What should a patient do if a damaged contact lens is noticed?

What should a patient do if a damaged contact lens is noticed?

• A. Do not wear it; inspect for tears or scratches; replace with a new lens or consult clinician if unsalvageable
• B. Wear it until end of day
• C. Rinse with tap water and continue wearing
• D. Ignore minor scratches if vision is clear

Answer: (A)

When a damaged contact lens is noticed, removing it and replacing it or getting a clinician’s guidance is the safest course. A torn or scratched lens can trap debris, disrupt the tear film, and increase the risk of corneal abrasion or infection. Wearing a compromised lens can cause irritation and potential eye injury, even if vision seems fine at first. Inspect the lens for tears or scratches, discard it if damaged, and use a new lens or seek professional advice if the lens can’t be salvaged. Rinsing with tap water or continuing to wear a lens marked by damage invites microbes and contaminants, and delaying replacement can worsen outcomes.

When a damaged contact lens is noticed, removing it and replacing it or getting a clinician’s guidance is the safest course. A torn or scratched lens can trap debris, disrupt the tear film, and increase the risk of corneal abrasion or infection. Wearing a compromised lens can cause irritation and potential eye injury, even if vision seems fine at first. Inspect the lens for tears or scratches, discard it if damaged, and use a new lens or seek professional advice if the lens can’t be salvaged. Rinsing with tap water or continuing to wear a lens marked by damage invites microbes and contaminants, and delaying replacement can worsen outcomes.