Contact Lens Habits to Stop Immediately for Better Eye Health

If you regularly use contact lenses, it is essential to recognise the various harmful habits that can develop alongside their usage. Common detrimental practices, such as sleeping in contact lenses and neglecting proper disinfection routines, can lead to serious complications, including acute eye infections like conjunctivitis. Prioritising the care of your lenses is crucial not only for maintaining your eye health but also for ensuring the clear vision necessary for your daily activities and overall quality of life.

To help you avoid these pitfalls, we have compiled an extensive list of bad contact lens habits to avoid at all costs. By implementing these actionable tips, you can protect your eyes and improve your vision while enjoying the many benefits that contact lenses offer.

1. Enhance Your Eye Health by Avoiding the Danger of Sleeping in Contact Lenses

While certain contact lenses are specifically designed for extended wear, developing the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses can lead to severe risks. Sleeping with your contacts in increases the likelihood of complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. This heightened risk occurs because your eyes receive significantly less oxygen during sleep, creating an environment that fosters bacterial growth both on your lenses and your eyes.

Moreover, sleeping in your lenses can cause dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the chances of damage or tearing. Always remember to remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you think you will be resting for just a brief period.

Consider Transitioning to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you frequently find yourself dozing off with your contacts still in, daily disposable lenses may be the ideal solution. These lenses are discarded at the end of each day, ensuring that you never wear yesterday's lenses, allowing you to start each day with fresh, clean lenses. Discover our extensive range of daily disposable lenses available in our online store.

Additionally, consult your Optometrist about lens options that may be more suitable for extended wear. Always follow the recommended wearing and replacement schedules for your lenses, ensuring they are cleaned and stored correctly to prevent any potential complications.

If you wear extended-wear lenses and experience sudden changes in your vision or comfort, seek an eye examination immediately. Regular visits to your Optometrist can help identify and prevent future eye issues.

2. What Are the Risks Associated with Over-Wearing Your Contact Lenses?

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for too long, exceeding the time recommended by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional typically provides guidance on how long to wear your lenses each day, and adhering to these recommendations is essential for maintaining your eye health.

Overwearing your lenses can lead to a variety of issues, with dry eyes being one of the most common. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, and even damage to your corneas. Furthermore, prolonged use of your lenses raises the risk of eye infections or other complications, as contaminants like bacteria, dirt, and debris accumulate on your lenses over time.

The Advantages of Daily Lens Use: Opting for daily disposable lenses effectively addresses the concern of wearing the same lenses for too long. Each day, you receive a fresh, clean lens that guarantees optimal oxygen permeability. This feature makes them particularly attractive for individuals with busy lifestyles who might otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing time.

Our online store offers a diverse selection of contact lenses tailored to various wearing schedules and lifestyle needs, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly options.

3. How to Master the Proper Techniques for Cleaning Your Contact Lenses

Maintaining proper cleaning and disinfection procedures is vital for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and bacteria. Inadequate cleaning practices are among the leading causes of lens-related eye infections.

Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to cleaning your contacts effectively:

• Begin by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water to eliminate any potential contaminants.
• Place your lens in the palm of your hand and add a few drops of contact lens solution.
• Gently rub the lens with your fingertip to remove any debris or protein buildup that may have accumulated.
• Rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution before returning it to your case to ensure it remains clean and safe.

Always use the specific type of solution recommended by your Optometrist, and replace the solution each time you clean your lenses. It is crucial never to reuse old solutions or attempt to “top off” the solution with fresh liquid, as this can lead to contamination.

Pro Tip: Our contact lens tweezers, available in our online store, can help you handle your lenses more safely and hygienically, significantly reducing the risk of contamination during your cleaning process.

Consider Skipping the Cleaning Routine Entirely: Many contact lens users are transitioning to daily disposable lenses specifically to avoid the cleaning routine altogether, thereby lowering the risk of infection. With daily lenses, you simply discard them at the end of the day—no cleaning, no solution, and no storage case required. This method drastically reduces your chances of developing infections linked to improper lens care.

If you are uncertain about how to clean your contacts properly or are experiencing discomfort, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist for professional guidance. They can provide tailored instructions and recommendations based on your specific type of lenses and individual eye health needs.

4. Why Swimming with Contact Lenses Poses Serious Risks

Engaging in swimming with contacts is a practice that you should avoid at all costs. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to numerous complications. Water can harbour bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that present a significant risk of eye infections, including a particularly dangerous parasite known as Acanthamoeba, which can cause severe keratitis.

The risks are heightened in warmer water temperatures and in humid environments, such as saunas, further increasing the likelihood of complications.

If you require corrective lenses while swimming, consider opting for prescription goggles or a swim mask instead of using your contacts. Prescription goggles are specifically designed for aquatic activities and provide clear vision whilst safeguarding your eyes from water and other irritants.

