Contact lenses offer a convenient and comfortable way to correct vision, but proper use and care are essential for maintaining healthy eyes. Even experienced wearers can develop habits that may affect comfort, lens performance, or eye health.
Understanding these common mistakes can help you enjoy a safer and more comfortable lens-wearing experience.
Why Shouldn’t You Wear Contact Lenses Longer Than Recommended?
Every contact lens is designed to be replaced after a specific period.
Wearing them longer than recommended can:
Compromise healthy contact lens wear.
Increase protein and deposit buildup on the lens surface.
Reduce comfort throughout the day.
Affect the clarity and performance of your lenses.
Increase the risk of eye irritation and discomfort.
Why Is Hand Hygiene Important Before Handling Contact Lenses?
Unclean hands can transfer dirt, oils, and bacteria directly to your contact lenses and eyes.
To help protect your eye health:
Clean hands help reduce the risk of eye irritation and infection.
Wash your hands thoroughly before handling your lenses.
Use soap and water to remove dirt and germs.
Dry your hands with a clean, lint-free towel.
Avoid touching your lenses with wet or dirty hands.
Why Shouldn’t You Reuse Contact Lens Solution?
Reusing or topping off contact lens solution can reduce its cleaning and disinfecting effectiveness.
For safe lens care:
Empty, rinse, and air-dry your lens case before adding fresh solution.
Always use fresh contact lens solution.
Never reuse or top off old solution.
Fresh solution helps clean and disinfect your lenses effectively.
Reused solution may allow contaminants to remain on your lenses.
Why Is It Important to Clean Your Contact Lens Case?
Your contact lens case can collect bacteria and deposits over time if it isn’t cleaned regularly.
To maintain good lens hygiene:
A clean case helps reduce the risk of contamination and eye irritation.
Clean your lens case after each use.
Rinse it with fresh contact lens solution (not water).
Leave the case open to air dry completely.
Replace your lens case regularly, as recommended.
Why Should You Keep Contact Lenses Away from Water?
Water can contain microorganisms that may stick to your contact lenses and increase the risk of eye infections.
To help protect your eyes:
Avoiding water exposure helps keep your lenses and eyes safe.
Keep your contact lenses away from all types of water.
Remove your lenses before swimming or showering.
Never rinse or store your lenses in tap water.
Use only fresh contact lens solution for cleaning and storage.
How Can You Keep Your Eyes Healthy While Wearing Contact Lenses?
Healthy contact lens wear starts with simple daily habits.
To keep your eyes comfortable and your vision clear:
Visit your eye care professional for regular eye examinations.
Wash and dry your hands before handling your lenses.
Clean and store your lenses using fresh contact lens solution.
Replace your lenses according to the recommended schedule.
What happens if I wear my contact lenses longer than recommended?
Wearing contact lenses beyond their recommended replacement schedule may lead to deposit buildup, reduced comfort, and an increased risk of eye irritation. Always replace your lenses according to your eye care professional’s instructions.
Can I rinse my contact lenses with water?
No. Contact lenses should never be rinsed or stored in tap water or other non-sterile water sources. Always use a contact lens solution specifically designed for cleaning, disinfecting, and storing reusable lenses.
How often should I replace my contact lens case?
A contact lens case should be cleaned regularly and replaced periodically, following the recommendations of your eye care professional or the lens care product manufacturer.
Why should I wash my hands before touching my contact lenses?
Washing your hands helps remove dirt, oils, and microorganisms that could be transferred to your lenses and eyes, reducing the risk of irritation and contamination.
