Common Contact Lens Mistakes That Lead to Eye Infections

Do you wear contact lenses? Do you know that many contact lens wearers slip up on hygiene at some point? The sad bit is that these small habits can open the door to serious eye infections. However, the good news is that it is easy to fix these mistakes once you know what to watch for.

Here are the most common mistakes and some easy ways to avoid them.

Sleeping in Your Lenses

After a long day, it can be tempting to leave your contacts in overnight. However, sleeping with your lenses reduces the oxygen supply to your eyes and increases the risk of bacterial infection. Your risk of infection here increases by up to eight times, even if you only take a short nap.

Always take out your contacts before going to bed. Keep a pair of glasses nearby for nights when you feel too tired.

Letting Water Touch Your Lenses

Have you ever showered or gone swimming while wearing your contacts? Water may seem harmless, but it is not. Tap water, lakes, pools, and hot tubs can all contain a tiny organism called Acanthamoeba. This parasite can attach to your lenses and cause a painful infection called Acanthamoeba keratitis.

Although rare, it can scar your cornea and compromise your vision. Always take out your contacts before showering or swimming. If you need to see underwater, wear prescription goggles.

Not Washing Your Hands

Your hands pick up germs all day long from all the surfaces you come into contact with. Think about the doorknobs, phones, and even keyboards you touch. If you then go to handle your contacts, all that dirt moves straight onto the lens.

A quick wash with soap and water before you touch your lenses makes a big difference. Dry your hands with a clean towel, not the damp one hanging in the bathroom.

Topping Off Old Solution

Adding fresh solution to yesterday’s leftovers is like washing your hands in dirty water. The disinfectant breaks down over time. You’re not cleaning anything.

Dump the old solution every time. Rinse the case with new solution and leave it open to dry.

Wearing Lenses Past Their Limit

Have you ever worn two-week lenses for three weeks, or used daily disposables more than once? Using lenses longer than recommended can cause problems. Old lenses trap bacteria and lose their shape, which can scratch your eyes and cause infection.

Always follow your eye doctor’s schedule. If your lenses are meant for single use, throw them away after each use.

Ignoring a Dirty Lens Case

Change your contact lens case every three months. Clean it every day with fresh solution and leave it open to dry. Many people forget about their case, but a dirty one can collect germs that end up on your lenses and in your eyes.

Brushing Off Redness or Irritation

Redness, blurry vision, light sensitivity, and a scratchy feeling are all signs that something is not right. Pop your lenses out. Give your eyes a break. If the discomfort hangs around, get in touch with your eye doctor. Small problems get big when you ignore them.

Changing these habits is not difficult. With a little attention, you can keep your eyes clear, comfortable, and free from infection. A few extra seconds of care each day really make a difference.

To learn more about common contact lens mistakes and how to prevent eye infections, visit Gulf Coast Vision in Gulfport, Mississippi. Call (228) 262-0266 to schedule an appointment.

https://www.aao.org/eye-health/diseases/contact-lens-related-eye-infections

https://ophthalmology.washington.edu/news/preventing-contact-lens-mistakes/