Common Contact Lens Mistakes You Might Be Making

Contact lenses are a popular alternative to glasses, offering convenience and flexibility for those with vision needs. However, even long-time users can fall into habits that might compromise their eye health. Today, we’re highlighting some of the most common contact lens mistakes that could be putting your eyes at risk. Recognizing and correcting these can lead to a safer and more comfortable lens-wearing experience.

1. Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

One of the most frequent and risky mistakes is sleeping in contact lenses. It might seem harmless, especially after a tiring day when the last thing you want to do is deal with your lenses. However, sleeping in your contacts greatly increases the risk of eye infections and can lead to severe complications like corneal ulcers. This is because wearing lenses overnight significantly reduces the oxygen supply to your corneas, creating a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. Even if your lenses are marketed as suitable for overnight wear, giving your eyes regular breaks can help maintain their health and prevent discomfort.

2. Improper Cleaning Practices

Another critical error involves how you clean your lenses. You might think that a quick rinse under tap water or a dab of saliva might do the trick in a pinch, but this could not be further from the truth. Both tap water and saliva contain bacteria and other microorganisms that can adhere to your lenses and transfer to your eye, potentially leading to infections such as keratitis. Always use sterile saline solutions or a proper lens cleaning fluid. This ensures that your lenses are not only clean but also safe to wear.

3. Overusing Disposable Contacts

Disposable contact lenses come with specific guidelines for how long they should be worn before being replaced. Ignoring these guidelines and wearing your lenses beyond their intended period can lead to a buildup of protein deposits, lipids, and potential pathogens on the lens surface. This not only reduces the quality of vision but also increases the risk of eye irritation and infections. Adhering to the replacement schedule recommended by your eye care provider is essential for maintaining optimal eye health.

How to Avoid These Mistakes

Educate Yourself: Always stay informed about the best practices for contact lens care. Regular consultations with your eye care professional can provide you with updated information and personalized advice.

Set Reminders: Use reminders on your phone or calendar to track when to replace your lenses and when to remove them before sleeping.

Prioritize Hygiene: Develop a routine that prioritizes the cleanliness of your contact lenses. This includes washing your hands thoroughly before handling lenses and using only recommended solutions for cleaning.

Conclusion

While contact lenses are a fantastic tool for vision correction, they require careful handling to prevent complications. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure your eyes remain healthy and your vision stays clear. Have you ever made any of these mistakes? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s help each other stay informed and safe!

For more eye health tips and advice, don’t forget to follow our blog and share this post with others who might benefit from this information. Remember, taking care of your contact lenses is just as important as choosing to wear them in the first place.

Tags: Contact lenses, eye health, optics, vision

About Sylvia Jones

Dr. Sylvia Jones was born and raised in Toledo, Ohio. She is an optometrist and owner of Divine Family Eyecare, Inc. She received a Bachelor of Science in Biology from The Ohio State University. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Optometry with a dual degree, Doctor of Optometry and Masters of Vision Science.

She is nationally renowned for her master’s work. Her groundbreaking research surveyed primary care physicians as well as practicing optometrist who care for diabetic patients. From this research she was able to develop a tool that improved the accuracy of communication, across the diabetic patient’s health care team. This form was officially adopted by the American Optometric Association in 2006. This tool is still in use today and has been used across the country to improve and save the vision of thousands of diabetic patients.

Dr. Jones is the founder of Violet Eyewear, the World’s 1st Social Selling Eyewear Company. Her innovation is helping to unlock the $140B optical industry, allowing women and people of color to own their own eyewear business for less than the cost of one pair of glasses.

She is known as “The Queen of Vision,” an international motivational speaker, helping others clarify the vision God has for their life. She is a bestselling author and leader of the Millionaire Faith Movement. A movement designed to help Christian Entrepreneurs grow their businesses and prosper using kingdom principles.

Dr. Jones is happily married to her husband of almost 20 years, Demetrius Jones. She has 3 beautiful daughters, Lily, Jasmine, and Iris. In her spare time, she enjoys home decorating, attending church, and making Tik Toks- please follow.