Stop These Contact Lens Habits Immediately

If you are a contact lens wearer, it is vital to be aware of the various harmful habits that can form while using them. Common practices include sleeping in contact lenses and neglecting proper disinfection routines. Such habits can lead to severe complications, including serious eye infections like conjunctivitis. Prioritising care for your lenses is not just important for maintaining your eye health, but it is also essential for ensuring clear vision, which is crucial for everyday activities.

To assist you in navigating this topic, we have compiled a comprehensive list of harmful contact lens habits that should be avoided at all costs. By adhering to these practical recommendations, you will be able to safeguard your eyes and enhance your vision while enjoying the numerous benefits that contact lenses provide.

1. Protect Your Eye Health by Never Sleeping in Your Contact Lenses

While some contact lenses are designed for extended wear, forming the habit of sleeping in your contact lenses carries significant risks. This practice can lead to serious complications such as corneal ulcers, infections (including conjunctivitis), and inflammation. These issues arise because your eyes receive reduced oxygen during sleep, creating an ideal environment for bacteria to thrive on both your lenses and your eyes.

Moreover, if you sleep in your lenses, you may suffer from dryness, making them uncomfortable to wear and increasing the risk of damage or tearing. Always remember to remove your contacts before going to bed, even if you think you will only be resting for a short while.

Consider Switching to Daily Disposable Lenses: If you often find yourself dozing off with your contacts in, daily disposable lenses could be the perfect solution. These lenses are discarded at the end of each day, ensuring you never wear yesterday's lenses, allowing you to start each day with fresh, clean lenses. Explore our extensive collection of daily disposable lenses available in our online store.

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

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

2. Acknowledge the Risks of Wearing Your Contacts Beyond Recommended Timeframes

Another harmful habit is wearing your contacts for too long beyond the timeframe advised by your Optometrist. Your eye care professional usually provides guidelines on how long to wear your lenses each day, and strictly following these recommendations is crucial for preserving your eye health.

Overwearing your contacts can lead to various problems, with dry eyes being one of the most prevalent. This condition can cause discomfort, irritation, and even corneal damage. Furthermore, prolonged use of your lenses increases the risk of eye infections or other issues, as contaminants such as bacteria, dirt, and debris accumulate on your lenses over time.

The Advantages of Daily Lens Use: Opting for daily disposable lenses effectively eliminates the worry of wearing the same pair of lenses for too long. Each day, you receive a fresh, clean lens that ensures optimal oxygen permeability. This feature is particularly appealing for individuals with busy lifestyles who may otherwise be tempted to extend their wearing time.

Our online store offers a wide variety of contact lenses tailored to different wearing schedules and lifestyle needs, including daily, bi-weekly, and monthly lenses.

3. Learn the Essentials of Proper Cleaning for Your Contact Lenses

Maintaining appropriate cleaning and disinfection procedures is essential for keeping your contact lenses free from debris and harmful bacteria. Poor cleaning habits are one of the leading causes of lens-related eye infections.

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

• Start by thoroughly washing your hands with soap and water.
• 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 eliminate any debris or protein buildup.
• Rinse the lens thoroughly with the solution before returning it to your case.

Always use the specific type of solution recommended by your Optometrist, and replace the solution each time you clean your lenses. Never reuse old solutions or attempt to “top off” the solution with fresh liquid.

Pro Tip: Our contact lens tweezers, available in our online store, can assist you in handling your lenses in a safer and more hygienic manner, significantly reducing the risk of contamination.

Consider Skipping the Cleaning Routine Entirely: Many contact lens users are switching to daily disposable lenses specifically to bypass the cleaning routine altogether, thus 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 is required. This approach dramatically decreases your chances of developing infections linked to improper lens care.

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

4. Understand Why Swimming with Contacts Poses Significant Risks

Engaging in swimming with contacts on is a habit that you should avoid at all costs. Contact lenses can absorb water, leading to numerous complications. Water can contain bacteria, viruses, and other microorganisms that pose a serious threat 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 steamy environments, such as saunas.

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

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

• Wear goggles or a swim mask to shield 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, discard them right away).
• If you notice any redness, pain, or other symptoms after swimming with your contacts, contact your Optometrist immediately.

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

5. Discover Why Using Water to Clean Your Contacts is a Major Mistake

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 harmful agents can cling to your contact lenses, leading to inflammation and potentially serious conditions that threaten your vision.

Furthermore, tap water may contain minerals and chemicals that can leave deposits on your contacts, compromising their clarity and comfort.

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

A Hassle-Free Option: If you are concerned about proper lens cleaning or find yourself in situations without access to suitable contact lens solution, daily disposable lenses are your ideal choice. You won’t need to worry about cleaning—just wear them for the day and dispose of them. Keep extra pairs handy by ordering through our online store.

6. Understand the Risks Associated with Sharing Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are classified as medical devices and are specifically prescribed for 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 like conjunctivitis, inflammation, and other serious eye complications.

Moreover, sharing contacts can lead to additional issues, such as corneal abrasions or scratches, which can cause significant pain and discomfort.

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 choice for their eye and vision needs. Never share your contacts with anyone, even if they appear to have similar vision requirements or wear the same type of lenses.

7. Be Aware of the Dangers of Using Expired Contacts or Cleaning Solutions

Contact lenses and cleaning solutions come with expiration dates for an important reason. Over time, the effectiveness of solutions can diminish, and lenses can 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 contacts and cleaning solutions before using them. If either has expired, dispose of them 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.

8. Understand Why Regular Eye Exams Are Essential for Optimal Vision Health

Regular eye exams are vital for maintaining 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, as well as 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 exams are particularly important for contact lens wearers, as your Optometrist can monitor for signs of complications from lens usage and ensure your prescription remains accurate.

Explore the Advantages of Daily Disposable Lenses for Convenience and Safety

Throughout this article, we have highlighted the benefits of daily disposable lenses as a solution to many common contact lens issues. 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.
• Reduced infection risk – Fresh, sterile lenses every 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.
• Perfect for occasional wear – Use only what you need.

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

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

Make Informed Choices and Enhance Your Vision with Eyes by Design

Proper care for your contact lenses is essential 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 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 other symptoms that could signal an infection, schedule an appointment with your Optometrist without delay.