The short answer
A dropped lens may collect dirt, fibers or microorganisms and may be scratched while it is recovered.
Ortho-k and rigid gas permeable (RGP) lenses are medical devices. Lens design, wearing schedules and approved care products differ from person to person. Always give priority to the instructions from the fitting clinic and the labels supplied with the lenses and care products.
What to do
- Stop people from stepping near the lens. Make this part of a fixed routine rather than skipping it when time is short.
- Lift it with a fingertip rather than scraping with a nail. Use the current product instructions; do not rely on a routine remembered from a different lens or solution.
- Inspect and complete the prescribed cleaning and disinfection. After the step, check whether the lens, eye or vision feels different from usual.
- Have the lens checked if damage cannot be ruled out. If safe use cannot be confirmed, leave the lens out and use backup glasses.
Details people often miss
Safe lens wear depends on the whole care chain: clean and dry hands, an intact lens, a compatible care product, a clean case and tool, and a suitable handling area. One extra rinse cannot reliably correct a contaminated, expired or incorrectly used product. Never share personal accessories or transfer solution into an unlabelled container.
When to get help
Remove the lenses and contact the fitting clinic or an eye-care professional promptly if there is significant pain, persistent redness, light sensitivity, unusual tearing or discharge, or reduced vision. Do not repeatedly reinsert a lens to “test” the eye.
Care note: This article provides general lens-care education. It does not replace a diagnosis, individualized instructions from your eye-care professional, or the directions supplied with your lenses and care products.
This article provides general lens-care education. It does not replace a diagnosis, individualized instructions from your eye-care professional, or the directions supplied with your lenses and care products.