I'm 21 years old and have worn contacts (Ciba Daily Wear) for 8 years. Yesterday I was in class, and my right eye started hurting. I thought I'd gotten an eyelash or something in there, so I waited until I got home to remove my contact. My contact turned out to be torn. I wore glasses for the rest of the evening and today. The white of my has red streaks from wearing the torn lens. I was wondering if any of the "red out" types of eye drops would help clear it up. I used Visine last night before going to bed. When I got up, it didn't look much better. It still looks pretty red, but it isn't hurting. Has anyone had this happen before - what did you do? Thanks!

LeeLee-

You only get one pair of eyes, so you must take care of them. Go to the Dr! Do not wear your contacts or attempt to self treat this. Wearing a torn contact can cause a corneal abrasion. Left untreated, that could affect your long term ability to wear contacts or SEE for that matter.

Get checked and get instructions from your Dr.

Shaman,

I didn't think wearing a torn lens was that serious. Will they be able to tell if I have an abrasion right away? Just with a regular eye exam? I actually had this happen once before, and I still have faint red streaks in my eye from it. The doctor never mentioned it, though. I'll keep wearing my glasses until I can get checked out. Thanks!

LeeLee-

Usually they put a colored eyedrop in (doesn't hurt) and look at your eye to see if there are any scratches or abrasions. If there is one they may rx an antibiotic ointment or eyedrop, if there isn't then they can clear you to wear contacts.

Always check your contacts before you insert them for tears near the edge. Better safe then sorry. It is probably only irritation, but why risk it?