If you choose to wear your contacts while swimming, adhere to the following precautions:

• Wear goggles or a swim mask to protect your eyes from water and irritants.
• Immediately remove your contacts after swimming, then clean and disinfect them thoroughly before reapplying (or if using daily lenses, dispose of them right away).
• If you notice redness, pain, or any other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist promptly for advice.

An eye examination can help determine the appropriate treatment and assist you in recovering swiftly while avoiding further complications.

5. Why You Must Never Use Water to Clean Your Contact Lenses

It is imperative to never use water to clean your contacts. Water can contain harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, and parasites that pose a significant risk of severe eye infections. These microorganisms can attach to your contact lenses, leading to inflammation and potentially serious conditions that jeopardise your vision.

Moreover, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave residues on your contacts, adversely affecting their clarity and comfort.

Always use a contact lens solution recommended by your Optometrist. This solution is specifically formulated to clean and disinfect your lenses, effectively removing debris and buildup without introducing harmful microorganisms into your eyes.

A Hassle-Free Solution: If you are concerned about proper lens cleaning or find yourself in situations where you lack access to suitable contact lens solutions, daily disposable lenses are your best option. You won’t need to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and dispose of them. Make sure to keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store.

6. What Are the Risks Associated with Sharing Contact Lenses?

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are specifically prescribed to meet your unique eye and vision needs. Allowing someone else to wear your contacts, or wearing someone else's, can introduce harmful bacteria and microorganisms into your eyes, resulting in infections such as conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious eye complications.

Furthermore, sharing contacts can lead to additional issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort. This practice should be strictly avoided to maintain your eye health.

If you know someone who requires corrective lenses, encourage them to consult an Optometrist and obtain their own prescription for contact lenses. This is the safest and healthiest option for their eye and vision requirements. Never share your contacts with anyone, even if they appear to have similar vision needs or use the same type of lenses.

7. What Are the Dangers of Using Expired Contacts or Cleaning Solutions?

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for a very good reason. Over time, the effectiveness of solutions diminishes, and lenses may become uncomfortable and potentially unsafe for use.

Expired contact lenses may become brittle or dehydrated, leading to discomfort, and they might also harbour bacteria or other microorganisms that can cause eye infections. Similarly, expired cleaning solutions may fail to adequately remove debris or microorganisms from your lenses, increasing the likelihood of irritation and infections.

Always check the expiration date on your lenses and cleaning solutions before use. If either has expired, dispose of it and purchase a new supply. When you order contact lenses from our online store, you can expect fresh lenses with optimal expiration dates, ensuring safe and comfortable wear.

It is also essential to follow the recommended storage guidelines for your lenses and solutions, replacing them as advised by your Optometrist for optimal eye health.

8. Why Are Regular Eye Examinations Essential for Maintaining Optimal Vision Health?

Regular eye examinations are vital for preserving your eye health and ensuring clear vision. During an eye exam, your Optometrist can identify and diagnose various eye diseases, such as cataracts and macular degeneration, along with other conditions that could impact your eyesight and overall health.

Early detection and treatment of eye issues can be crucial in preventing vision loss and other complications, significantly enhancing your quality of life. It is advisable to undergo a comprehensive eye exam every two years or more frequently if you have a history of eye problems or specific health conditions that elevate your risk.

Regular eye examinations are particularly important for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for signs of complications arising from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate over time.

Discover the Many Advantages of Daily Disposable Lenses for Enhanced Convenience and Safety

Throughout this article, we have emphasised the benefits of daily disposable lenses as a solution to many common issues associated with contact lenses. Here are several reasons why many individuals are making the switch to this convenient option:

• No cleaning required – This eliminates the risk of improper cleaning and disinfection.
• No storage needed – Forget about cases, solutions, and hassle altogether.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses each day significantly lower your chances of eye infections.
• Convenience – Ideal for travel, sports, and busy lifestyles.
• Comfort – No protein buildup or debris accumulation throughout the day, leading to enhanced comfort.
• Perfect for occasional wear – Use only what you need when you need it.

Daily disposable lenses effectively address many of the harmful habits discussed in this article by eliminating the need for cleaning, proper storage, and strict wearing schedules. They represent an excellent choice for anyone struggling with contact lens hygiene or seeking the most convenient and healthiest option available.

Explore our extensive range of daily disposable lenses in our online store to find the perfect fit for your lifestyle and vision needs.

Make Informed Choices to Enhance Your Vision with Eyes by Design

Caring for your contact lenses is of utmost importance for maintaining healthy eyes and clear vision. By avoiding these common bad habits, you can ensure safe, comfortable contact lens wear while significantly reducing your risk of developing eye infections and other complications.

If you need to replenish your contact lenses or are searching for useful accessories like contact lens tweezers, visit our online store for easy ordering and delivery. Should you notice any changes in your vision, experience eye redness, discharge, or any other symptoms that may indicate an infection, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist without delay to address these concerns promptly.