive tearing
* Blurry vision
* Sensitivity to light
* Discharge from your eye

**When to Seek Professional Help**

It’s crucial to know when to seek professional help from an eye doctor (ophthalmologist or optometrist). Don’t hesitate to contact them if:

* **You Can’t Remove All the Fragments:** If you’ve tried the above techniques and are still unable to remove all the pieces of the broken contact lens.
* **You Experience Significant Pain or Discomfort:** If you’re experiencing severe pain, sharp sensations, or significant discomfort.
* **You Notice Signs of Infection:** If you develop any signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, discharge, or blurry vision.
* **You Have Scratched Your Eye:** If you suspect you’ve scratched your cornea during the removal process.
* **You Have Underlying Eye Conditions:** If you have any pre-existing eye conditions, it’s best to consult your eye doctor even if you successfully remove the lens.
* **You Are Unsure or Anxious:** If you’re feeling anxious or unsure about the removal process, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek professional help.

An eye doctor has the specialized tools and expertise to safely remove any remaining fragments and assess your eye for any damage or complications. They can also prescribe antibiotics or other medications if necessary to prevent infection.

Preventing Future Contact Lens Breakage

Prevention is always better than cure. Here are some tips to help prevent contact lens breakage:

* **Handle Lenses with Care:** Always handle your contact lenses gently. Avoid pinching or pulling them forcefully.
* **Keep Your Nails Short:** Long fingernails can easily tear or damage contact lenses.
* **Lubricate Your Eyes Regularly:** Use lubricating eye drops throughout the day, especially if you experience dryness.
* **Remove Lenses Before Sleeping:** Unless your lenses are specifically designed for overnight wear and your eye doctor has approved it, always remove your contact lenses before going to sleep.
* **Clean and Store Lenses Properly:** Follow your eye doctor’s instructions for cleaning and storing your contact lenses. Use only recommended solutions and clean your lens case regularly.
* **Replace Lenses as Recommended:** Replace your contact lenses according to the manufacturer’s instructions and your eye doctor’s recommendations. Don’t wear lenses beyond their expiration date.
* **Avoid Extreme Temperatures:** Avoid exposing your contact lenses to extreme temperatures, such as hot steam or freezing conditions.
* **Consider Daily Disposables:** If you frequently experience lens breakage, consider switching to daily disposable contact lenses. These lenses are fresh and new each day, reducing the risk of wear and tear.
* **Regular Eye Exams:** Schedule regular eye exams with your eye doctor to ensure your contact lenses are fitting properly and your eyes are healthy.

Important Considerations

* **Don’t Panic:** The most important thing is to remain calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse.
* **Never Use Force:** Never try to force a broken contact lens out of your eye. This can cause serious injury.
* **Avoid Sharing Solutions:** Never share contact lens solutions with others.
* **Check Expiration Dates:** Always check the expiration dates of your contact lens solutions and eye drops.
* **Listen to Your Body:** If something doesn’t feel right, stop and seek professional help.

Conclusion

Removing a broken contact lens can be a challenging situation, but by following these detailed steps and precautions, you can safely and effectively remove the fragments and minimize any potential complications. Remember to prioritize lubrication, gentle manipulation, and careful inspection. And, most importantly, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from an eye doctor if you’re unable to remove all the fragments or if you experience any concerning symptoms. Taking proactive steps to prevent lens breakage and maintaining good contact lens hygiene will help ensure the health and comfort of your eyes.