The human eye is very sensitive to bacteria and debris, which makes contact lens use a liability for many people. It is easy to avoid the necessary precautions with contact lenses because we assume that nothing bad will happen if we cut corners just a little bit in regards to lens hygiene. Of course, this is not the case. Our eyes are not as invincible as we like to think they are, and because of this misunderstanding, many people end up having to deal with eye infections every year. To help you protect your eyes, here are several common contact lens blunders that should be avoided:
1. Going Into Water With Your Contact Lenses On
Any body of water can have bacteria and amoebae in it that can be potentially damaging to your eyes. It doesn’t matter if it is the bathtub, shower, beach, lake, or public swimming pool—don’t wear your contacts when going into water! Water can introduce harmful microorganisms to your eyes, increasing the risk of serious infections, such as Acanthamoeba keratitis, which can lead to permanent vision loss.
2. Getting Makeup On Your Contacts
Never allow makeup to remain on your contact lenses. If you accidentally get eyeliner, mascara, or eyeshadow on your lenses, you need to take them out and give them a proper cleaning. Makeup particles can cause irritation, blur your vision, and introduce bacteria that may lead to infections.
3. Putting Your Contact Lenses In Your Mouth
Believe it or not, licking your contact lenses does not “clean them off”—it actually does the opposite. Our mouths are a haven for bacteria that have no business being near your eye! If you need to clean your contacts, use a proper contact lens solution rather than relying on saliva, which can introduce harmful germs and increase the risk of eye infections.
4. Rubbing Your Eyes
If you find yourself rubbing your eyes a lot (with or without contacts), you are putting your eyes at risk of infection. Bacteria on your hands can transfer to your eyes, leading to irritation or more serious conditions like keratoconus. Keratoconus occurs when your cornea goes from being a rounded shape to a cone-like shape, leading to blurred vision and potentially requiring a corneal transplant to repair the damage.
5. Reusing Contact Lens Solution
Contact lens cleaning solution is an effective disinfectant—until you leave it sitting around in the open for bacteria to flood in. Believe it or not, bacteria can overpower the disinfectant in the cleaning solution. Reusing the same contact lens solution over and over puts your eyes at risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to bacterial eye infections and potentially more serious complications requiring medical intervention.
6. Sleeping With Your Contact Lenses In
Sleeping in your contact lenses, even if they are labeled for extended wear, can significantly increase your risk of developing an eye infection. When your eyes are closed, there is less oxygen reaching your corneas, creating an environment where bacteria can thrive. Always remove your lenses before bed to allow your eyes to rest and recover.
7. Not Replacing Your Lenses As Recommended
Contact lenses are designed to be replaced on a specific schedule, whether they are daily, bi-weekly, or monthly lenses. Wearing them longer than recommended can lead to protein and bacteria buildup, which can cause eye irritation, dryness, and infections. Stick to your prescribed schedule to keep your eyes healthy.
8. Using Tap Water To Clean Your Lenses
Never rinse your contact lenses with tap water. Tap water contains microorganisms that can lead to severe eye infections, including those caused by Acanthamoeba, which can be difficult to treat. Always use sterile contact lens solution for cleaning and storing your lenses.
9. Wearing Contacts When Your Eyes Are Irritated
If your eyes are red, itchy, or uncomfortable, it’s best to remove your contact lenses and give your eyes a break. Continuing to wear lenses when your eyes are irritated can worsen the problem and increase the risk of infection. If irritation persists, consult an eye care professional.
10. Not Washing Your Hands Before Handling Lenses
Your hands come into contact with countless germs throughout the day. Touching your contact lenses without washing your hands first can introduce bacteria and dirt to your eyes, leading to infections. Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before inserting or removing your contacts.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can significantly reduce your risk of eye infections and maintain good eye health. Proper contact lens hygiene is essential for clear vision and long-term eye comfort, so make sure you follow these guidelines to keep your eyes safe.
If you are interested in keeping your eyes healthy and your vision sharp without the responsibility of contact lens care and maintenance, why not consider a vision correction procedure? Procedures like LASIK can give you crystal clear vision without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Schedule a consultation with CLEI today to learn more about our vision correction procedures.
