Whether you just got contact lenses or have been wearing them for years, you might not be following your doctor’s care instructions to a tee. However, there are certain mistakes that can lead to eye problems and discomfort. Are you making any of these mistakes with your contacts? Read on to find out.
Not Washing Your Hands When Inserting or Removing
If you don’t wash your hands before inserting or removing your contacts, you might be transferring germs directly into your eyes. Therefore, always take a moment to clean your hands thoroughly with soap and water before handling your lenses.
Sleeping With Your Contacts In
After a long day, you might feel tempted to crawl straight into bed without removing your contacts. This seemingly harmless act actually restricts oxygen flow to your cornea, increasing the risk of irritation and infection. That’s why taking your lenses out to sleep is one of the best eyelid hygiene tips for contact wearers—your eyes will thank you.
Overwearing Each Pair of Contacts
Contacts aren’t designed to last forever, and overwearing them could cause serious discomfort. Here are some possible problems that can arise:
- Dry eyes
- Redness
- Allergies
- Punctate keratitis (dot-like lesions on the cornea)
- Infection
Saving money on your prescription isn’t worth these issues. Follow the recommended wear schedule, whether it’s daily, bi-weekly, or monthly.
Not Deep Cleaning Your Lenses
If you have monthly contact lenses, you should do more than leave them in a solution overnight. Deep-cleaning solutions remove buildup and bacteria that accumulate over time.
Not Cleaning the Storage Case
If your storage case isn’t clean, it doesn’t matter how clean or fresh your contacts are. Your contact case can become a breeding ground for bacteria if you don’t clean or replace it often. To avoid unwanted visitors in your eyes, rinse the case with contact solution (not water!) every time you use it and replace it every three months.
Swimming in Your Contacts
Though rare, swimming in your contacts can invite waterborne microorganisms to latch onto your lenses. This exposes your eyes to an elevated risk of infection. Instead, switch to prescription goggles.
Are you making any of these mistakes with your contacts? If you are, today is the day to make a change. Protect your eye health and comfort by following good hygiene and care practices with your lenses.
