Plus Some Good Contact Lens Habits to Practice Instead
Contact lenses are seen as life changing for many people. While some people prefer the look and ease of glasses, others enjoy the freedom that contact lenses give them. Because contact lenses are placed on your eyes, it’s important to practice healthy habits when it comes to using and caring for your contact lenses. Bad habits, such as poor contact lens hygiene, can lead to infection and even the loss of your vision.
Here are some dos and don’ts for wearing contact lenses that will help preserve your eye health.
Don’t Wear Dirty Contact Lenses
Occasionally, a contact lens will fall out or drop when you are trying to put it in. Putting in a contact lens that is dirty can not only be uncomfortable, but it could lead to an eye infection.
Don’t Rinse Your Contact Lenses in Water
You might think nothing of rinsing off a dirty contact lens under the bathroom faucet but it actually doesn’t clean the lens properly. Plus, the water itself could be carrying pathogens that may lead to an eye infection. Also, don’t use saliva to clean your contact either–yuck!
If your contact lens does fall out, clean it first before putting it back in. Make sure that you wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them thoroughly with a clean towel before cleaning your lens. Rub and rinse your contact lens using fresh contact solution, rinse it with clean solution, and reinsert it.
Don’t Wear Your Contacts to Bed
Wearing contact lenses to bed is a big no-no. Doing so significantly increases your risk of eye infection. If bacteria is trapped behind your lenses, it may continue to grow while you sleep. The lens itself acts like a petri dish if not properly cleaned every day.
It’s also important to give your eyes some time to “breathe.” While it may sound weird, you want to make sure that oxygen is getting to your eyes. Sleeping in your lenses can make that difficult too. Oxidative stress can raise your eye’s vulnerability to pathogens and bacteria that cause infections.
Don’t Cut Corners on Your Routine
It might be tempting to cut corners on your nightly contact lens routine after a long day. However, you should always clean your contact lenses after every use with fresh disinfecting contact lens solution. Wash your hands with soap and water, then dry them thoroughly. Fill your contact lens case with fresh solution. Rub the lens in the solution in the palm of your hand, then rinse with more solution. Store your contacts in your contact lens case. We recommend removing your contact lenses an hour or two before bed to give your eyes a break.
If you don’t want to remove your contacts regularly, ask your doctor about extended wear contact lenses. These lenses are specifically designed to be worn for up to a week or even a month. They are made of a slightly different material that allows for more oxygen flow.
Don’t Wear Your Contacts Too Long
Your contact lenses have an expiration date for a reason. If you wear them past the expiration date, it could lead to an eye infection. Soft lenses can be worn for one to three days, depending on the lens. Hard contact lenses are more durable, and can last for years with proper care.
Don’t Shower or Swim in Your Contact Lenses
If you take a shower or go for a swim, always take your contacts out first. These activities can make you come into contact with bacteria or fungus that lead to an infection, and contact lenses are more likely to keep that bacteria or fungus trapped in your eye.
Don’t Wear Contact Lenses During These Situations
Besides showering and swimming, there are a few other times when you should avoid wearing contact lenses. If the wind is blowing a lot of dust and debris for the day, leave your contacts at home and switch to glasses.
You also want to avoid wearing contacts while doing heavy-duty cleaning, yard work, or are working in a lab. Instead, wear glasses or use protective prescription eyewear.
Also, if your eyes are red or irritated, wear glasses until you can see your eye care provider to check for an eye infection. Never wear a contact lens that is scratched or has a nick or tear in the edge. This could injure your eyes and should be replaced.
Never Miss a Regular Eye Appointment
If your vision has changed, it’s important to change your prescription. Always get a routine eye exam to check your prescription. Your doctor will also be able to track other changes in your eyes that could signal eye disease, such as glaucoma. Routine eye exams will ensure that your eye health and your vision are preserved!
Schedule your next appointment today with Black Diamond Eye Care! We offer comprehensive eye care services for your whole family, including routine eye exams and contact lens fittings.
