Contact lenses are popular for people who want to correct their vision without the need for glasses. They are a convenient and safe way of seeing the world, but there are times when they can go wrong.

One of the commonly known problems that contact lens wearers can experience is the presence of an insidious foreign object in the lens – the thorn. This article will discuss what is an insidious thorn, how does it end up in a contact lens, and what to do when it happens.

What is an Insidious Thorn?

An insidious thorn is a tiny, sharp object that gets stuck on a contact lens while it’s worn. This can be a piece of hair or a speck of dirt, and it can be hard to detect as it attaches itself to the acidic surface of the lens.

It’s called “insidious” because it can cause serious damage to the wearer’s eye if left undetected.

How Does an Insidious Thorn End up on a Contact Lens?

There are many ways an insidious thorn can end up on a contact lens. For instance, if the wearer rubs their eye, there is a chance that a piece of hair or dirt can dislodge and stick to the lens.

In some cases, the thorn may be present on the surface of the lens from the time of manufacture, or it could be dislodged from a previous handling mishap.

What Happens When an Insidious Thorn is Present on a Contact Lens?

When a thorn is present on a contact lens, it can cause abrasions to the cornea, the outermost layer of the eyeball. This can lead to redness, irritation, and pain in the eye.

If left untreated, this can cause serious damage to the eye, including corneal ulcers, permanent scarring, and even vision loss. Therefore, any foreign object like a thorn should be removed from the contact lens immediately.

What Should You Do When You Sense a Foreign Object on Your Contact Lens?

If you have a foreign object on your contact lens, you should not rub your eye or try to remove the object with your finger. This can cause further damage to the eye and push the thorn deeper into your cornea.

Instead, remove the lens immediately and rinse it with sterile contact lens solution. If the thorn is still present, try using a magnifying glass to locate the thorn and remove it with a pair of sterilized tweezers. If you are unable to remove the thorn, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Prevent an Insidious Thorn From Occurring on Your Contact Lens?

To prevent an insidious thorn from occurring, you should make sure to handle your contact lenses with clean hands and keep them in a sanitized case.

When you store your lenses in the case, make sure to rinse and dry the case regularly to prevent the buildup of dirt and bacteria. It’s also important to avoid using expired lenses or wearing lenses for a longer period than recommended.

When you’re engaging in any physical activity, make sure to wear protective eyewear such as swimming goggles, especially if you wear contact lenses daily.

Conclusion

Wearing contact lenses can be a great way to correct vision, but it’s important to take care of them to avoid any mishaps. One of the most serious problems contact lens wearers can face is the presence of an insidious thorn on the lens.

Knowing how to prevent and detect it, and what actions to take when it occurs, can save you from serious eye damage.