Eye & Contact Lens Factsheets
Occasionally a lens, usually soft,
may split or break whilst being handled correctly.
A Contact Lens obviously cannot damage itself
so why, when being properly treated can it happen?
The simple answer is that at some time previously
slight damage was caused - usually a minute edge
nick or a hairline split. Such damage often goes
unnoticed for weeks because it may not affect
the comfort. If however a soft lens is folded
'down the line' of existing damage the lens will
simply fall apart although at the time it was
being correctly handled!
Unfortunate accidents can happen.
This is why we strongly advise patients to cover
their conventional lenses under our Replacement
Scheme to cushion themselves from the full cost
of replacing a lens which is either accidentally
damaged or lost.
SOFT LENSES THAT DRY OUT
A soft lens exposed to the air
goes hard, curling up into a crinkled ball, hence
appearing useless for ever more! Treated without
panic it is usually completely undamaged assuming
it is carefully placed in an open container (e.g.
an egg cup or saucer) in saline. After approximately
2 hours it should have regained its normal softness
but, before insertion, it must be cleaned, disinfected
and examined very carefully for any signs of damage.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES
SHOULD. A SOFT LENS BE PLACED ONTO THE EYE STRAIGHT
FROM TAP WATER BECAUSE THE SHAPE OF THE LENS WILL
BE INCORRECT AND THE LENS COULD ACTUALLY STICK
TO THE EYE.
LENSES STICKING TO THE EYES
A lens may occasionally be difficult
to remove because it has tightened on the eye,
either because of the use of an incorrect solution
or shortage of natural tears. The vital rule is
to ensure that the lens is still on the cornea!
People have occasionally tried to remove a lens
which they either forgot to insert, which slipped
under the eyelid or had been accidentally dislodged
and fallen out. Assuming the lens is in position
then a liberal application of saline in an eye
bath (or, in an emergency, tap water with a pinch
of salt) should loosen the lens, it should then
be disinfected before re-wearing.
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