Your eyes are one of the most sensitive organs in your body, so you need to be careful when wearing contact lenses. However, too many lens wearers fail to follow the instructions or develop bad habits that can hurt their eyes. Here are five contact lens mistakes you should avoid.
1. Not changing your contact lens solution.
Old lens solution may not provide adequate disinfection. Ensure your contact lens solution is fresh and change it according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Failing to change the liquid regularly can lead to dirty lenses and a nasty eye infection.
2. Wearing contacts for too long.
Your eyes absorb oxygen from the air rather than through your blood, so they need to breathe. Covering your corneas with contact lenses limits your eyes’ oxygen intake. Most people shouldn’t wear contacts for more than 10 to 12 hours, and should remove them before bed. Ask your optometrist what a healthy wearing schedule is for you. If you have disposable contact lenses, stick to the manufacturer’s recommended length of use. The lenses aren’t designed to be worn all the time, and if you use them for too long, you can expose your eyes to protein deposits and dirt that can accumulate in the lenses.
3. Wearing contacts in a pool, hot tub, or shower.
Tap water contains microorganisms and impurities that can lead to infections. Also, because tap water has no salt, your contact lenses will absorb it and expand or change shape. The water in swimming pools and hot tubs often contains parasites and bacteria that you’ll want to keep away from your lenses—and your eyes.
4. Not removing contacts when your eyes are irritated.
Contact lenses shouldn’t hurt. If you feel pain or discomfort, remove your lenses immediately, as they may have damage that can harm your eyes. Alternatively, the lens may have dirt or debris inside it that you can remove with a solution rinse. If you suffer from allergies, you may want to stop using your contacts during allergy season. Pollen, dander, or other allergens can stick to your lenses and exacerbate your symptoms. Consider switching to ACUVUE Theravision lenses, designed specifically for people with allergies.
5. Not washing your hands.
It only takes a small amount of dirt, oil, or bacteria to cause a severe eye infection. Failing to wash your hands before handling your lenses increases the risk of contamination. The opticians at Optometrists’ Clinic Inc. offer the highest quality name-brand contact lenses, coloured contacts and other specialty lenses in Edmonton. To learn more about contact lenses and other eyewear or schedule an eye exam, contact our Edmonton eye clinic today.